Vacuum Tube Lifters

Basic Overview

Vacuum Lifting

1 Two types of ‘vacuum lifting’ exist

Where vacuum is generated to apply a grip using suction pads. The lift is usually provided by other means e.g. a PneuLift using compressed air generated venturi vacuum.

2 Two types of ‘vacuum lifting’ exist

A similar concept, but here vacuum is used not only to generate grip, but also provides the power for lifting. This is known as ‘vacuum tube lifting’, a popular, easy to use and efficient

handling solution

How to quote a Vacuum Tube Lifter

Golden Rules

1. Vacuum Pump

2. Vacuum Relief Valve

3. Filter

4. Lift Tube Assembly

5. Control Head

6. Suction Foot

7. Vacuum Transfer Hose

8. Crane

You may also add ancillary items such as Universal Joint or Lower Rotary Coupling

Typical System Layout

Crane

Vertical support pillar c/w swing jib

This is the most common style of crane employed for workstation handling.

Variations include; wall mounted jib/stanchion mounted jib and alternative jib types such as inverted and knuckle (or articulated)

Bridge cranes are also commonly used.

Typical System Layout

Vacuum Pump/Relief Valve

Direct Drive

No Maintenance

Low Noise Levels - 71dB(A) at 3 feet

High Flow

230v/460v pump runs at +/- 10% variance in voltage. Will not run on 208 volts!!

Relief valve fitted to protect pump for non porous loads.

Typical System Layout

Filters

CF130 - Low Dust Levels

CF220 - Medium Dust Levels

BF10925 - High Dust Levels

70% efficient at 0.17microns

Typical System Layout

Lift Tubes

Diameters from 100 to 250mm

Neoprene & Polyester

2 ply construction is very durable

Standard has exposed wire helix - suitable for wipe clean only

Upgrade for Food/Pharmaceutical has coated helix

Combine tubes to increase capacity

Capacity of SLTA/MLTA is given to bottom tube manifold/can. All other items must be added i.e. control handle, end effector and product load

Tube Assembly

360o Rotary

Safety Plate

Support Rope

Vacuum

Vacuum

SLTA - Single Lift Tube Assembly

As vacuum travels through the system the safety plate raises, allowing air flow

If vacuum flow is interrupted for any reason e.g. pump failure, the safety plate closes and seals the remaining vacuum in the tube and end effector

Palamatic’s safety ratios ensure that, as vacuum levels drop, the load is secure in position until it reaches floor level (or close proximity)

This ensures the operators’ safety

The weight of the control handle and end effector is secured by the support rope when power is off

Lift Tube Range - MiniLifter (ML)Note: Capacities shown do not include end effector or ancillary items e.g. Universal Joint

Lift Tube Diameter 100mm 120mm 140mm

Capacity

(on non-porous surface)60hz = 66 lbs 60hz = 99 lbs 60hz = 121 lbs

Compacted Height (1700mm)

Compacted Height (2400mm)

35.4 in

45.5 in

35.4 in

45.5 in

35.4 in

45.5 in

Extended Height (1700mm)

Extended Height (2400mm)

102.3 in

140 in

102.3 in

140 in

102.3 in

140 in

Area (in inches) 11.70 17.00 23.30

Lift Tube Range - Pal-U-Lift (PL)Note: Capacities shown do not include end effector or ancillary items e.g. Universal Joint

Lift Tube Diameter 160mm 180mm 200mm

Capacity

(on non-porous surface)60hz =176

lbs60hz = 209 lbs 60hz = 275 lbs

Compacted Height (1700mm)

Compacted Height (2400mm)

35.4 in

45.5 in

35.4 in

45.5 in

37.2 in

48.6 in

Extended Height (1700mm)

Extended Height (2400mm)

102.3 in

140 in

102.3 in

140 in

104.1 in

143.1 in

Area (in square inches) 30 39 48

Lift Tube Range - High Capacity (HCL)Note: Capacities shown do not include end effector or ancillary items e.g. Universal Joint

Lift Tube Diameter 230mm 250mm

Capacity

(on non-porous surface)60hz = 350 lbs 60hz = 418 lbs

Compacted Height (1700mm)

Compacted Height (2400mm)

37.8 in

N/A

46.3 in

N/A

Extended Height (1700mm)

Extended Height (2400mm)

100.8 in

N/A

109.3 in

N/A

Area (in inches) 64 75.70

Typical System Layout

Control Handles and Valves

Palamatic standardize on the ‘Stay-Put’ valve

‘Spring Loaded’ & ‘Throttle’ types available

ML & PL supplied in 304 stainless as standard

Rigid and Flexible extension options

‘Low-headroom’ and ‘Trigger’ styles also available

Low maintenance and ergonomic design

Stay-Put - Handles multiple weight loads randomly without adjustment

Spring Loaded - Use adjustment screw to set lift weight and balance height

Needs adjusting for varying weight loads

Cleaner design suits food/pharma applications

MiniLifter (ML) Control Valves – partial listing

ML-TV

Trigger type

ML-HV

Horizontal type

ML-FEHV

Flexible extension to horizontal handle

Pal-U-Lift (PL) Control Valves – partial listing

PL-SPLStay-Put

PL-SLL

Spring Loaded

PL-SPTThrottle type

PLE-SPLExtended PL-SLL

Flexible Extended

High Capacity (HCL) Control Valves – partial listing

HCLE-SPLExtended with Stay-Put

HCLFE-SLL

Flexible Extended with Stay-Put

Typical System Layout End Effectors

Hundreds of designs available

Vacuum, mechanical and pneumatic options

Flexible seals for uneven surfaces

Flat seals for smooth surfaces

Standard seals OK to 158oF. Silicone seals OK to

230oF

Variety of material finishes

Suitable for mounting to many types of lifting unit

Easily inter-changeable

2.5:1 safety ratio for top lifting (vacuum cup area to tube cross sectional area)

4:1 safety ratio for side lifting

Safety Ratios – cups are sized to match tube diameter safety ratio of 2.5:1 for horizontal and 4.0:1 for vertical

Ancillary Items – partial listing

Lower Rotary Universal Joint

Angle Adaptor c/w Gas StrutAngle Adaptor

Ancillary Items – partial listing

Lift-Off fitted to PL-SPL Control Handle Lift-Off fitted to a ML Control Handle

Trolley Pin Height Checking

Compacted Height of SLTA or MLTA assembly

+ Ancillary + Controls + End Effector

+ 67 inches (stroke) to give o/a height for trolley pin elevation (add 2 inches to total to give clearance above floor)