Industrial Vacuum Product Selection Guide

HafcoVac drum vacuums come in a variety of configurations. This guide is intended to help you choose the most appropriate pneumatic vacuum cleaner for your application. We want to be sure you purchase the most suitable pneumatic vac for your application, so please contact us should you have any uncertainties!

Drum Size

HafcoVac industrial pneumatic vacuum cleaners require a drum, either 30 or 55 gallon, to operate. The drum acts as the material collection container, as well as acts as a sealed chamber in which the vacuum is generated. Both size units will perform identically! Some considerations for your decision should include:

• Space Constraints - A 30 gallon unit might be a better fit at a constrained workstation.
• Drum Availability - If you aren’t purchasing a complete unit, are 55 gallon drums more readily available to you than 30 gallon? Keep in mind, drums must be a MINIMUM of 18 gague or heavier as to not implode under the high vacuum pressures created.
• Material Volume/Density - Would a 55 gallon drum full of the material to be recoverd be too heavy to safely manage, empty or transfer? Would a 30 gallon drum require emptying too frequently, thereby interfering with effecient operation? This may be particularly critical if using the unit as a substitute for a pneumatic vacuum pump.

Vacuum Hose

Vacuum hoses are available in either 1 1/2″ or 2″ Inner Diameter (I.D.). Generally, a smaller diameter hose will perform better than a larger. Some important considerations for hose diameter include:

• Is the material larger than 1″ in diameter? Choose a 2″ hose, as the smaller hose may become clogged.
• Do you require a hose longer than 25 feet? Smaller diameter hose may perform better for longer runs.
• What type of tools and accessories do you need? Generally, there are more 1 1/2″ accessories than 2″ accessories.
• Is the material hot, abrasive, prone to static buildup or explosive? Heavy duty and static conductive hoses are available.

Compressed Air Input Requirement

• Is your compressor capable of delivering 60 CFM but not 100 CFM compressed air? Choose the 60 if 100 is a problem. Please see the Air Supply page for compressor sizing questions. Dual venturi units require a system capable of delivering a sustained 200 CFM air supply.
• If sound level is a concern and maximum performance isn’t required, a 60 CFM unit will produce less noise.
• You may not need the full power of the 100 CFM model. If your application requires continuous, light duty suction, a 60 CFM unit will save on your air costs and provide all the power you need. A 100 CFM unit will deliver 17″ Hg suction whereas the 60 CFM unit sees it’s suction diminished by only 1/2″ of Hg.

Configuration Options

Most customers find the HafcoVac complete unit to be the most econoimcal option, as it is a turnkey solution in a single box, shipped the same day. It is generally not advisable to select a head only or a head plus toolkit, unless you already have drums that you are certain meet the minimum specifications for our pneumatic vacuums, namely 18 gague or heavier construction. Of course, if you don’t need all the components of the complete unit, you can always build your own À la carte solution.

Explosion Proof units

If you will be working with combustible dusts, flammable or otherwise dangerous substances, or materials with a tendency to build static electricity during conveyance you are strongly advised to choose one of our explosion proof / dust ignition proof pneumatic vacuum cleaners. You will find that our explosion proof pneumatic vacs are an affordable solution to OSHA and other regulations and a small price to pay for invaluable peace of mind. Remember, even a dust as seemingly stable as flour can trigger a deadly explosion.

Model Determination

Now that you’ve answered all the questions required to configure your vacuum, use the above considerations to arrive at a model number. The following illustrates the format our product numbering system follows: