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All about the Vacuum Generator
All about the Vacuum Generator
A vacuum generator creates a vacuum level that is necessary for object handling functions. Vacuum generators are devices that form a vacuum either electrically with the use of a displacement pump or pneumatically with the use of compressed air. Electrical generators are sometimes referred to as vacuum pumps.
Vacuum generators and vacuum pumps have several differences.
A vacuum generator has short cycle periods and can build up a vacuum fast. Their compact and simple design makes it possible to integrate them directly into the system near the vacuum suction cups.
A vacuum pump, on the other hand, creates very high vacuum levels and very high suctions rates when needed. Since an electric motor is used to create the vacuum, vacuum pumps are more suitable for applications when there is no available compressed air.
Vacuum generators are usually used together with vacuum suction cups. This vacuum suction cup is attached to the outlet of the vacuum generator, and this is the one attached to the handled object.
Different Types of Vacuum Generators
In general, vacuum generators are categorized into electric vacuum generators or vacuum pumps and pneumatic vacuum generators.
- Pneumatic Vacuum Generators
Pneumatic vacuum generators, or vacuum ejectors, generate a vacuum using a pneumatically driven nozzle. These are suitable when the application needs rapid and short cycle times. These can be directly integrated into the system thanks to their compact and lightweight design.
Depending on the specific number of the pair of nozzles, pneumatic vacuum generators can be further classified into compact, multistage, and single-stage generators. These vacuum generators operate according to the Venturi effect.
- Electric Vacuum Generators or Vacuum Pumps
Electric vacuum generators, also called vacuum pumps, come in handy when there is a need for high suction capacity or when there is no compressed air available. Vacuum pumps function by getting rid of the air molecules in the vacuum chamber.
This is made up of an eccentrically mounted rotary impeller equipped with carbon blades. This impeller is pressed against the housing’s wall by the centrifugal force that offers an outstanding seal. Each chamber’s size changes with the impeller’s rotation. Since the chamber’s size becomes larger, the air within expands. It makes the pressure inside the chamber drop that creates a partial vacuum.
This air is drawn in, compressed, then expelled via the outlet. Its high compression factor also allows the vacuum pump to generate high vacuum and offer high suction capacity.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Pneumatic Vacuum Generators
Pneumatic vacuum generators have some clear benefits over electric vacuum generators, and some of the most important ones are the following:
- Fast generation of a vacuum
- Generators are very lightweight and compact that allowing their installation near the application
- No heat is produced
- Initial investment is relatively low
- No moving parts mean almost no maintenance and low wear and tear
Their drawbacks, however, include the need for available compressed air at the location. This compressed air is also expensive that can increase the overall cost over time.
