Based on experience collected over the years through numerous projects in collaboration with companies involved in gas pipeline commissioning, Pneumofore has designed the ultimate vacuum system, which has higher capacity, is completely air cooled, and compact for easy transportation in a 20ft container.
TransAsia Pipeline Services, which has offices in the United Arab Emirates and India, ordered four vacuum systems of Pneumofore’s latest pumps generation with an enlarged capacity at 400V, 60Hz of 3,000m³/hr [1,768cfm] and a Dew point of -20°C [-4°F]. The new vacuum system designation is UV16 H IC B3000B VS11 HC S.
Air-cooled, ready-to-use vacuum solution
This recent order follows previous deliveries of two-stage vacuum systems, engineered by Pneumofore with rotary vane technology as a backing pump with 1,000m³/hr [590cfm] and roots as second stage.
The second stage is equipped with a variable-speed drive (VS) of 11kW nominal power, for operation starting at 500mbar(a), increasing slowly up to full capacity at 20mbar(a). This simple, sturdy construction with minimal power supply need is fully air cooled with a tailored lubrication system using oil / air heat exchangers and fans for operation in hot climates (HC version) with up to 55°C [131°F] ambient temperature.
The systems are ready to use, with all devices installed on-board in a heavy-duty frame. The strong cabin, containing both vacuum stages, electrical power and control panel, and the entire cooling system, can be moved alone or packed in a container. Basic thermodynamic calculations with consideration of practical machine operation for the fast pipeline commissioning, result in the vacuum being the preferred solution compared with super-dry compressed air and previously used liquid ring vacuum systems.
The cost of equipment, its power need, handling / transportation based on weight and size, as well as pipeline drying duration with the large vacuum flow rate, is the criteria applied in the choice of vacuum equipment for the pipeline drying purpose. The unique feature of Pneumofore vacuum systems is the extraordinary capacity of UV H pumps to evacuate water vapour, continuously, in large amounts.
Technical specifications of the latest vacuum system
- Capacity 3,000m³/hr [1,768cfm]; vacuum 0,04mbar(a) [29,913 inHg V]
- Adsorbed total power 36kW [48hp], nominal total power 41kW [55hp]
- Hot climate version with larger motor drives and cooling fans
- Total dimensions: 2,300mm x 1,650mm x 2,030mm; weight of 1,800kg
- Evacuation time of 34,000kg of water from a volume of 102,000m³ using four systems, is seven days