Extended Glossary of Industrial Vacuuming
Types of Machines and Systems
Industrial vacuum: A robust and powerful machine designed for the efficient removal of dust, solids, chips, and liquids in work environments, characterized by advanced filtration systems and resistance to intensive use.
Wet&Dry vacuum: A versatile vacuum capable of sucking up both solid materials (dust, chips) and liquids (water, oils, emulsions). Often equipped with a float to stop suction when the container fills with liquids.
Dust collector: A large fixed system for filtering high volumes of air and removing suspended dust in large work environments. Used to maintain air quality and protect operator health.
Centralized vacuum system: A complex and permanent network of piping that connects different workstations or machines to a single powerful centralized vacuum unit. Provides an efficient solution for simultaneous suction from multiple points, reducing clutter and noise in the production area.
Portable vacuum: A mobile suction unit on wheels, designed to be easily transportable and usable in different areas of the facility, offering flexibility for spot interventions or multiple workstations.
Vacuum for toxic or hazardous dust: A vacuum specifically designed for the safe collection of materials that pose a health risk (e.g., asbestos, crystalline silica, lead, pharmaceuticals). These vacuums are equipped with multiple filtration systems, often with HEPA filters, and ensure high sealing to prevent the dispersion of dust into the environment.
ATEX vacuum: A vacuum certified for use in ATEX Zones (ATmosphères EXplosibles), i.e., environments where potentially explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapors, or combustible dusts are present. These vacuums are designed with specific construction features to prevent explosion ignition.
ACD vacuum: Acronym for Appliance for Combustible Dust, as defined in the IEC 60335-2-69:2021 standard. Refers to a type of industrial vacuum designed to safely collect combustible dusts but not certified for operation inside ATEX explosion-risk zones, and which must therefore remain outside of them.
Chip vacuum: Vacuum specifically designed for the collection of chips, typically from metal, wood, or plastic processing. Often includes a cyclonic pre-separator to handle large volumes of coarse material.
Scrap vacuum: Vacuum used for the collection of scraps, i.e., production waste of various sizes and types, such as fabric, paper, plastic, or fiber cuttings.
Oil vacuum: Vacuum designed for the collection of oily liquids, emulsions, or used oils. Often includes an easy discharge system and specific filters to separate oil from solid parts.
On-board vacuum: A compact and dedicated suction device, integrated directly into or placed in the immediate vicinity of a machine tool or production machine. Captures waste (chips, dust, fumes) at the source, improving the work environment and protecting the machine itself.
Compressed air vacuum: Suction system that does not use an electric motor, but generates vacuum through the Venturi effect, powered by compressed air. Ideal for environments with electrical restrictions, high explosion risk, or where compressed air is already available.
Three-phase vacuum: Vacuum equipped with a three-phase electric motor, ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications, continuous use (24/7), and for the suction of heavy materials or large volumes. Offers greater power and reliability compared to single-phase models.
Single-phase vacuum: Vacuum equipped with a single-phase electric motor, typically used for general cleaning work, light applications, or non-continuous use. It is the common choice for portable or smaller-sized vacuums.
Components and Accessories
Suction accessories: The wide range of end tools and extensions that connect to the vacuum’s flexible hose. These include tubes, wands, brushes, nozzles of various shapes and sizes, designed to adapt the vacuum to different surfaces, material types, and specific applications (e.g., floor cleaning, crevices, delicate surfaces, etc.).
Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA): Systematic and formal assessment of potential explosion or fire risks associated with the presence of combustible dusts in an industrial environment. Identifies ignition sources, exposure pathways, and necessary prevention and protection measures.
Suction inlet: The entry point of material into the vacuum. Often designed to be tangential (side entry) to induce a cyclonic effect inside the container, improving the separation of larger particles before the filter.
Extraction arm: Articulated structure, often equipped with a hood or suction mouth at the end, used to capture fumes, dust, or vapors directly at the source, improving suction efficiency and air quality in the environment.
Carbon brushes: Small blocks of conductive graphite that make contact with the commutator of a brushed electric motor, transferring electrical energy to the rotor. They are subject to wear and require periodic replacement. Present in By-Pass type motors. Not present in Brushless motors.
Cyclone: Mechanical device that uses centrifugal force to separate heavier particles (dust, chips, liquids) from the airflow, causing them to fall by gravity into a collection container before the air reaches the main filter. Improves filtration efficiency and reduces filter load.
Detachable container: The collection unit (also called bin or drum) of the vacuum, designed to be easily detached from the machine body, allowing quick and practical emptying of the collected material.
Collection container: Tank, drum, or bin integrated into the vacuum or positioned below the machine body, where the aspirated solid or liquid material is deposited and accumulated.
Stainless steel container: Collection container made of AISI304 stainless steel, a material resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and chemically inert. Ideal for vacuuming liquids, corrosive substances, or applications in sectors requiring high hygienic standards (pharmaceutical, food).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Specific equipment (e.g., respiratory masks, gloves, safety goggles, protective suits) that the operator must wear to protect against risks associated with vacuuming, such as exposure to dust, chemicals, or noise.
Blower fan: Device consisting of an electric motor driving an impeller (fan) to create airflow. In vacuums, it is often part of the suction unit to generate air movement.
Cartridge filter: Cylindrical filter made of pleated filter media, offering a large filtering surface in a compact volume. It is effective for handling fine dusts and can be made from different materials depending on the application.
Star filter: Also called “daisy filter.” Primary filter with a characteristic “star” (or radial bellows) shape that maximizes the filtering surface in a compact volume. Common in industrial vacuums to retain large amounts of dust.
Antistatic filter: Filter treated to dissipate electrostatic charges that may accumulate on its surface during vacuuming. Essential to prevent electric discharges or ignitions in explosion-risk environments (ATEX Zones) or in the presence of conductive dusts.
Diffuser filter: Filter or air outlet grid that distributes purified airflow more evenly in the environment and reduces noise.
HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air): Absolute filter with extremely high filtration efficiency, capable of retaining an extremely high percentage (typically 99.97% or more) of microscopic particles down to 0.3 microns. Essential for vacuuming toxic, pathogenic, or ultrafine dusts.
Nomex filter: Filter made of Nomex aramid fiber, resistant to high temperatures (up to 250°C) and chemical agents. Used for vacuuming hot fumes or in high-temperature processes.
Nylon filter: Filter made of nylon fabric, used for applications requiring good mechanical and chemical resistance, particularly suitable for liquids.
Polyester filter: Common filter made of polyester fabric. Suitable for most dry and non-aggressive dusts.
PTFE filter (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Polyester filter mixed with Teflon, known for its non-stick, water-repellent, and chemically inert properties. Ideal for wet, sticky, oily, or fine dusts, as it prevents clogging and facilitates cleaning.
Teflon filter: Polyester filter with Teflon coating, known for its non-stick, water-repellent, and chemically inert properties. Ideal for wet, sticky, oily, or fine dusts, as it prevents clogging and facilitates cleaning.
Float: Mechanical device, typical of Wet&Dry vacuums, that activates when the liquid level in the collection container reaches its maximum capacity. It automatically stops suction to prevent liquids from reaching the motor and filters, avoiding damage. Floats can be mechanical or electric, triggered by an internal level sensor.
Parallel impeller: Configuration of impellers inside a turbine that work simultaneously on the same airflow. This setup maximizes the airflow at the expense of lower vacuum (depression).
Series impellers: Configuration of impellers inside a turbine where the airflow passes sequentially through multiple impellers. This setup increases the depression (suction force) at the expense of lower airflow.
Separation grid: A grid or metal mesh placed inside the collection container, acting as the first separation stage for coarse materials or preventing large objects from reaching and damaging the filter.
Direct bagging: Collection and disposal method in which the vacuumed dust is discharged directly into plastic or paper bags, which are then sealed. The goal is to minimize dust dispersion in the environment during emptying operations.
Vacuum gauge (or Vacuum indicator): Measuring instrument that shows the level of depression generated by the vacuum. A drop in vacuum or an increase in differential pressure may indicate filter clogging and the need for cleaning or replacement.
Grounding: Electrical connection of the vacuum and its conductive components to the ground, via a conductor, to dissipate static electricity accumulated during the suction of certain materials. Essential for safety, especially with combustible dust.
Brushless motor: Electric motor without carbon brushes. This technology offers numerous advantages: high energy efficiency, longer motor life, quieter operation, and no routine maintenance linked to brush wear.
By-pass motor: Type of single-phase motor in which the motor’s cooling air is separated from the suction air passing through the vacuum unit. This protects the motor from contact with dust and liquids, extending its service life.
Explosion relief panel: Passive safety device, typical of dust collectors or ATEX vacuums, designed to vent the pressure wave of an internal explosion in a controlled way, directing it to a safe area and protecting the system structure and operators.
Pre-separator: External or integrated device that precedes the main vacuum. It uses centrifugal force to separate most of the heavier, bulkier, or liquid materials before they reach the filtration unit and vacuum container, protecting the filter and reducing its load.
Filtering pre-separator: A type of pre-separator that also includes a filter element, providing double separation (cyclonic and filtering) before the air reaches the vacuum’s main filter.
Butterfly discharge valve: Valve used for discharging material from the container. It consists of a disk that rotates on its axis to open or close the material passage. It can be manual or pneumatically/electrically operated.
Electropneumatic double butterfly discharge: Advanced discharge system that uses two butterfly valves in sequence, actuated by an electropneumatic system. It allows for more controlled and safer discharge, ideal for difficult powders or environments requiring containment.
Electropneumatic double slide gate discharge: Discharge system with two slide gate valves in series, controlled by an electropneumatic system. It provides high sealing and safety, particularly useful for discharging in dusty environments or with difficult materials.
Slide gate discharge: Discharge valve using a sliding blade (gate) that moves to open or close the material passage. Robust and suitable for coarser or abrasive materials.
Counterbalanced flap discharge: Solid material discharge system in which a movable flap, balanced by a counterweight, opens and closes to allow controlled material discharge, often used in dust collectors.
Big-Bag discharge: Solution for collecting and disposing of large volumes of vacuumed material. The material is discharged directly into Big-Bags (large, heavy-duty fabric sacks) placed under the vacuum or dust collector.
Liquid bath inertization system: Safety system used to neutralize highly reactive or flammable dust. The dust is vacuumed and passed through a liquid bath (often water or mineral oil) that quenches it and renders it harmless, preventing reactions or explosions.
Filtration system: The set of one or more filters of different types and efficiency levels, arranged in sequence, that capture solid particles and purify the suctioned air before it is reintroduced into the environment.
Continuous bagging system (Endless Bag): Bagging system that allows material to be collected in sealable bags of variable length, minimizing operator contact with dust and preventing dispersion into the environment during disposal.
Filter cleaning system: Mechanism integrated into the vacuum to remove dust particles accumulated on the filter surface. It can be manual (lever shaker), semi-automatic (button for an air pulse), or automatic (programmed cleaning cycles such as SP or PSC).
Jet Clean filter cleaning system: Automatic filter cleaning system that uses the internal/external pressure differential of the vacuum to detach dust particles accumulated on the filter surface, letting them fall into the collection container.
PSC filter cleaning system: Automatic filter cleaning system that, through high-pressure compressed air pulses, shakes the filter and detaches the dust accumulated on the filter surface.
SP filter cleaning system: Automatic filter cleaning system that uses countercurrent air jets at regular intervals to efficiently remove dust from the filter.
Manual discharge system: Method for emptying the collection container that requires manual intervention by the operator, such as lifting or releasing the container itself.
Venturi system: Physical principle that exploits the change in section of a duct to convert kinetic energy into vacuum. It is the mechanism behind compressed air vacuums.
Silencer: Component designed to reduce the noise level generated by the air exiting the suction unit or motor, improving acoustic comfort in the work environment.
Side channel blower: A type of dynamic suction unit that generates vacuum by rotating an impeller inside a side channel. It offers an excellent balance between airflow and depression, making it ideal for continuous and intensive use.
Suction unit: The core of the vacuum, consisting of the motor or the blower that generates the necessary vacuum to suction and transport materials.
Filtration unit: The complete system of filters (primary, secondary, safety) whose crucial task is to separate the vacuumed solid particles from the air before the latter is reintroduced into the environment.
Collection unit: The container, tank, or drum where the vacuumed material is accumulated after being separated from the air by the filtration system.
Rotary valve (or rotary airlock): Rotating mechanical device that allows the continuous and controlled discharge of dust or granules from the collection container while maintaining an air seal. Essential for systems working under vacuum or overpressure.
Vacuum relief valve: Also called vacuum breaker valve. Safety device that automatically opens when the depression inside the unit exceeds a preset value (for example, due to a heavily clogged filter or a blocked hose), allowing outside air to enter. This prevents motor overheating and protects the machine.
Technical and Performance Parameters
Surface load (m³/m²/h): Ratio between the airflow (m³/h) and the filter surface (m²). It indicates how heavily the filter is “loaded” by the airflow. An excessively high surface load can lead to rapid clogging and reduced efficiency.
Performance curve: Graph that shows the relationship between airflow and depression that a vacuum can generate. It allows evaluation of the machine’s performance under different operating conditions.
Depression (mmH₂O or kPa): The maximum suction force (or vacuum) that the unit can generate. This parameter is crucial for the ability to lift heavy, dense, or granular materials and to overcome system resistance (long hoses, clogged filters).
Filtration efficiency (%): The percentage of particles of a given size (expressed in microns) that the filter can retain. For example, an H14 HEPA filter has an efficiency of 99.995% for 0.3-micron particles.
KST (K-value for St): A technical parameter used to classify the rate of pressure rise during a dust explosion in a closed volume. It indicates the severity and speed of the explosion. Dusts with a higher KST are more hazardous.
MIE (Minimum Ignition Energy): The minimum energy (expressed in Joules or millijoules) required to ignite an explosion in a combustible dust cloud. Dusts with low MIE values are more easily ignitable and therefore more dangerous.
MIT (Minimum Ignition Temperature): The lowest temperature at which a combustible dust cloud or a dust layer can spontaneously ignite. This is an important parameter for preventing fires and explosions.
Pmax: The maximum pressure generated during the explosion of a combustible dust cloud in a closed volume. It is a critical parameter for designing explosion protection systems.
Pressure drop: The reduction in pressure (or vacuum) that occurs when air passes through components such as hoses, filters, or accessories, due to flow resistance. Higher pressure drop requires greater suction power.
Airflow (m³/h): The volume of air that the unit can move per unit of time. This parameter is essential for transporting light materials (e.g., dust, fumes) and for the speed of surface cleaning. The greater the airflow, the faster stale air is removed.
Power (kW or HP): The electrical power absorbed by the vacuum’s motor. It indicates the motor’s ability to generate airflow and vacuum. Often expressed in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (HP).
IP protection (Ingress Protection): An international standard code that classifies the degree of protection provided by electrical equipment enclosures against the ingress of solids (dust) and liquids (water). For example, IP54 indicates protection against limited dust ingress and water splashes.
Filter surface (cm² or m²): The total area of the filtering material available for air passage. A larger surface allows for greater airflow with lower pressure drop and longer filter autonomy before clogging.
Air velocity: The speed at which air and particles move within the piping system. It is a critical factor for efficient material transport and to prevent sedimentation inside the hoses.
Types of Materials Collected, Environments, Applications
Pile collection: The operation of vacuuming large volumes of material accumulated on the ground or in piles, typically using wide nozzles or wands, often in combination with pre-separators or discharge systems into Big-Bags.
Fumes: Aerosols of extremely fine solid particles, often smaller than 1 micron, generated by high-temperature thermal processes such as welding, plasma cutting, or melting. They are hazardous to health and require high-efficiency filtration.
Industrial liquids: Oils, coolant emulsions, refrigerants, process water, sludge, or slurry generated by production processes. Vacuuming requires Wet&Dry vacuums and specific containers.
Oil mist: Small droplets of coolant oil suspended in the air, generated by machine tools using oil-based coolants. They cause environmental pollution, make surfaces slippery, and are harmful to the respiratory system.
Explosion pentagon: A conceptual model describing the five elements necessary for a dust explosion: Fuel (combustible dust), Oxygen (in the air), Ignition source (heat, spark, flame), Dispersion (dust cloud), Confinement (enclosed space where pressure builds up). If even one of these elements is missing, the explosion cannot occur.
Combustible dust: Any powdery material of organic origin (e.g., flour, sugar, wood, coal, cereals, textiles) or inorganic origin (e.g., metals such as aluminum, titanium, magnesium) that, when dispersed in air at a certain concentration and in the presence of an ignition source, can cause an explosion. They require ATEX vacuums and risk analysis.
Fine dust: Solid particles of very small dimensions (from a few microns to tens of microns) generated by industrial processes such as sanding, cutting, drilling, or blasting. They pose a health risk if inhaled and can be combustible.
Toxic dust: Particulate substances that, if inhaled or in contact with the skin, can cause acute or chronic harmful health effects. Examples include asbestos, crystalline silica, lead, beryllium, pharmaceutical powders, and hexavalent chromium. They require toxic dust vacuums with HEPA filtration.
Chips: Solid residues of varying size, typically spiral or flake-shaped, produced by machining operations such as turning, milling, or drilling of metal, wood, or plastic.
ATEX Zone: Area classified based on the frequency and duration of the presence of a potentially explosive atmosphere (gas, vapors, or combustible dust). The ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) defines the categories of safe equipment for each zone.