Why You Need an Industrial Vacuum Machine
Industrial vacuum cleaners are a great way to manage metal shavings, dust and debris in the workplace. They can also save time and money by reducing cleanup times.
There are six main parts of an industrial vacuum cleaner: the filtering system, fan, inlet port, outlet port and housing. The fan creates a pressure imbalance to suck in waste material.
Power
Industrial vacuum cleaners can pick up a large amount of debris and liquid from the floor, making them a useful tool for industries that deal with hazardous substances. This includes metalworking, woodworking, and pharmaceutical companies that handle chemicals and powders. Unlike commercial vacuums that use small collection bags or dust bins, industrial vacuum systems are equipped with larger canisters where the debris and liquid is collected. This makes the system easier to empty and clean.
The power of an industrial vacuum system can vary depending on the type of motor. The most common type of motor used in an industrial vacuum is a three phase model that offers powerful suction performance 24/7. A three-phase system also reduces component wear and allows the machine to work at full capacity for an extended period of time.
These powerful systems are ideal for industrial vacuum machine use in centralized cleaning systems that can be installed throughout a facility. These are more energy efficient than individual point-of-use systems that require dozens of small, fractional-horsepower units in each area where vacuum capability is needed.
Several factors are considered when selecting the best vacuum cleaner for an application, including airflow speed, static lift, and CFM. The higher the airflow rate, the greater the volume of debris that can be picked up. Vacuums that are used to pick up liquids or heavy metals should have high CFM specifications as well as explosion-proof features that ensure the vacuum can work safely in a potentially flammable environment.
Filtration
An industrial vacuum cleaner’s filtration capabilities play an important role in its ability to meet the cleanliness standards and operational requirements of specific industries. Many industrial facilities produce airborne debris that can be harmful to staff’s health if inhaled, so specialized HEPA filters are often installed in an industrial vacuum cleaner to help improve air quality and maintain hygiene.
Heavy-duty industrial vacuums can be used in power plants to collect coal dust and fly ash from the exhaust stacks. These units require high-quality, explosion-proof filters that are durable enough to withstand the harsh environment. Additionally, these vacuums are typically used in nuclear power plants to collect radiation waste.
In the pharmaceutical industry, an industrial vacuum’s filtration capabilities can also be crucial. Pharmaceutical workers handle a variety of chemicals and powders, which can create dust that must be removed to ensure the safety of both final products and employees. This type of contaminant can clog a standard vacuum, so these facilities look for units with multiple stages of filtration and external filter shakers to prevent clogging.
Beverage industries need a strong vacuum to recover spills, liquids and other liquid-based materials from production processes. Industrial vacuums with a high static lift can effectively pick up these materials and reduce cleanup air spray gun costs. Depending on the needs of a beverage plant, different tools like nozzles can be added to an industrial vacuum system to further customize it for a particular application.
Portability
When you’re dealing with industrial waste, it can be difficult to move. That’s why you need a machine that’s easy to transport, whether it’s a portable unit or a truck mounted model.
Look for models with wheels that allow you to easily roll the machine around your facility or warehouse. Also consider whether it’s important that the machine be light to carry and maneuverable, or if you want a heavier machine that’s more rugged.
Lastly, consider the type of material you’re trying to lift. For example, some materials, such as flour or other edible powders, can quickly clog normal industrial vacuum cleaners. In that case, you’ll want to choose a machine with additional features such as filter shakers and other filtration options.
Lastly, many companies that handle combustible materials use ATEX certified industrial vacuums to protect the health and safety of employees. These machines are engineered to prevent sparks or electric tension through a series of specific technical features. These machines can be used in facilities such as industrial bakeries, steel industries and more. They’re also commonly found in shooting ranges, where metal shavings and cooling oil are generated. These are often referred to as industrial oil and chip vacuums. These machines are often equipped with a side channel motor that’s fully enclosed and fan cooled. They’re also engineered to work in environments prone to explosions and fires.
Safety
Industrial vacuum cleaners are designed to handle a wide range of materials, depending on the facility and the type of work done. Some common substances they are used to remove include scrap metal, swarf, dust, food particles, liquid spills and floodwater. It is important for facilities to get to know their environments and the types of material they are working with, as this will help determine which kind of vacuum is best suited to the job.
For example, flour is a fine powdery substance that can easily clog a normal vacuum, so a bakery plant looking to purchase an industrial vacuum needs one with the capability to handle such a substance. For facilities working with combustible dust, an explosion proof industrial vacuum is essential. These are ATEX certified and have specific construction materials that reduce the risk of spark generation or electrostatic discharge that could trigger an explosion.
In the plastics industry, an industrial vacuum can be useful for cleaning and recovery of resin pellets. These small round resin pellets are the main ingredient in plastic products and devices. They are poured or scooped into hoppers for feeding into the manufacturing process, but can be spilled during transport and processing. An industrial vacuum is able to collect these pellets and return them to inventory, saving the company money and eliminating waste.
