J.C. Steele Vacuum System Options and Upgrades
Designed and engineered to improve the quality of your extruded product
J.C. Steele vacuum system technologies include the following:
- Digital vacuum gauge
- High-performance vacuum filter
- Vacuum exhaust filter
- Vacuum system oil cooler
- Vacuum system pneumatic check valve
- Vacuum system upgrade
Digital vacuum gauge
Vacuum is a vital, but often confusing factor in successful extrusion. We’ve introduced a series of digital gauges that let you monitor your vacuum system easily and accurately. These gauges are available in panel-mounted or machine-mounted versions, and with or without output signals. All J.C. Steele digital vacuum gauges interface with dataloggers, PLCs and alarms.
High-performance vacuum filter — more durable, easier to clean and less expensive than comparable pleated fabric filter elements
The in-line filter is vital to an efficient system, removing dust and dirt from the airstream leading to the vacuum pump with the lowest possible pressure drop (high pressure drops through the filter reduce system vacuum capacity, with dirt decreasing service life and performance of the vacuum pump).
The Steele High-Performance Vacuum Filter is designed to provide a significant improvement in your vacuum system performance. Filters are available for both the 2” (51mm) NPT and 3” (76mm) NPT canisters. Replacing your current filters with this high-performance filter also simplifies maintenance—this design is more durable, easier to clean and costs less than comparable pleated fabric filter elements.
Our advanced filter media design removes more dirt, with more filter surface area for lower pressure drop. Because of its durability, you can clean the Steele High-Performance Vacuum Filter on a daily basis, with either compressed air or water spray.
Vacuum exhaust coalescing filter for short runs of piping and fewer environmental concerns
You can eliminate long runs of piping and avoid environmental problems with the Steele High-Performance Coalescing Vacuum Filter. Installing this as part of your vacuum system means your vacuum system can exhaust inside the plant, eliminating a potential emission source. Oil residue and water vapor in the pump exhaust are combined in larger drops, which collect in the base of the filter and drain for disposal or recycling.
Filter elements are designed to last up to eighteen months for a typical one shift operation. Always dispose of collected liquids in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Vacuum system oil cooler improves overall vacuum system performance
Maintaining high vacuum can improve the quality of your extruded product. However, when the temperature of your service oil passing through the vacuum pump rises, moisture present in the oil vaporizes and reduces pump capacity. This reduces the ability of the vacuum pump to withdraw air from the raw material.
The Steele Vacuum System Oil Cooler offers the following features:
- Wide spacing of aluminum heat transfer fins to run cool, minimize dirt buildup and make cleaning easier
- Large diameter copper oil flow tubes minimize dirt and sludge buildup
- 1 HP, 1725 RPM TEFC fan motor (voltage must be specified)
This oil cooler is designed to maintain a service oil temperature below 145º F in the most severe ambient conditions for the Steele 30 HP Vacuum System. Properly installed and maintained, this oil cooler will improve the performance of your vacuum system, minimize sludge in your oil and extend the service life of the pump seals.
Vacuum system pneumatic check valve for positive shut-off and vacuum system plumbing protection
The Steele Vacuum System Pneumatic Check Valve replaces the traditional swing check valve used on vacuum systems. It provides positive shut-off and prevents vacuum pump oil from being drawn into the vacuum system plumbing when the pump is turned off.
The valve is normally closed. When the pump is turned on, the valve opens within 300 milliseconds to allow free flow of air with minimum restriction and no chatter. When the vacuum pump is turned off, the valve closes within 300 milliseconds, isolating the vacuum pump from the vacuum chamber and piping.
The pneumatic check valve has 2” NPT female fittings on each end—bushings or other adapters may be necessary to fit the valve with existing plumbing. It requires shop air (70 to 120psi) for actuation and the included pilot valve must be energized whenever the vacuum pump motor is running. The pilot valve supplies shop air pressure to energize (open) the valve when the pump is running (we recommend that a manual by-pass valve be installed in parallel with the Vacuum System Pneumatic Check Valve as a precaution against loss of pilot pressure, electrical signal, or other malfunction.
Double Tank Vacuum System Upgrade improves vacuum system performance with an oil cooling circuit upgrade
The J.C. Steele Double Tank Vacuum System Upgrade improves the quality of your extruded product by maintaining high vacuum. When the temperature of the service oil circulating in the vacuum pump is high, moisture in the oil vaporizes and reduces vacuum pump capacity, which reduces its ability to pull air from the raw material.
This vacuum system upgrade includes a high-capacity oil cooler, larger oil circulation pump and check valve, and high-efficiency oil filtration system. Properly installed and maintained, the double tank vacuum system upgrade minimizes sludge in your oil and extends the life of the vacuum pump seals. Note that all complete double tank vacuum systems currently supplied by J.C. Steele are equipped with these upgraded features. If you’re not sure about how your system is equipped, contact us to discuss your specific system.
For more information on the J.C. Steele vacuum systems and the value they add to your extrusion QA, talk to your regional J.C. Steele & Sons sales representative or call us at 1.704.872.3681 (in the U.S. call toll-free at 800.278.3353).
