InterProcess Sp. z o.o. | Solutions for industry
Operating principle
How vacuum conveying works: three components, one closed cycle
Material is drawn in at the pick-up point, separated from the air in the receiver and discharged by gravity into the process. The suction–discharge cycle repeats automatically, and the product remains in a closed, contained system throughout.
The receiver working cycle in three phases
The standard arrangement is cyclic operation with a discharge valve (butterfly valve), described below: the receiver draws in material, isolates the vacuum and discharges a batch into the process; the cycle repeats automatically under the supervision of a level sensor. In selected applications we fit a rotary valve instead of a butterfly valve, which takes the material away continuously. The receiver then runs without pausing for discharge, while the vacuum in the chamber is maintained.
1
Suction and filling
The generator creates the vacuum; material flows into the receiver body and settles at the bottom of the chamber. The air escapes upwards through cartridge or bag filters, the number of which is matched to the throughput, and these retain the dust. The discharge valve stays closed and aeration pads keep the material moving.
2
Vacuum isolation and settling
Once the chamber is full, as signalled by the level sensor, suction is cut off. The airflow stops, the material settles and the pressure in the receiver equalises with the surroundings, allowing the valve to open safely.
3
Discharge and filter cleaning
The valve opens and the batch of material falls by gravity into the process. At the same time a pulse of compressed air cleans the filters, while a pneumatic vibrator assists in emptying the cone. The receiver is ready for the next cycle.
VSU receivers
VSU vacuum receivers: types S, M and L
VSU receivers are made of stainless steel, in sizes matched to the throughput and working cycle, and in non-standard capacities where the process requires it. Tool-free dismantling makes cleaning and validation easier.
Type S
5 l
Type M
25 l
Type L
110 l
Key features
- Filtrationcartridge or bag filters with automatic reverse-pulse cleaning
- Discharge valvebutterfly valve or rotary valve
- Discharge aidsvibrator, aeration pads, level sensor
- Materials1.4301 (AISI 304) as standard, 1.4404 (AISI 316L) optional
- Weighing versionmounted on load cells, acting as a scale for batch dosing
- Finishstandard, or to EHEDG requirements: product-contact surfaces electropolished, roughness Ra < 0.8 µm
- Hygieneopened with clamp rings, no tools required (FDA, GMP, ATEX)
Type S · Typ M · Typ L
non-standard capacities
ATEX
Conveying modes
Dilute-phase or dense-phase conveying?
Dilute phase is the standard: material suspended in an airstream at velocities from about 15 m/s upwards, depending on the material and the route. For fragile, abrasive or pre-blended products we use dense phase: slug conveying at 3–15 m/s, which minimises degradation and segregation of the material.
| Parameter | Dilute phase lean phase | Dense phase slug flow |
|---|---|---|
| Air velocity | above 15 m/s | 3–15 m/s |
| Product degradation | moderate | minimal |
| Risk of blend segregation | possible | very low |
| Pipe and bend wear | higher | significantly lower |
| Typical materials | flour, sugar, chemical powders, cement | flakes, granulates, premixes, crystals, tablets |
Vacuum generators
Vacuum generators. We are not tied to a single technology
The type of vacuum generator determines the throughput, reach and energy cost of the whole system. We work with all four types and select the one that suits the material and duty — not the one that happens to be in our range.
01Side-channel blower
Simple, quiet and economical to run. For compact systems and short routes: feeding dosers, mixers and packaging machines.
02Roots blower
The choice for high throughputs and continuous duty. One generator serves several conveying lines in the plant in sequence.
03Rotary vane / claw pump
High vacuum at low energy consumption. For long routes, dense-phase conveying and sensitive products.
04Multi-stage ejector
No moving parts and no electrical supply. For explosion hazard zones, intermittent duty and mounting directly on the receiver.
System selection
Not sure which system you need?
Fill in the selection questionnaire
The material type, required throughput, conveying distance and duty are all our engineers need to select the receiver, vacuum generator and design. We reply with a proposed configuration and a quotation.
Configurations
Typical vacuum conveying system layouts
From simple single-line layouts to systems with multiple pick-up and discharge points, dense-phase conveying and batch dosing. Each is engineered for a specific application.
Industries and applications
Bulk material conveying in key industries
Gallery
Vacuum conveying systems in service
Click to enlarge
Video
VSU vacuum conveying on video
Trials with your material
Rent a VSU system before you decide
Every bulk material behaves differently. Rather than relying on catalogue figures, we make a mobile VSU system available for trials at your plant: with your product, on your route and in your working cycle. You can verify the actual throughput, material behaviour and filtration efficiency before committing to a purchase.
- •trials with your material, at your plant
- •complete set-up: receiver, vacuum generator and pipework
- •support from our engineer during commissioning and evaluation of the results
FAQ