Tag: industrial shop vacuum

How the EXAIR Chip Trapper Transforms Coolant Maintenance

Published on by Jordan T ShouseLeave a comment

In today’s manufacturing environment, efficiency isn’t just about cycle times; it’s about reducing waste, extending fluid life, and minimizing downtime. One of the most overlooked areas of optimization is coolant maintenance. That’s where the EXAIR Chip Trapper System comes in. Designed for simplicity and performance, the Chip Trapper offers a smarter way to remove chips, swarf, and sludge from contaminated liquids—without the headaches of traditional systems.

The Problem with Dirty Coolant

If you’re running CNC machines, lathes, mills, or parts washers, you already know the pain:

  • Coolant becomes contaminated with chips and fines
  • Bacterial growth leads to foul odors
  • Pumps clog and maintenance increases.
  • Fluid replacement costs add up quickly.

In many shops, coolant is replaced far more often than necessary—simply because there’s no efficient way to clean it.

What Is the EXAIR Chip Trapper?

The EXAIR Chip Trapper System is a compressed air-powered vacuum system designed to separate solids from liquids quickly and efficiently.

It works by:

  1. Vacuuming contaminated coolant into a drum
  2. Capturing chips and debris in a reusable filter bag
  3. Returning clean liquid back to the machine

This simple but effective process allows you to reuse coolant instead of disposing of it.

See It in Action

Key Features That Set It Apart

1. No Moving Parts = No Downtime

Unlike electric pumps, the Chip Trapper uses compressed air—meaning no motors to clog or wear out.

2. Reusable Filtration System

The filter bag captures solids while allowing clean coolant to pass through, reducing waste and operating costs.

3. Fast Operation

Systems can fill a 55-gallon drum in minutes, dramatically reducing cleanup time.

4. Complete, Ready-to-Use System

Available in 30, 55, or 110-gallon configurations, each unit comes with a drum and all necessary components.

Real-World Applications

The Chip Trapper is ideal for:

  • CNC machines
  • Lathes and mills
  • Parts washers
  • Sumps and tanks
  • Grinding operations

It’s especially valuable in shops where coolant contamination is frequent and costly.

ROI: Where It Pays Off

The biggest advantage of the Chip Trapper is cost savings. By extending coolant life, shops can:

  • Reduce fluid replacement costs
  • Minimize disposal fees
  • Cut maintenance time
  • Improve machine uptime

In some cases, coolant life can be extended several times over with regular use.

The EXAIR Chip Trapper System isn’t just a cleanup tool—it’s a productivity upgrade. By turning dirty coolant into reusable fluid in minutes, it helps manufacturers cut costs, reduce waste, and keep machines running at peak performance.

If you’re still dumping coolant instead of reclaiming it, it might be time to rethink your process. Give me a call and let’s talk about the application!

Jordan Shouse
Application Engineer
E: JordanShouse@exair.com
O: (513) 671‑3322
F: (513) 671‑3363
A: 11510 Goldcoast Dr Cincinnati OH 45249
www.exair.com

Find time on my calendar by scheduling a meeting here.

Getting to Know the ATEX EasySwitch

Published on by jasonkirbyLeave a comment

EXAIR has a new addition to our Industrial Housekeeping product line, the ATEX EasySwitch Wet-Dry Vacuum System. This system will give all the convenience of our traditional EasySwitch, but suitable for use in ATEX rated zones. Below is a brief video highlighting the product’s grounding continuity.

If you have questions about the ATEX EasySwitch, or anything regarding EXAIR and our products, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Jason Kirby
Application Engineer
Email: jasonkirby@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jk

Meet the Next Evolution in Industrial Cleanup: The EasySwitch Wet-Dry Vac — Now Available in ATEX

Published on by Jordan T ShouseLeave a comment

In fast-paced industrial environments, cleanup demands can change in seconds. One moment you’re recovering spilled coolant, the next you’re vacuuming metal chips or fine dust. Equipment that can’t keep up slows productivity, increases risk, and drives maintenance costs. That’s where the EXAIR EasySwitch Wet-Dry Vac changes the game — and now, with the introduction of the ATEX version, it’s ready for even the most hazardous environments.

One Vacuum. Two Modes. Zero Downtime.

The EasySwitch Wet-Dry Vac was engineered to eliminate one of the most common pain points in industrial housekeeping: switching between wet and dry cleanup.

Traditional vacuums often require time-consuming filter changes, tools, or even separate units. The EasySwitch simplifies this process with a patented, tool-free design that allows operators to transition from liquid recovery to dry debris removal in seconds.

A single latch releases the filter element for quick removal when moving to liquid mode — then reinstalls just as easily for dry applications.

Powered by Air — Not Electricity

Unlike electric shop vacs that rely on motors prone to wear, the EasySwitch operates entirely on compressed air.

This pneumatic design delivers several operational advantages:

  • No motors to clog or burn out
  • Maintenance-free operation
  • Safe for liquid recovery
  • Continuous duty capability
  • Reduced risk of electrical hazards

With no moving parts in the vacuum generator, reliability increases while maintenance requirements drop — a major win for plant managers and maintenance teams alike.

Not that it’s particularly difficult to change the filter in my trusty shop vac, but this is indeed an “Easy Switch”.

Introducing the ATEX EasySwitch: Built for Explosive Atmospheres

For facilities operating in hazardous locations, standard equipment isn’t enough. That’s where the ATEX-rated EasySwitch Wet-Dry Vac comes in.

ATEX certification refers to equipment approved for use in potentially explosive atmospheres — environments where flammable gases, vapors, mists, or combustible dust may be present.

These include industries such as:

  • Chemical processing
  • Oil & gas
  • Paint & coatings
  • Food processing (combustible dust)
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing

The ATEX EasySwitch is engineered to mitigate these risks through explosion-protected design, allowing safe pneumatic vacuum operation in classified hazardous areas.

Because the EasySwitch already operates without electricity, it provides a strong foundation for hazardous-location safety — now enhanced with ATEX compliance for regulated environments.

The Bottom Line

The EasySwitch Wet-Dry Vac redefines industrial cleanup with:

  • Instant wet/dry conversion
  • Tool-free filter changes
  • Pneumatic, maintenance-free operation
  • Powerful vacuum performance

And now, with the ATEX version, it extends those benefits into the most demanding and hazardous work environments.

Whether you’re managing coolant recovery on the shop floor or maintaining compliance in explosive atmospheres, the EasySwitch platform delivers the flexibility, safety, and performance modern industry demands. If you have any questions, please reach out.

Jordan Shouse, CCASS

Application Engineer / Sales Operations Engineer

Send me an email
Find us on the Web 

EXAIR High Lift Reversible Drum Vac™ System: Overview

Published on by John BallLeave a comment
30, 55 and 110 Gallon High Lift Reversible Drum Vac Systems

Not all liquid vacuums are the same.  Have you seen motor burnout, loud noises, single directional flow, and potential electrical hazards?  EXAIR manufactures a pneumatic venturi pump to remove all those issues, the High Lift Reversible Drum Vac System.  It does not have any moving parts to wear; a two-way action to fill or expel liquid from standard drums; and is quiet.  They only use compressed air to generate a powerful vacuum to lift liquid into a drum; and with a simple twist of the knob, it will push the liquid out.  And by using compressed air, no electricity is required, making it safe to use.  They work great for fluid transfers or liquid spills, and the High Lift Reversible Drum Vac can fill a 55-gallon (208L) drum in 85 seconds from 15 feet of lift.  And with the powerful vacuum pressure, it can move thick liquid with viscosity up to 1400 centipoise through 20 feet (6m) of hose.  How can this product be useful for you?  If you work with liquids in a cistern, underground tanks, higher viscous fluids, or pits, EXAIR has a product for you; the High Lift Reversible Drum Vac System.  They are reliable and simple to use, and that is why it was awarded the 2015 Product of the Year by Plant Engineering.  In this blog, I will go over the specifications and packages that EXAIR offers.

The High Lift Reversible Drum Vac has stainless steel construction for corrosion resistance.  It comes with a built-in safety relief valve to avoid over pressurizing and an internal float to stop any over-filling of the drum.  The air consumption is only 43 SCFM (1,218 SLPM) at 80 PSIG (5.5 Bar), and it has a quiet noise level of only 83 dBA.  Systems are available in 30-, 55- and 110-gallon capacities (114L, 208L, and 418L respectively) in different packages.

The standard package will include the two-way pump assembly, shutoff valve, 20′ (6m) vacuum hose, a 90° quick release elbow, a standpipe, and an aluminum chip wand.  The standpipe is cut to length for the properly sized drum (the drum is not included in this option).  The standpipe extends inside the drum to remove as much liquid as possible when emptying. 

The Deluxe package will include all the items shown above in the Standard package and adds a drum dolly, ABS spill recovery kit, (2) extension wands, crevice tool, skimmer tool and a magnetic toolholder.

The Premium package will include all the items in the Standard package and adds the drum with lock ring and lid, drum dolly, ABS spill recovery kit, (2) different lengths of aluminum crevice tools, skimmer tool, a magnetic toolholder and a 20′ (6m) compressed air hose.

EXAIR’s High Lift RDV makes cleaning out pits up to 15′ deep easy and fast.

As I mentioned above, not all liquid vacuums are the same.  The EXAIR High Lift Reversible Drum Vac System is maintenance-free for long-lasting use in industrial environments.  We offer a 30-day unconditional guarantee for U.S. customers if you wish to try them out.  And from now until May 31, 2026, EXAIR is having a promotion.  With the purchase of one of our Industrial Housekeeping Products, you will receive a Vac-u-Gun with a vacuum bag, a $174.00 value, for free with qualified purchases.   If you have any questions about the High Lift Reversible Drum Vac System or any of our other Industrial Housekeeping Products, you can contact an Application Engineer at EXAIR.  We will be happy to help you.

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