Delta NEU

Vacuum Conveyors in the Can Making Industry

Photos courtesy of Stolle Conveying Systems

Transporting the cans through the production stages is done using an extensive network of belt conveyors. In steel cans, these are magnetic, enabling the cans to rise from one level to another when required, however for the more common aluminium can today, they are vacuum conveyors, where a porous material is used and air drawn through the belt holds the can to the surface. The vacuum for these conveyors requires careful design to cover a full complement of cans, when most of the belt surface is covered, to a partial covering, when there are open sections of belt where air can easily pass. In connection with the vacuum fans for this duty, the air also draws surface oil from the can surface which must be filtered in an oil mist system.

The characteristic of the fans required for this application by the conveyor manufacturers is exacting, based on the size of the can, conveyor length and the porosity of the belting used. We work closely with all parties involved in the plant design to ensure each fan selection is correct.

Due to the coating of oil film on the can surface, from the bodymaking process, the air drawn from the conveyors contains a small quantity of the oil which needs to be filtered. The Delta NEU Oilpack is designed for this duty however, as the air is usually fully recycled into the factory, a third level of filtration is added to the standard and high efficiency filters to meet the requirement.