They may seem to be marginal components, but filters protect the pump and other parts such as valves and switches against debris. Consequently, the choice of vacuum filters is important, both when it comes to industrial applications and the operation of suction cups and in medical, hospital and laboratory applications where there are even biological hazards. In all cases, you should always take precautions and ask for professional advice before installing and maintaining any equipment.
Some applications require little, if any, filtration because the product being handled and the environment of the sampling area are very clean, as in the case of semiconductors; others, such as wood panel production, steel sheet handling, and brick production require a high degree of filtration because of the amount of residual debris present.
There are many types of vacuum filters; Vuototecnica range is one of the most complete on the market and includes:
- Suction filters with FCL paper cartridge, capable of retaining very fine impurities without interfering or nearly interfering with the flow rate. They are small in size and can be installed close to use. They can be in-line or not and have different degrees of filtration. However, they are not recommended where there are water or oil vapors or condense.
- FB metal cartridge suction filters, which are easy to clean and have particularly impact-resistant housings, have cartridges made of corrugated stainless steel mesh and have different flow rates.
- FO oil-bath suction filters, also capable of filtering impalpable dust in oil but without reducing the suction capacity of the vacuum pump. The advantage is that you can use any kind of oil, even exhausted oil, as long as it has minimal viscosity. They are not suitable for dry vacuum pumps. The filter elements are easily removable and washable.
- FS siphon filters (also with automatic by-pass), capable of retaining impurities and liquids that may be aspirated through suction cups and vacuum suction systems. These are more sophisticated systems generally consisting of: a cylindrical transparent Plexiglas container, with a removable cover, to allow inspection and cleaning; a check valve placed on the suction, to prevent air from re-entering the filter when the pump is stopped; a stainless steel mesh filter cartridge, with a filtration rating of 44 μ, also placed on the suction, to retain dust and solid impurities; a two-way manual valve, for vacuum interception at use; a two-way manual valve, for restoring atmospheric pressure inside the filter; a radial vacuum gauge, for direct reading of the degree of vacuum in the filter; a magnetic level switch, with the function of stopping the pump when the aspirated liquid exceeds the safety level; a rigid tube, connected to the use, to convey the flow of air and aspirated liquid to the bottom of the container; a check valve, located at the bottom of the filter, with the function of automatically discharging the aspirated liquids and impurities, whenever atmospheric pressure is restored inside the filter; a tap, applied to the check valve described above, for manual discharge of liquids; a metal bracket, for fixing the filter to the wall. Filter systems with automatic by-pass provide a system consisting of two siphon filters with no decrease in the degree of vacuum at use when the exchange of suction between them takes place.
- Special filters, designed specifically for certain applications in presence of particular debris or to solve any problems of component positioning.
Like all industrial applications, there are a thousand different ways to accomplish a task. Vuototecnica thinks of a thousand and one, to meet all requirements. Read more: www.vuototecnica.net
