Performance Proven Vacuum Solutions™

Industrial Vacuums - Airflow (CFM) Versus Vacuum Level (Hg)

Vector Technologies Ltd. is a leading designer and manufacturer of industrial vacuums. For over thirty years, VecLoader vacuums have provided solutions for the recovery, removal and transport of a wide range of materials - from cement, petrochemicals products, coal, ash, dirt, dust, sand, stone, hazardous materials, water and slurry.

Vector offers a wide range of vacuum systems with differing airflow and vacuum levels to match varying customer needs. We discuss airflow and vacuum level below to aid customers in choosing the proper vacuum for the task at hand.

Airflow (Cubic foot per minute, CFM)
When comparing vacuums, it is essential to understand that conveyed media is suspended in a high velocity air stream created by a vacuum pump. The vacuumed media follows the air as the air is pulled through the vacuum hose. Air is the transport medium. Therefore, the higher the airflow, the higher the vacuum loading rate. Unless the vacuumed product is very heavy (over 200 pounds per cubic foot) and is being moved long distances (over 300 feet), airflow will always be the critical factor in determining vacuum capacity.

Vacuum level (Inches of mercury, HG)
Vacuum level may also effect vacuum performance. Resistance is created when pulling air and vacuumed media through the air stream. Higher vacuum levels overcome this resistance enabling conveyance of heavier product and enhancing productivity over longer hose runs. In other words, the higher the vacuum level, the greater the vacuum's ability to pull heavy product long distances. However, at short to mid-range distances, higher levels of vacuum typically provide little added advantage since hose resistance is less of a factor.

Summary
When sizing a vacuum system, a balance between the two factors of airflow and vacuum level must be considered. As a rule of thumb, the higher the airflow, the more material conveyed; and, the higher the vacuum level, the greater the ability to convey material over long distances.

Note that factors such as altitude, ambient temperature, humidity and material characteristics like product acidity, particle size or shape, bulk density, moisture content and product flow attributes will further impact vacuum performance. These factors should be discussed with Vector technical personnel before selecting a vacuum.

We discuss below available Vector vacuums and the model selection process:

VECTOR TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
U.S. STANDARDS (DIESEL DRIVEN MODELS)

MODEL

AIRFLOW
MAX CFM

MAX HG

INTERMITTENT
HORSEPOWER

PER HR
BULK LOADING

LOAD
DISTANCE

GAL/MIN
WATER

We make the following recommendations based upon the aforementioned guidelines:

1. Lighter materials at short distances or in lesser quantities, use units with low CFM/ lower inch Hg such as the VecLoader Spartan, or 422.
2. Lighter materials at short to mid-distances or with significant tons per hour requirements, use high CFM/ lower inch Hg models such as the VecLoader 522, 622, 624, or 822.
3. Heavy material at short or mid-range distances, use units with lower CFM/ high inch Hg such as the VecLoader Titan.
4. Heavy material at long distances or with significant loading requirements, use high CFM/ high inch Hg models such as the VecLoader Titan H.P., Titan 721 or Titan 1016.

VECTOR TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
U.S. STANDARDS (ELECTRIC DRIVEN MODELS)
PM™ or CS™ SERIES VACUUMS

We make the following recommendations based upon the aforementioned guidelines:

1. Lighter materials at short distances or in lesser quantities, use units with low CFM/ lower inch Hg such as the   700/16,  1400/16, Spartan FM, or  2400/16.
2. Lighter materials at short to mid distances or with significant tons per hour requirements, use high CFM/ lower inch Hg models such as the  3700/16,  4200/16, or  6200/16.
3. Heavy material at short or mid-range distances, use units with lower CFM/ high inch Hg such as the   2400/27 and VecLoader Titan M.
4. Heavy materials at long distances or with significant loading requirements, use high CFM/ high inch Hg models such as the  2400/27,  3700/27,  4100/27,  5900/27, or  11000/27.

"Lighter materials" include water, dust, fly ash, resins, powders, cement, coal, sand, stone and other materials weighing under 150 pounds per cubic foot. "Long distances" are those over 300 feet.

VecLoaders' are manufactured and serviced by Vector Technologies Ltd. They offer the highest level of quality, innovation, reliability, and field-tested features. They also carry warranties backed by Vector Technologies and our elite roster of suppliers. Assistance is available via our U.S. toll free hot line at 1 (800) 832-4010.

For more information, contact Vector Technologies at 1 (800) 832-4010. In Wisconsin, or outside the United States, please call 1 (414) 247-7100 or fax 1 (414) 247-7110.

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