The future of electric vacuum lifting
Besides our existing range of diesel vacuum lifters, Vlentec has focused on designing and developing electric vacuum lifters. This resulted in the current ED75N and ED125N series, with many benefits for our clients and the environment.
Previous vacuum lifter drive methods
Prior to the 1980’s, vacuum lifters used on pipelines were powered by the excavator’s hydraulics. A cumbersome and messy setup, requiring precise hydraulic settings and therefore making it difficult to interchange between excavators. The self-contained vacuum pipe lifter solved these issues with its integrated internal combustion engine. Whilst labor and equipment costs involved with pipeline construction continued to rise, Vlentec turned to electric-driven methods to lower the Total Cost of Ownership and downtime of the vacuum lifter.
Electrical power
Vlentec has been focusing on 24Vdc electric drive to find the best setup for a reliable power supply. 24Vdc is available on earth-moving equipment and is therefore ideal for powering attachments such as a vacuum lifter. The electric motor eliminates the use of a vibrating, noisy and emission-emitting combustion engine with less wear and tear. Electric powered vacuum lifters are not only maintenance-free but also easy to regulate. The vacuum pump starts, stops, and runs at regulated RPM’s depending on the level of vacuum required in the vacuum tank. The on-demand running electric motor and vacuum pump reduces the combination’s running hours by 75% – 90%, which also reduces maintenance and energy waste.
The lowest total cost of ownership
Field experience has shown that the pump’s running hours are reduced up to 90%, extending the pump’s maintenance intervals and reducing maintenance costs by the same factor. Eliminating the combustion engine also eliminates refueling, air- and fuel filter replacement and engine oil replacement. Another major benefit is that the electric motor is maintenance-free.
The increased reliability of the electric driven vacuum lifter results in maximum productivity and less chance of downtime. All of Vlentec’s vacuum pipe lifters have also undergone further improvements, reducing the Total Cost of Ownership, including:
- 2-stage air filtration in which the first stage is equipped with an air filter that can be blown or washed clean and makes replacement redundant.
- Maintenance-free vacuum valve.
- Extra durable rubber seal, specifically developed for pipe lifting and fitted in a smooth profile to improve the seal life.
- No gearboxes or belts are used between the motor/engine and pump. Resulting in less energy loss and significantly less maintenance.
Safe working enviroment
The silent vacuum pipe lifter increases site safety as warning systems are better heard and staff can communicate with ease. The vacuum lifter produces zero emissions and does not require refueling, resulting in a healthier working environment for staff members. With the electrification of the Vlentec vacuum pipe lifters, mechanical components have been replaced by digital components, such as vacuum pressure switches and controllers. This switches the status lights and alarms more precisely. The operator can also read the vacuum pressure on his remote-controlled handset, eliminating the need to focus on the lifter-mounted vacuum gauges.
As with all Vlentec vacuum pipe lifters, the alarm system runs on an individual 24Vdc power supply. In case of power loss from the excavator, the backup batteries ensure that the safety systems work in all circumstances and that there is sufficient vacuum available in the large tank.
Reliable machines, low operational costs
With many electric vacuum pipe lifters already in the field and operating in all kinds of environments, the technology has proven to be extremely reliable. Besides supplying reliable equipment our clients can also count on our transparency, prompt response and quick supply of equipment and service (parts). We are proud to offer contractors vacuum pipe lifters that not only improve their site safety and reduce environmental impact, but also reduce operational costs and downtime on their pipeline projects.
