Image

Scanning for Ideas: Taking the Shock Out of Factory-Floor Vacuums

Oct. 23, 2008
Tumble dust around fast enough and you can quickly build up a static-electric charge, a common occurrence in factory vacuum cleaners.

Edited by Stephen J. Mraz

These charges can be a real pain for those handling the vacuums. To cut down on such “nuisance shocks,” Nortech Vacuum Products, Chicopee, Mass., (nortech.com), has devised a line of static-conductive pneumatic vacuums that suppress suppress static charges. All components are conductive, including the carbonfiber paint on the drum. Plastic parts and hoses also contain carbon black that makes the components conductive. The vacuums are dually grounded through the air-supply hose and compressor. Users have the option, however, to positively ground the vacuum by attaching an electrical cable to the units grounding lug on one end and to an electrically grounded point on the other. The vacuums, available with 15, 30, or 55-gallon capacities, consume between 20 and 110 scfm of air.

Sponsored Recommendations

How to Build Better Robotics with Integrated Actuators

July 17, 2024
Reese Abouelnasr, a Mechatronics Engineer with Harmonic Drive, answers a few questions about the latest developments in actuators and the design or engineering challenges these...

Crisis averted: How our AI-powered services helped prevent a factory fire

July 10, 2024
Discover how Schneider Electric's services helped a food and beverage manufacturer avoid a factory fire with AI-powered analytics.

Pumps Push the Boundaries of Low Temperature Technology

June 14, 2024
As an integral part of cryotechnology, KNF pumps facilitate scientific advances in cryostats, allowing them to push temperature boundaries and approach absolute zero.

The entire spectrum of drive technology

June 5, 2024
Read exciting stories about all aspects of maxon drive technology in our magazine.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!