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50 years of practice moving plastics.

Since their introduction, Chem-Vac® pneumatic conveyors continue proving themselves as reliable workhorses transferring plastics day after day in demanding industrial environments.

Transfer from railcars to bulk trailers or silos fast and with confidence – ChemVac’s exclusive air cooling technology keeps your plastics ‘cool under pressure’™.

No job is too big or too small. Use a Chem-Vac for transfers to/from gaylord boxes, bagging stations, bins, silos, and sea bulk containers.

Starting with a standard configuration, Chem-Vacs wide range of features and options allow you to order a system tailor made to your specifications.

Fixed platform, trailer, and truck-mounted versions are available.

Whether moving pellets or powders, a Chem-Vac will do the job safely, quickly, and conveniently.

Complete our Online Planning Questionnaire to determine which model is right for you.

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Models

 

Chem-Vacs from 15,000 to 135,000 lbs/hr.

With four models to choose from, there’s a Chem-Vac just right for you.

Plastic Conveyor, ChemVac pneumatic conveyors

Chem-Vac Model 40

High Transfer Rates

Fast conveying gives you the advantage of meeting your deadlines, saving time and money. With capacities ranging from 15,000 to 135,000 pounds per hour conveying plastic pellets, you can select a system that best meets your requirements.

Low Temperature Conveying

Dual positive displacement air pumps (Models 100, 150, & 200)- one for vacuum and one for pressure – deliver new levels of performance at much lower temperatures. And if transferring heat sensitive plastics is part of your operation, our in-line air-to-air heat exchanger is available to further cool the conveying stream. Cool transfer, even over long distances, is now possible with a new Chem-Vac. Chem-Vac Model 40

Clean Conveying

The machine cyclone and patented air filtration system are designed for quick and easy disassembly for inspection, rinsing and washing. Interior contact surfaces are smooth to facilitate easy clean-out. System cleaning is typically completed in 20 minutes, returning your Chem-Vac to operation with minimal downtime. Integral to the Chem-Vac is our patented bagless air filtration system. There are no messy filter bags to remove and clean each time you switch bulk material. The air filtration canisters provide fast, easy clean-out with quick dumping, full port tops and bottoms. Our attention to detail in design and manufacturing helps ensure that the bulk material transferred with a Chem-Vac stays clean.

Portable, Flexible, Versatile

Chem-Vac conveyors are available in a variety of portable configurations. Highway legal towable versions complete with brakes, lights, tandem leaf-spring axles, expanded metal deck and ball or pintle hitch offer superior transportability. Heavy-duty 4-wheel towable chassis or fork-lift base mounted versions are available for terminal or rail yard use. Ease of portability means not only quick set-up but the added bonus of flexibility. If you need to convey material at one location or many, it’s simple to move your Chem-Vac to the job site.

Simple, One-Man Operation

One person can move a Chem-Vac into position, set up and be ready for bulk transfer in minutes.

Flexible stainless steel piping with camlock couplers connect quickly without tools. Machine controls and gauges are located for convenient operator access.

Reliable, Dependable

Although the new high performance Chem-Vac offers many advanced features, we didn’t forget that maintaining simplicity of design and attention to quality means better reliability. The new Chem-Vac gives you both – advanced features and simple design — in one system, backed up by our toll-free customer support line.

Tailored To Fit Your Requirements

Chem-Vacs are available with a variety of power sources. Machine controls can be configured to meet your exacting requirements. All contact components are available in heavy-duty stainless steel for the most demanding applications. The air filtration system of the Chem-Vac can be tailored to the properties of specific materials such as plastic pellets or powders. Our unique folding truck loading kit with discharge cyclone sets up quickly for top loading bulk trailers. If you need to fill a bulk trailer from the rear, or fill silos directly from railcars, the truck loading kit is easily by-passed with a direct pressure fill connection. Discharge booms are available to speed pipe set-up and optimize performance. To provide an attractive and durable finish all painted machine components are sandblasted and coated with a lustrous polyurethane coating.

Cost Effective Bulk Transfer

The new Chem-Vac conveyors deliver high-capacity transfer and cool operation. They are versatile, efficient and reliable from start-up to shutdown, providing a cost effective solution for your bulk transfer needs. Contact us to get the facts and start saving money in your bulk handling operation today!

Features and Options

 

To be the best you have to be different

Plastic Conveyor, ChemVac pneumatic conveyors

Chem-Vacs include the following features unless noted as an option:

Air Filtration System – AFS (standard)
and Secondary AFS (optional)

Plastic Conveyor, ChemVac pneumatic conveyors

Two stage AFS shown is available in stainless steel (optional).

Plastic Conveyor, ChemVac pneumatic conveyors

The AFS removes a majority of the larger dust particles from the air stream that is sucked back into the air pump. Highly efficient and virtually maintenance-free except for periodic dumping. A secondary AFS is available (optional) and is strongly recommended when conveying powders.

Airlock

Designed for plastics conveying.

Special features include:

  • Drop-through design. Blow-through design available (optional).
  • Heavy-duty cast iron housing for better rigidity and strength.
  • Extra-large throat for maximum through-put and minimized product bridging.
  • Angled housing for reduced torque rotor turning.
  • Reversible hydraulic or electric (optional) drive with overload protection
  • Open end style rotor with beveled rotor blades.
  • Outboard bearings on endplates.


Airlock – Stainless Steel Airlock
or Chrome Hardened (optional)

ChemVac Airlock plastic conveyor

A popular option with Chem-Vac owners is our stainless steel airlock.

Stainless steel airlocks offer:

  • Superior durability and longevity.
  • Superior rust and corrosion resistance.
  • Reduced cleaning time when switching bulk materials.

Alternatively for extra wear resistance, order a chrome hardened version of the standard cast iron airlock (optional).

Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger (optional)

ChemVac Exchanger plastic conveyor

Only Chem-Vac offers an integral high capacity air-to-air heat exchanger for conveying temperature sensitive plastics.

Connected to the pressure side of the machine, the heat exchanger reduces typical conveying stream temperatures by about 25° F. Used in conjunction with dual air pumps, the heat exchanger makes Chem-Vac the coolest pneumatic conveyor available.

Also included:

  • Secondary pressure silencer.
  • Heat exchanger inlet and outlet temperature gauges.

BlowerGard™ Filtration with MicroTube™ Filters & VibraShaker™ Cleaning System (optional)

ChemVac BlowerGard 218

BlowerGard™ Filtration is the first commercially available positive filtration system designed for high dust load applications. Using an array of MicroTube™ filters, BlowerGard™ blocks about 99.97% of the abrasive dust particles*. The exclusive VibraShaker™ cleans the MicroTube™ filters quickly and efficiently by shaking the dust off the filters and back into the bulk material.

Benefits

  • Increases blower life due to nearly 100% filtering efficiency.
  • Convey a wide range of dusty bulk materials,
  • without abrasive wear to the blower.
  • Maintains more consistent conveying capacities over time
  • because blower performance remains steady.
  • Decreases power requirements. BlowerGard filtration is
  • up to 35% more energy efficient!

ChemVacs

MicroTube™ filters capture abrasive and sticky dust before it enters the blower.

Camlock Coupled Lower TLK Elbow (optional)

ChemVac
The camlock coupled lower TLK elbow easily detaches without tools for applications where the truck loading kit is not required – like filling bins and silos, or long horizontal transfers.

Camlock couplers ensure positive alignment and sealing
at every pipe connection.

Chassis – Highway Towable Trailer (optional)

ChemVac on Towable Trailer Portable

If you need to transport your Chem-Vac to multiple sites, the highway legal trailer is a cost effective alternative to truck mounting.

Features:

  • Expanded metal deck surface
  • Tail lights and reflectors
  • Brakes
  • Ball or pintle hitch
  • Fenders
  • Stabilizer jacks (hand crank)


Chassis – Truck Mount (optional)

ChemVac Truck Mounted

All styles of Chem-Vac chassis are constructed of heavy-duty steel, sandblasted and painted with long-lasting top quality polyurethane coating for a durable, attractive finish.

Truck Mounted

For the ultimate self-contained mobile plastics conveyor, have your Chem-Vac factory mounted on a truck chassis. Contact us before you order a new truck – we can help.

Discharge Cyclones (optional)

ChemVacs

20″ and 24″ discharge cyclones available.

20″ unlined discharge cyclone.

  • Carbon steel or stainless steel
  • Barrel liner only or barrel and cone liner for 20″ discharge cyclone (optional).

24″ unlined discharge cyclone.

  • Carbon steel or stainless steel.
  • Barrel liner only or barrel and cone liner for 24″ discharge cyclone (optional).

Rubber outlet boots gently direct material flow to discharge
in a tight pattern.

  • 9″ rubber discharge boot for 20″ discharge cyclone (optional).
  • 11″ rubber discharge boot for 24″ discharge cyclone (optional).


Discharge Support Boom (optional)

Plastic Conveyor, ChemVac pneumatic conveyors

For faster and easier pressure piping set-up and control.
Hand winch operated.

Dual Air Pumps (Chem-Vac 100, 150, 200)

Plastic Conveyor, ChemVac pneumatic conveyors
Two industrial positive displacement (PD) air pumps driven off a single direct coupled shaft. One pump is dedicated to
vacuum and the other to pressure.

Advantages:

  • Significantly higher performance.
  • Significantly reduced conveying stream temperatures.
  • Quieter operation.
  • Extends operating life of each air pump due to reduced loading.


Final Filter Canisters (optional)

Plastic Conveyor, ChemVac pneumatic conveyors

Final filter canisters are available for both the pressure and vacuum side of the conveying system. Highly recommended when conveying plastic powders or when machine is equipped with
stainless steel contact parts.

High Clearance TLK (optional)

When loading into extra high trucks, an extended truck loading kit with 13’6″ of clearance is available.

Hour Meter (optional)

Timely service of your Chem-Vac extends its life and helps maintain optimum performance.

Track Chem-Vac operating time with the hour meter – also great for rental or custom transfer work.

Operating Gauges

ChemVac Gauges plastic conveyor

Easy to read vacuum gauge allows the operator to monitor machine operation.

Piping: 4, 5, or 6″ – (optional)

ChemVac Piping218 plastic conveyor

Easy to handle 4, 5 or 6″ piping, with camlock couplers, gives you perfect alignment and positive seal at every connection. No loose clamps or gaskets. Recommended piping packages and center bin unloading nozzles are available. Also complete piping systems available for bins or silos, large or small.

Power – Diesel or Electric

ChemVac Power Diesel218 plastic conveyor

Chem-Vacs feature powerful Caterpillar® diesel engines (standard). Other brand engines are optional. (Model 40 uses different engines)

Fuel efficient and water-cooled. Features:

  • Dual element air filter system
  • Engine shroud (optional)
  • City critical exhaust muffler (optional).
  • Engine speed control remote pendant (optional).

Diesel and gasoline powered Chem-Vacs include:

  • 60 gallon (227 liters) fuel tank with gauge
  • Safety instrumentation in a lockable enclosure.
  • Murphy oil/temp shut-down switches.

Power – Electric Motor (optional)

ChemVac Power Electric
All Chem-Vacs are available with full electric power (optional). Motors are TEFC, 3 Phase, 60 Hz, 230 Volt (other specs also available upon request).

Control Panel (optional) – Y-Delta, NEMA 4 Enclosure with Start & Stop Buttons, Volt Meter, Hour Meter. Also available with IEC rated starter.

  • Air pump coupled directly to belt driven jackshaft from electric motor.
  • Side-loading of the blower shaft and bearings is eliminated.

Self-contained Hydraulic System

ChemVac Self Contained Hydraulics Plastic conveyor
On diesel and gasoline powered units, ChemVac’s self-contained hydraulic system provides power for the airlock, truck loading kit ram (if equipped), vacuum breaker (if equipped) and other equipment (if equipped).

Comes complete with:

  • Gauge
  • Filter
  • Reservoir tank

Silencers

ChemVac Silencer

Vacuum and pressure silencers for reduced noise levels during operation. Heavy-duty construction with patented features.

Swivel Cyclone

Plastic Conveyor, ChemVac pneumatic conveyors
Main machine receiving cyclone for plastics and vacuum intake. Acts as primary centrifugal bulk material/air separator.

  • Quick and easy access cover for clean out.
  • 270° rotation/positioning – set your intake pipe in best position for job.
  • Integrated self-cleaning stainless steel backup filter screen.
  • Stainless steel version (optional).

Swivel Cyclone Liners (optional)

For abrasive materials or high volume users, barrel and cone wear liners are available for the main machine swivel cyclone.

Swivel Truck-Loading-Kit (TLK)

ChemVac Swivel Truck Loading Kit
Swivel Truck-Loading-Kit (TLK) allows truck loading from the side, corner, or rear of the machine.

Raised and lowered via a handy crank winch, the TLK uses heavy-duty bearings for stability during unloading.

Features:

  • Standard truck loading clearance of 12′ 2″.
  • 360° rotational movement.
  • Locking safety pin for storage and transport.
  • Hydraulic powered version to raise and lower at touch of a lever (optional).

Vacuum Breaker

ChemVac Breakers by Christianson Systems

Interrupt conveying without shutting off the ChemVac or removing the nozzle from the bulk material.

Touch a lever to hydraulically actuate a valve that allows by-pass air into the system – breaking vacuum to the intake nozzle.

Great for loading trucks and a big timer saver.

Piping and Accessories

Increase productivity with Chem-Vac piping & accessories.

Make sure you have the right piping and accessories to tackle your next Chem-Vac project. Choose from a wide range of
flexible and straight pipes, couplers, adapters, and nozzles.

Install permanent piping in your plant, at your rail car unloading site, or any place you want to increase productivity.

Adapters


Adapters are required for coupling flexible rubber or flexible metal piping. An exclusive Seedcuff™ version for metal flex provides a smoother transition for gentler material handling.

Available with Male or Female Camlock Coupler.
Available as Stub or Seedcuff only without coupler.

Bin and Silo Piping

Plumb your bins and silos for fast and easy filling.

1 – Bin Cyclone

3 – 30 degree Elbow

4 – 60 degree Elbow

5 – 90 degree Elbow

6 – Straight Pipe

7 – Compression Couplers

8 – Bin Brackets

9 – Adapter w/Camlock Coupler

10 – 90 degree Elbow and Flex

Couplers – Camlock

Camlock couplers connect in seconds without separate clamps or bolts. Proper pipe alignment and a good vacuum or pressure seal is assured.

When used with galvanized or stainless steel flex pipe, camlock couplers ensure the correct direction of bulk material flow, improving your vac’s performance and minimizing pipe wear.

Camlock couplers typically are reusable if your flex requires replacement. Reinstall the used camlock couplers on your new flex pipe and you’re set.

Camlock couplers can be used on all makes and models of pneumatic conveyors – just contact us to quote a retrofit!

Couplers – Compression


Use compression couplers to butt-connect straight pipe or stubs. They are commonly used for bin and silo plumbing installations and are available in virtually any diameter. Compression couplers feature a heavy rubber gasket, steel inner sleeve and bolted compression for solid connections

Couplers – Quick-Clamp

The quick clamp with J-hook quickly and securely connects 1″ or 1-1/4″ angle-flanged piping. Many older vacs use flanged steel pipes, especially in diameters of 8″ or greater.

Couplers – Quick-On

Quick-On couplers are very handy for pipe connections requiring frequent access or disconnection.

Featuring an integral hand tightening screw, quick-on couplers can be installed without tools. Each coupler comes standard with a gasket.

Nozzles – Straight

The aluminum straight nozzles feature 360 degree handle and an adjustable air door. A male camlock coupler welded on one end is used for quick attachment to flex piping.

Available with a detachable cleanup head with skids or wheels for easier nozzle handling. Also uses detachable Bell end for improved performance.

Nozzles – Removable Cleanup Head and Bell

For cleanup applications use the detachable flat nozzle with wheels.

For better performance, be sure to use a Bell end on your nozzle to increase bulk material uptake.

 

Nozzles – Adjustable

Reduce stress on your lower back with this adjustable cleanup nozzle. Its ergonomic design allows various adjustments to accommodate your height.

Hand grips are placed for maximum comfort. Moving on a dual set of wheels and at just 18 LBS, this lightweight nozzle is easy to handle. Its wide head allows for maximum cleanup efficiency

Piping – Aluminum – Straight


Use heavy-duty aluminum pipe that is lightweight yet strong and lasts. Available with camlock couplers for fast and easy pipe connection.

4″=.072″ Wall Thickness, 5″=.078″ Wall Thickness, 6″=.083″ Wall Thickness

Flex Pipe

Flex Pipe Guide

Tip!  Extend the life of
your flex – rotate 90° frequently.

 Flex Only

Flex
+ Carbon Steel Ends

Flex
+ Carbon Steel Ends
+ Swivel
Flex
+ Carbon Steel Ends
+ Camlock Couplers		 Flex
+ Carbon Steel Ends
+ Reducer
+ Camlock Couplers
Flex
+ Carbon Steel Ends
+ Swivel
+ Camlock Couplers

Flex
+ Carbon Steel Ends
+ Swivel
+ Reducer
+ Camlock Couplers

Piping – Flex – Galvanized Steel


Constructed of hot dipped galvanized carbon steel strip for greater protection from weathering, this .019″ thick galvanized flex pipe stands up in tough conveying environments. Its high-temperature packing virtually eliminates air leaks and provides the high capacities=

Piping – Flex – Galvanized Steel with Stainless Steel Liner


Constructed of hot dipped galvanized carbon steel strip and lined with 302 stainless steel, this flex measures .038″ thick. It is designed to withstand the most grueling applications. It features high-temperature packing and an Easyflo™ smooth bore to minimize grain damage and reduce conveying friction. Also yields higher capacities, greater pipe strength and a longer service life.

Piping – Flex – Stainless Steel

Tackle your toughest applications with the most flexible and easy to handle metal flex. Constructed entirely of 302 stainless steel, this flex is contamination and corrosion resistant. More durable than galvanized flex pipe, its high-temperature packing virtually eliminates air leaks and provides optimum performance.

Piping – Flex – Rubber – Standard 

A compound rubber flex formulated to dissipate static electricity and constructed with a rigid PVC helix. The standard rubber flex is lighter and more flexible, making it best suited for clean-up applications.

Piping – Elbows

Use with compression couplers to butt-connect to straight pipe, another elbow or stubs. Also available with camlock couplers attached.

Elbows are commonly used for bin and silo plumbing installations. All elbows are steel grit blasted, primed, and painted.

Available in 15, 30, 45 ,60 and 90 degree bends.

Piping Packages

Contact us about recommended piping packages for your application. Our experienced staff will guide you through a piping selection process that best fits your needs.

Railcar Adapters

Railcar adapters like the one shown make it easy to hook-up and start unloading with a Chem-Vac.

Reducers


Carbon steel reducers provide a smooth transition between two different pipe diameters. Available in numerous configurations with or without camlock couplers attached.

Parts, Services and Support

Chem-Vac doctors on call.

Whether it’s routine maintenance for youChemVac Parts and Supportr Chem-Vac or a complete rebuild of your older vac, we’ve got the facilities and experience to support you. We service all types, makes and models of vacs.

Call us today for:

  • Airlock tip adjustment
  • Airlock rebuilding and exchange
  • Air pump rebuilding and exchange
  • Seasonal inspection and tune-up
  • Vac rebuilding
  • Vac truck mounting

Safety

Safety Notice – Important – Read This!

Entering a bin, silo, tank or other type of storage structure is hazardousWorking in and around bins, silos, and tanks
Entering a bin, silo, tank or other type of storage structure is hazardous. You can suffocate and die from the materials stored inside these structures. There also may be explosive, harmful or poisonous gas or dust in the air. A vac operator and all other personnel assisting should strictly adhere to the procedures outlined in “Bin, Silo, and Tank Entry Procedures” before entering a storage structure. For additional details regarding these procedures, reference OSHA Standards.

When entering grain tanks, bins, and silos, also follow these tips – “Bin Entry Do’s and Don’ts” from the Kansas Grain and Feed Association’s Safety, Health and Environment Committee.

 

it is your responsibility to read, understand and follow all of the safety instructions in your operator’s manual
Working with and around your vac
Before using your vac, it is your responsibility to read, understand and follow all of the safety instructions in your operator’s manual. Also make sure that EVERYONE operating or near your vac understands and follows all of the safety instructions in the manual.

Remember, a safety-minded, informed operator is the most important safety aspect of your vac. Accidents can be avoided. Do not risk injury or death — be certain that every operator of your vac is well acquainted with all the safety recommendations and operating instructions in the manual. Read “Vac Safety Guidelines”

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