Specialized Industrial Vacuum Pumps in Pietermaritzburg
While our name is synonymous with compressed air, our expertise covers the full spectrum of pressure and vacuum technologies. Many of the most advanced production processes today rely not on pushing air, but on removing it. This is why we are leading suppliers and service agents for industrial vacuum pumps in Pietermaritzburg and across the greater KZN region. The Solvac SV-160 rotary vane vacuum pump pictured here is a perfect example of the specialized equipment we provide.
How Do Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps Work?
This type of pump is an industrial workhorse, prized for its reliability and ability to achieve deep vacuum levels. Inside the pump housing, a slotted rotor spins eccentrically. Carbon vanes are fitted into the slots and are thrown out by centrifugal force to create a seal against the housing wall. As the rotor turns, it creates expanding pockets on the inlet side, which draw air out of the system. This captured air is then moved to the outlet side, where the pockets contract, compressing the air slightly and ejecting it.
Key Applications in KZN Industries
The applications for reliable vacuum are vast. This particular unit was installed for a client in the food packaging industry, where vacuum is used to remove air from packaging to extend the shelf life of products. Other critical uses in KZN include:
- Medical & Dental: For sterilization in autoclaves and providing suction for dental procedures.
- Woodworking & CNC: Vacuum tables hold timber and other materials securely in place for high-precision cutting and routing.
- Printing: High-speed printing presses use vacuum to lift and separate sheets of paper.
- Plastics Manufacturing: Vacuum is essential for forming and moulding processes.
Sizing and maintaining these systems requires specialist knowledge. Our team ensures that you not only get the right pump but also that your system is designed for optimal performance, making us the trusted local experts for industrial vacuum pumps in Pietermaritzburg.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a vacuum pump and an air compressor? In simple terms, they are opposites. A compressor takes in air and pressurizes it to force it out. A vacuum pump takes air out of a sealed system to create a vacuum (negative pressure).
- What industries commonly use vacuum pumps? Besides packaging, they are critical in medical fields (for sterilization and dental suction), printing (to hold paper), woodworking (to clamp wood), and food processing (to remove air from products).