Vacuum Conveying Systems

A basic vacuum conveying system uses a metering device at the inlet, a pipeline, receiver and exhauster.

As there is no positive pressure at the inlet it is not necessary to fit a rotary valve, so large particles can be fed into the system without damage. Some products will be able to feed into the system using a double walled lance inserted into the bulk of the material. Some products which don’t feed freely will need a controlled feed from an upstream process.

Vacuum Conveying System Overview

  • The receiver needs to be sealed and vacuum tight to enable the system to operate effectively
  • Another possible benefit results from the vacuum conveying system being under negative pressure; potential leakage of toxic or hazardous products is prevented.
  • The conveying rate for a vacuum conveyor is limited by the negative pressure that can be created by different exhausters.
  • We would typically not design a vacuum system to operate in excess of -400mbarg.
  • Vacuum conveying systems are generally better suited to lower throughputs and conveying distances when compared with pressure conveying system.
  • Frequently used in ‘hopper loading’ applications often known as ‘suck and dump’
  • Air and products will generally have higher velocities than pressure conveying.
Vacuum Conveying System for bulk materials handling