Vacuum pumps cope with harsh industrial applications

Paul Boughton

BOC Edwards is extending its range of high-speed, high-capacity dry vacuum pumps with the launch of the IDX1000. Based on the company's third-generation double-ended screw technology, the pump is designed to provide reliable operation and low cost-of-ownership in harsh industrial applications such as metallurgy and roll coating.

Designed as a adry' system, the IDX1000 has no lubricants under vacuum. This means there is no possibility of process contamination which can occur both within the oil -- which affects the performance of the pump -- or, in some extreme cases, the final product.
The IDX1000 also reduces environmental impact, as regular replacement of contaminated oil is not equired -- thereby eliminating the need to dispose of oil in line with, often costly, environmental guidelines.
Traditionally demanding processes, such as steel degassing, involve large chambers that require a fast pump-down speed to reach the target pressure quickly. The IDX1000's 950m3/h capacity, combined with its dust handling capabilities, are suitable for these harsh industrial applications. On particularly dusty applications a range of filter options is available to complement main system separation.
Traditional screw designs suffer from problems created by axial forces on the bearing, particularly when handling liquid slugs or viscous oils and tars. But the IDX1000 bearing and gearbox lubrication system uses cooled, filtered oil and the double-ended design, which forms part of BOC Edwards' third-generation screw technology, eliminates the axial forces. The result is extended bearing life and, in case of process upset, excellent liquid handling capability.
The new IDX1000 complements BOC Edwards' extensive range of vacuum pumps and follows the CDX1000 for chemical applications.

For more information, visit www.bocedwards.com

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