Vacuum technology for suction conveyance of powders
Wander AG, maker of Ovaltine and Caotina chocolate malt drinks, has had production facilities in Neuenegg, Switzerland, since 1927. Every year, 18,000 tonnes of the fine-grained final product leave the factory, to be delivered to customers all over Europe.
Over a period of 18 months, the production operation has been completely restructured. Production and packaging has been combined under one roof and modernised, with further automation of internal transport routes and processing operations, including investment in pneumatic conveyor systems, which convey everything from the various raw materials to the final products.
From the dry silos, via premixers and mixers, to packaging, Wander’s fine-grained products are exclusively transported by suction conveyor systems. In the past these conveyor systems were equipped with oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps. For the past three years the factory has been investing only in conveyor systems that are equipped with Busch Mink claw vacuum pumps, which work without oil lubrication.
This is possible since the moving parts do not touch the inside of the vacuum pump. No friction is created and there is no wear.
Using dry-running vacuum pumps in suction conveyance means a reduction in maintenance costs thanks to the removal of oil-related maintenance work. And, because no moving parts touch the inside of the vacuum pump, the vacuum pumps have a high efficiency rating, which translates into energy savings.
Pre-product production work at Wander continues around the clock, seven days a week, with individual vacuum generators operating for approximately 20 min/h. During the production of finished products, work takes place five days/week on two shifts.
Wander’s technical and maintenance manager, Kurt Pfäffli, praises the reliability of the Busch Mink claw vacuum pumps, describing them as a “reliable element” in the production system.
Phone: 03 9355 0600
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