Vacuum transfer systems are an excellent method of moving powder, granules, pellets and other materials from ‘Point A’ to ‘Point B’.
The systems use a vacuum to carry the material through the pipework, allowin material to be transferred in a gentle, yet rapid manner. This allows up to 4,000 kgs/h to be transported, without significant disturbance to the characteristics of the product.

Vacuum conveying is a method of transferring material in a fully contained and hygienic way.  Material, such as powder, pellets or granules is loaded into the conveyor and is transported to an end-destination via pipe work. Vacuum technology provides a cost effective flexible solution to the safe conveying of bulk materials across a broad spectrum of process industries.

Example Uni-Vac Application: Feeding a Tablet Press

For example, powder can be sucked directly from an IBC, into the conveyor, and then transferred from the conveyor to the required destination, such as a tablet press, cone mill or filling machine.  In this regard the conveyor acts as a temporary storage container, holding the process material until it is ready to be dumped or loaded into the process machine.  This allows the process to be carefully controlled, as the throughput can be moderated in accordance with each customer’s individual requirements.

The diagram here shows a basic example of how vacuum conveying from an IBC into a tablet press works.

Vacuum conveying consists of two cycles; the loading cycle and the unloading (discharge) cycle. Each works as follows:

The Loading Cycle:

 Material is sucked into the vacuum hopper by using a hand held vacuum wand or feed-bin arrangement.  During the loading or ‘convey cycle’ vacuum is drawn on the vacuum hopper lid through a filter, thus drawing the material to be conveyed into the vacuum hopper chamber.  Vacuum is present throughout the loading cycle and interrupted only during the unloading cycle.  The outlet or ‘discharge-valve’ remains closed during the loading phase.

The Unloading (Discharge) Cycle:

 Once the hopper is full (controlled by timer) vacuum is relieved and the discharge valve at the base of the vacuum hopper opens.  Material then falls by gravity to the receiving container situated below.  During the unloading of material ‘discharge cycle’ a reverse jet compressed air blast cleans the filter in the lid of the hopper.  An option is available to use a bag shaker mechanism in place of the reverse jet air blast.  At the end of the discharge cycle the system automatically resets to continue on with the next convey cycle.

The Hanningfield Uni-Vac range of vacuum conveyors has been carefully designed and improved through 20 years of Hanningfield's experience with conveying.  The Uni-Vac has been specifically designed with the needs of the end-user in mind.

The conveyor benefits from an ‘easy-clean’ design, which allows the system to be easily dismantled for cleaning without the need for tooling.  In line with this, the conveyor boasts a ‘crevice-free’ design, which makes a thorough clean easier.

This not only improves hygiene, but also decreases operational downtime by enabling faster cleaning turnarounds.  Furthermore, all units are constructed from either 304 or 316 stainless steel to suit your process.

Hanningfield’s knowledge in the application and manufacture of lift systems also enables them to provide tailored designs, whereby the vacuum system can be hoist-mounted for increased flexibility.  Hanningfield can also offer static or mobile versions dependent upon your needs.

Importantly, Hanningfield are also able to remotely locate controls away from the vacuum conveyor itself.  Not only does this comply with GMP, but it also offers a hygiene based advantage, because the unit becomes easier to maintain and clean.

Hanningfield's knowledge also helps them to solve problems and improve processes.  For example, Hanningfield experience with vacuum conveying and size reduction makes Hanningfield experts at directly conveying into a cone mill, often known as ‘in-line cone milling’.  This can significantly improve both the productivity and hygiene of a process.  Hanningfield cross-discipline expertise makes Hanningfield unique in their ability to understand and solve customer problems.

With a wealth of knowledge, Hanningfield are proud to be an expert in the design, manufacture and maintenance of vacuum transfer solutions.  Hanningfield have manufactured vacuum conveying systems for many companies around the world, their experience and understanding of vacuum conveying make them confident they could help to solve your problem too.

The Uni-Vac offers an excellent return on investment and has many advantages, including:

Improved productivity:

Improved working environment:

High return on investment:

Hanningfield have over 20 years experience with vacuum conveying. Hanningfield currently manufactures 6 different sizes of Uni-Vac Vacuum Conveyor System, ranging from a capacity of 3 to 100 litres, and a throughput of 300-4000 kgs/hr.

Each size caters for a different requirement, dependent upon your application. If you are at all unsure or require any help, please do not hesitate to contact us and a technical engineer will be able to assist you.

To browse each solution, simply select a size from the Uni-Vac list below:

V-03 Model The capacity is 3 litres and the throughput can reach 300 kgs/hr. More info

V-10 Model The capacity is 10 litres and the throughput can reach 900 kgs/hr. More info

V-20 Model The capacity is 20 litres and the throughput can reach 1200 kgs/hr. More info

V-30 Model The capacity is 30 litres and the throughput can reach 2000 kgs/hr. More info

V-50 Model The capacity is 50 litres and the throughput can reach 3000 kgs/hr. More info

V-100 Model The capacity is 100 litres and the throughput can reach 4000 kgs/hr. More info

Attention please.  This is a large file and may take time on slow connections to load.