Air-powered vacuum pumps, also called vacuum generators, rely on a high-velocity compressed air stream to develop negative pressure or vacuum between nozzles. Any exhaust back pressure reduces the pressure differential across the venturi nozzles, resulting in decreased efficiency. The maximum attainable vacuum level can easily be decreased by 1 to 3” Hg if exhaust backpressure is present. The vacuum rate will also be degraded.

Vacuum pumps are ideal for pick and place applications because they are so simple to control. To pick a part, the pump air-supply is switched on to generate vacuum. To place the part, the pump air supply is switched off to stop airflow through the nozzles, allowing atmospheric air to enter the exhaust and flow back through the nozzles and into the vacuum system. This process dissipates vacuum and releases the part. However, this also releases a large amount of noise, disrupting workflow and sometimes proving hazardous to workers.

The solution? High-quality, durable, industrial vacuum pump exhaust silencers from EDCO.

What are silencers?

When vacuum pumps are in use, the produced exhaust noise can cause potential problems for workers and disruptions to the efficiency of your industrial application. A vacuum pump exhaust silencer or muffler is an industrial vacuum system component that dampens the noise produced by vacuum pump exhaust processes.

What types of silencers are available?

Conventional Pneumatic Vacuum Pump Silencers

A conventional pneumatic vacuum pump muffler relies on screens, baffles, and filter-type media to restrict exhaust flow. The exhaust flow is released to atmosphere over an extended period to make the exhaust quieter. A restrictive muffler works well for air cylinders that suddenly dump large volumes of high-pressure air when the directional valve shifts.

However, restrictive mufflers should not be used for air-powered vacuum pumps. Sintered bronze or plastic mufflers are highly restrictive, and their sole advantage is low cost.

Straight-Thru Vacuum Pump Silencers

A straight-thru silencer allows pump exhaust flow to continue expanding, quieting exhaust without producing any back pressure. The situation differs significantly from an air-powered cylinder because the compressed air expands while passing through the pump nozzles, generating vacuum so pressure at the nozzle exhaust is lower. The pressure is lowered further by continued expansion within a straight-thru silencer to result in a quieter exhaust.

A reliable rule of thumb is that, with a straight-thru vacuum pump silencer, it takes twice as long to dissipate vacuum and release a part as it does to evacuate the system to pick up the part. If a conventional vacuum pump muffler is used instead of a straight-thru silencer, the muffler media restricts atmospheric air entry, resulting in a much slower part release. If your application involves air-powered vacuum pumps, always use a straight-thru silencer. A straight-thru exhaust silencer will not work well with cylinders. Cylinders create no back pressure and thus will not be any better than an open exhaust port.

How do I choose the best silencer for my application?

Not sure which type of vacuum pump silencer or muffler is best for you? EDCO is an expert source for information about high-quality vacuum products made in America and for the American market. Besides assisting you in finding the best vacuum pump exhaust silencer, we design, manufacture, and document the performance of every vacuum component we produce. This process ensures you get the very best products and services.