The need for an industrial central vacuum system A central vacuum system is an industrial machine that is usually powered by electricity connected to a building’s power mains. The system uses a negative atmosphere or suction produced by a vacuum producer to collect dust and other contaminants through a specialized tool connected to small diameter hose. The collected material travels through the hose into a piping system where the collected debris is deposited at a central collection point. This type of system is termed as a Low Volume High Pressure (LVHP) industrial ventilation system. These residual contaminants are usually found around process machinery, plant floors, walls and the building’s structural members. The presence of accumulated process dust and other associated dust particles, over time can lead to several health and potential safety hazards. Many of these dusts are combustible and when collected into a concentrated containment vessel, have the potential to cause a fire or catastrophic plant explosion/s. Foreign object debris or F.O.D. and residual manufacturing dust adversely affect operational and safety aspects of aircraft flight operations, product manufacturing, process equipment, building HVAC systems and the respiratory system of people that regularly inhale such dust. A portable vacuum system may not always be the right choice for large scale house keeping and control of hazardous dust generated by manufacturing. Industrial Central vacuum systems are a smarter alternative to stand-alone or portable vacuum systems for expansive areas. In house keeping applications, these systems can be designed to deliver higher efficiencies than a portable vacuum system. An industrial or commercial "portable vacuum" is a relative term. There are industrial portable vacuum systems that weigh-in, empty at 5000 pounds! As the portable vacuum designer increases performance, the "portable vacuum" becomes increasingly unwieldy in size, weight, residue containment and electrical requirements! Central vacuum systems for industry require a larger initial investment than portable vacuums. Industrial central vacuum systems can be designed to last as long as the facility.Properly planned and designed, the central vacuum systems life-cycle and return-on-investment easily outperform the repeated cost, frustration and performance limitations of portable vacuums. Under normal circumstances, the amount of dust generated in commercial and industrial applications is far greater than the amount of dust generated in a home or commercial environment. Effective handling of large volumes of dust calls for the use of industrial centralized vacuum systems. It is common practice for many industrial, manufacturing, and commercial facilities to take advantage of centralized vacuum systems for the efficient removal of dust and debris from the process and workspace surrounding it. Selecting the right firm for central vacuum systems The vacuum system designer is responsible for selecting the correct user tools, hose size, pickup velocity, duct velocity, vacuum producer, filter ratio, electrical controls (automation), installation and other key specifics that lend to the vacuum systems functionality. The effectiveness of the centralized vacuum system is defined by how well it has been designed and the care and effort put forth during installation. There are a limited number of firms that are engaged in the custom design, manufacture, and turn-key installation of such systems. Environmental remediation of process dusts detrimental to the quality of the manufactured product, as well as the health and well-being of your employees is the goal for the vacuum system designer. Here are some tips to help you choose a dependable firm for installing industrial central vacuum systems: 1. The firm should have a proven record of successful and varied projects executed by the firm. For instance, if the firm has provided turn-key solutions to a myriad of industries ranging from aerospace, automotive and rail transportation, food, textile and manufacturing industries, you can be assured of the firms’ capabilities. 2. Sometimes, a portable vacuum system is sufficient to handle your dust & debris cleaning and collection requirements. In such a situation, your chosen firm should be able to differentiate the value proposition for the portable vacuum verses the centralized vacuum system. 3. Services such as proper selection of hose & tool options, system configuration, automation and custom integration with your existing process and turn-key solutions are a value-add advantage that will pay immediate dividends. 4. An industrial central vacuum system is a significant investment that requires careful consideration and a proper understanding of the capabilities the system is expected to deliver. Proper start-up services and commissioning are an important step in insuring a successful installation. 5. If your team has little experience or is unsure if a central vacuum verses an industrial portable vacuum or loader vacuum is required for a severe duty system, you may ask your firm if they offer rental systems, rent-to-own or lease options. 6. A firm that offers a large variety of ancillary industrial vacuum tools,attachments and accessories will assist the end user with gaining the maximum usage and performance from the vacuum system. This provides access to everything the end user needs for the vacuum system from a sole source supplier. 7. A firm that has an experienced and capable team of specialists available to your manufacturing, production, quality engineers and new construction planners will be able to guide you quickly and efficiently with all your industrial vacuum and dust collection system requirements. These are a few basic guidelines that will help you make an informed choice. Another important factor is trade references. If you have heard good things about a central vacuum systems installation firm through the firm’s references, the firm likely enjoys a good reputation in the market.
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