Vac-U-Max recently introduced a line of plug-and-play vacuum conveying systems for free-flowing and non-free-flowing powders and pellets. Its new Signature series systems draw material from drums, bulk bags, totes, bag dump stations, intermediate bulk containers and more, Vac-U-Max GM David Kennedy said.
Typical applications include refilling feeders and gravimetric blenders for compounding or extrusion applications, Kennedy said. The systems can handle materials with high moisture content and difficult-to-convey pigments, fillers and additives that tend to stick or bridge.
Each system comprises a material pickup wand; a conveying hose; a vacuum receiver with automated pulse filter cleaning; a vacuum generator; and UL-listed controls.
The company offers the Signature systems in two sizes, the 1500 unit, designed to convey up to 1,500 pounds of material per hour, and the 3500 unit, which can move materials at rates up to 3,500 pounds per hour.
Customers can choose from two receiver designs: offset- cone, which is appropriate for free-flowing materials; and straight-wall tube, for non-free-flowing powders. The company offers both designs in a sanitary version built from stainless steel rather than the standard carbon steel. A variety of mounting options also is available.
The 1500 unit has a receiver diameter of 12 inches and discharge opening of 6 inches. The user can select either a single-jet venturi or a vacuum motor as the vacuum source. A single-jet venturi can generate 8 inches to 16 inches of mercury of vacuum, while a vacuum motor generates up to 5 inches of mercury of vacuum.
The 3500 unit has a greater conveying throughput, thanks to its larger discharge opening. For this size conveying system, users can select from four options for vacuum generating equipment — including single- and twin-jet venturi, a regenerative blower or vacuum pump — that create between 5 inches and 16 inches of mercury of vacuum draw.
In addition to specializing in the design and manufacture of systems for conveying, weighing and batching dry materials, Vac-U-Max is a designer and manufacturer of control panels for general-purpose and hazardous areas.
Mikell Knights, senior staff reporter
Contact:
Vac-U-Max Belleville, N.J., 973-759-4600, www.vac-u-max.com/ SignatureSeries
