If you’re performing any type of manual transfer of raw material in your processes, it might be time to take a closer look at EXAIR Air Operated Conveyors, or Line Vacs. The Line Vacs are designed as an ideal solution for the transfer of bulk materials from one point to another. They have no moving parts to wear, are very compact and easy to install, remove safety concerns, and do not require maintenance.  I will cover the many selections that EXAIR currently offers. 

The Line Vac can move large volumes of material over long distances with just a small amount of compressed air. The compressed air is injected through directed holes that produce a vacuum on one end and high-volume output flows on the other. The Line Vacs are manufactured in several different materials and sizes, and with a few different options for connection style.  Adjusting the flow of material is extremely simple and can be controlled by regulating the air pressure upstream of the Line Vac.

Standard Line Vacs are offered with a smooth inlet/outlet designed to be used with any smooth-bore conveyance hose. These Line Vacs are offered in aluminum sizes from 3/8” (10 mm) up to 5” (127 mm), and in 303 and 316 stainless steel from 3/8” (10 mm) up to 3” (76 mm).  Clear PVC conveyance hoses are available for 3/8” (10 mm) up to 3” (76 mm) I.D. from stock in 10’ (3 m) increments up to 50’ (15 m).

If you’d rather use rigid pipe, Threaded Line Vacs are also available directly from stock. With identical performance to the standard Line Vac, the Threaded Line Vacs are offered with NPT threads on both the inlet/outlet in sizes ranging from 3/8” NPT to 3” NPT in aluminum, 303, or 316 stainless steel.

For higher conveyance rates and abrasive materials, EXAIR offers Heavy Duty Line Vacs in the same manner as our standard or threaded units but are constructed from a hardened alloy steel. The Heavy Duty Line Vacs are offered with both smooth and threaded connection styles from ¾” (19 mm) up to 3” (76 mm).  The Heavy Duty Line Vacs are ideal for media that is abrasive in nature or for applications requiring higher conveyance rates over longer distances.

The Ultra Duty Line Vacs are designed to handle the conveyance of extremely abrasive materials.  The bodies are made from the same material as our Heavy Duty Line Vacs, but we added a ceramic insert.  The overall length is a bit longer to accommodate this insert, but the flow rate, distance, and conveyance rates are exactly the same.  This ceramic insert is placed where the conveying material hits the surface on the exhaust side, making it more durable and longer lasting.  We currently offer them in 1 ¼”, 1 ½”, and 2” for hose connections.

For applications where you only need to convey small volumes over short distances or particularly lightweight materials, our Light Duty Line Vacs would be an ideal solution. The Light Duty Line Vac is available in sizes ranging from ¾” (19 mm) to 6” (152mm) and consumes a bit less compressed air than the standard and heavy-duty versions. This style of Line Vac is only offered in aluminum construction and for use with smooth-bore hose.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Sanitary Flange Line Vac. The Sanitary Flange Line Vac is the best method for conveying materials in systems that require frequent or mandatory cleaning.  Utilizing ISO 2852-compatible clamp-style sanitary flanges, they can be easily removed from the system for periodic sanitization. These are offered in sizes ranging from 1-1/2”(38mm) up to 3” (76mm) in 316SS construction from stock.  They are ideal for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

If none of these stock Line Vacs suit your process, we still have more options!! Custom units are available with varying styles of flange connections; Hybrid NPT threaded/smooth units can be done with stock components, we’ll even manufacture in special materials. At EXAIR, we take pride in offering custom solutions for customers that may require something just a little different from what is readily available on the shelf.

If there’s a process in your facility that could benefit from a product like the EXAIR Line Vac, act fast! Now through October 31st, you’ll receive a FREE 1122 2” Flat Super Air Nozzle as a promotion with the purchase of any EXAIR Line Vac with qualified orders.  If you need help with your application, EXAIR has Application Engineers to help you out. 

John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb