Vacuum Hold Down & Lifting

There are few areas in today's modern production and manufacturing processes that aren't affected by the technology that allows goods to be held, transported and handled. It's an idea that is so simple, that it's genius -- and highly effective. It involves using a vacuum plate, suction cup or vacuum table to apply the suction needed to hold the object firmly in place for transporting, moving and/or clamping. One application where it's used is loading heavy items like glass panels, bags, bricks or paper rolls. Another common use is holding components that are to be milled. A third is stacking cardboard quickly. 

Using Regenerative Blowers in Vacuum Hold Down, Lifting & Product Transport

Regenerative blowers -- whether they are single stage regenerative blowers or two stage regenerative blowers -- are the preferred solution when it comes to efficiently and effectively moving the large volume of air that's required in vacuum hold down and lifting applications. Regenerative blowers differ significantly from positive vacuum pumps and displacement compressors. In order to create pressure or vacuum, a regenerative blower uses a non-positive method of displacement in order to regenerate air molecules. 

Air handling equipment spans a large range with regenerative blowers probably being the least understood technology in use today. When the parameters of a particular application are within a regenerative blower's range, though, it is this piece of equipment that is often the most cost-effective way of producing vacuum or pressure. 

Differences Between Single Stage Regenerative Blowers and Two Stage Regenerative Blowers

In many vacuum hold down and lifting applications, single stage regenerative blowers are used. The air molecules produced by this type of regenerative blower travel throughout the blower's housing once before they are spent. Using  two stage regenerative blowers, however, provides almost twice the vacuum or pressure capabilities when compared to single stage regenerative blowers. 

In most plant applications, a regenerative blower is of the direct drive design configuration instead of a belt drive. The direct drive impeller is mounted on the shaft of the electric motor. It then rotates at the motor's speed which is usually 2900 or 3500 RPM. 

While a two stage regenerative blower operates in much the same way as a single stage configuration, there is a crucial difference. The impeller of both strikes air molecules repeatedly and pressure and vacuum are created. In a two stage unit, though, the air flow is directed through internal porting where it arrives at the back of the impeller. The air molecules then take another revolution around the impeller so the number of times the impeller blades strike them is doubled. 

Sample Applications 

Regenerative blowers offer a versatile solution for vacuum holding and lifting as demonstrated by the diversity of the following applications: 

• Packaging
• Pick and place
• Automated materials handling
• Loading and unloading
• Clamping
• Paper transport
• Palletizing

Industrial Fans Direct provides a range of regenerative blowers, as well as high pressure blowers, that can be used to deliver seamless performance for today's demanding vacuum holding and lifting applications.

Need help deciding which blower is right for your needs? Contact our knowledgeable staff today at 866.727.1060 and tap into their expertise.