Proportional Valve for Electronically Adjustable Vacuum Generation

Traditional vacuum generation results in two fixed levels – either fully on or fully off. Proportional pneumatics provide infinitely adjustable vacuum levels, delivering only what is need for a particular object’s weight, porosity and surface finish. Rather than being restricted to the maximum amount of air, proportional pneumatics reduce air consumption, saving both energy and money.

Unlike manual flow controls, the vacuum level can also be adjusted mid-cycle. An initial spike in vacuum can be used to pick up a product, with an immediate reduction taking place after it is secured in order to reduce air consumption. When setting the object back down, the process can take place gently, with a slow reduction in vacuum level to handle delicate objects with care.

Beyond these savings, the ability to adjust vacuum level from the PLC/HMI enables machine designers to make exact adjustments on the fly without having to shut down a machine. The result is quicker changeovers between different products, increased safety by not having to climb in/on a machine and the ability to remotely access these adjustments. In the following video, the flow through remote vacuum ejector is proportionally controlled using an Enfield PFV valve, showing the ease at which this level of functionally can be added to an existing setup or new design.