Compressed Air Vacuum Cleaners

Compressed air vacuum cleaner FAQs

What is a compressed air vacuum cleaner?

A compressed air vacuum cleaner is an industrial vacuum that produces suction from a compressed air supply rather than an electric motor. The machine connects to your factory air line, and a venturi inside the unit converts the airflow into vacuum. Because there is no motor and no electrical connection, these machines are also described as pneumatic, air operated or air powered vacuum cleaners.

How does a compressed air vacuum work?

As we discuss in our handy Compressed Air Vacuum guide Compressed air is forced through a narrow nozzle inside the venturi. The air accelerates as it passes through, and the resulting pressure drop draws air and material in through the suction inlet. The material is carried into the collection container and separated by the filtration, while the exhaust air passes out through a silencer. The whole process relies on airflow alone, so there are no bearings, brushes or windings to wear out.

What is a venturi vacuum?

Venturi vacuum is the technical name for the same principle. The venturi is the component that converts compressed air into suction, so a venturi vacuum and a compressed air vacuum describe the same type of machine. Suppliers use the terms interchangeably.

Why use a compressed air vacuum instead of an electric one?

Three reasons come up most often. There is no electrical ignition source, which matters in classified hazardous areas. There is no motor to overheat, so the machine can run continuously for as long as the air supply holds up. And the absence of moving parts in the vacuum unit means these machines cope with hot, sharp, wet and abrasive material that would shorten the life of an electric vacuum considerably. The trade off is air consumption and noise.

Are compressed air vacuum cleaners ATEX certified?

Some are, but not automatically. The absence of an electric motor removes one ignition source, and it does not by itself make a machine compliant. An ATEX certified compressed air vacuum has been assessed as a complete unit, including the earthing, the container construction and the filtration, and carries an Ex marking stating the zones it is approved for. If the area you are cleaning has been classified as a hazardous zone, check the certification on the specific model rather than assuming that pneumatic means compliant. Our ATEX vacuum cleaner range sets out the certified options.

Can a compressed air vacuum be used in an explosive atmosphere?

Only if that particular model is certified for the zone concerned. A machine certified for Zone 21 or Zone 22 is approved for combustible dust, and a machine certified for Zone 1 or Zone 2 is approved for flammable gas and vapour. The zone classification for your facility determines what is acceptable, and the classification itself is the responsibility of the employer or duty holder under DSEAR. See eour comprehensive DSEAR compliance guide and ATEX zone classification guide more information.

What air supply does a compressed air vacuum cleaner need?

Each model has a stated air consumption in litres per minute or cubic feet per minute at a specified working pressure, normally in the region of 6 bar. The figure is substantial, and it needs to be available at the point of use while the rest of the plant is running. Check the flow your compressor and ring main can deliver in practice rather than the compressor's rated output, and allow for pressure loss over long or undersized hose runs.

Do I need a separate compressor?

Not if your facility already has a compressed air ring main with capacity to spare. Most sites specifying these machines are using an existing supply, which is part of the appeal. If your available flow falls short, the options are a dedicated compressor for the vacuum or a different machine type altogether. We will work that out with you before quoting.

Are compressed air vacuum cleaners noisy?

They are generally louder in operation than a comparable electric machine, because the exhaust air has to be discharged. Manufacturers fit silencers to manage this, and quoted sound levels vary by model and container size. Where noise is a concern, tell us at the specification stage so it can be factored into the recommendation.

What can a compressed air vacuum cleaner pick up?

The same range of material as an equivalent electric industrial vacuum, and in several cases more. Typical applications include metal swarf and turnings, hot material, wet and oily residues, fine powders, and combustible dust in certified areas. The filtration specification determines what the machine will retain, and where the material is hazardous to health an M class or H class filtration rating will be required alongside the machine's other credentials.

What is the difference between a compressed air vacuum and a pneumatic vacuum?

There is no difference. Compressed air vacuum, pneumatic vacuum, air operated vacuum and air powered vacuum are all names for the same technology. The terminology varies by manufacturer and by industry.

How much does a compressed air vacuum cleaner cost?

Pricing depends on the container size, the filtration specification, the material of construction and whether the machine carries ATEX certification. Current prices for each model are shown on this page, and we will quote on request for any specification not listed.

Which brands of compressed air vacuum does CFM North East supply?

CFM North East are an approved Nilfisk supplier, and Nilfisk machines make up the majority of our compressed air range.

Does CFM North East service compressed air vacuum cleaners?

Our engineers service and maintain compressed air vacuums alongside the rest of our range. Servicing is generally simpler than on motor driven machines because there is no motor to maintain, and attention concentrates on filtration condition, seal integrity and the venturi itself.