Vacuum Pump Units (Packaged Systems)

The value of a packaged unit is not the pump itself but the way pump, buffer tank, valves, filtration and controls are assembled so the pump starts and stops with the process instead of running flat out all day.

Four common layouts:

• Single pump unit: one pump, buffer tank, check valve, pressure switch. Used where there are several pick-up points and demand is intermittent; size the tank on peak flow and allowable pressure drop.
• Duty-standby: two pumps in parallel, one running and one waiting, switching automatically when pressure stays low with the running pump at full load. Used on lines that cannot lose vacuum.
• Upper and lower tank: the upper tank buffers, the lower one collects and drains. Used where the gas carries vapour or dust, keeping liquid out of the pump chamber.
• With fine filtration: a fine filter on the inlet for processes with fine dust — powder conveying, shot blasting, cutting.

Units are built to the duty, so there is no fixed data sheet. Ordering needs: required vacuum and capacity, peak and average gas flow, number of pick-up points and pipe size, pumped medium (dust, vapour, corrosive gas), floor space, power supply and whether explosion protection is required.