Unlike what is often thought, materials do not need to be perfectly flat. Also round and even architectural shapes can easily be handled by vacuum technology.
Vacuum lifting technology enables the lifting and turning of heavy products in one movement. In addition, concrete products can already be demoulded after 8 to 10 hours.
This vacuum lifter is able to lift steel plates of 45 tons by temperatures up to 200 °C!
To be able to use vacuum lifting technology the product you need to handle requires an airtight surface.
Vacuum handling is a unique lifting method. Lift, rotate, turn, and move a product without damage. The lifting capacity of a vacuum lifter can vary from 80 kg to as much as 80 tonnes, and even more! The possibilities of vacuum handling are practically endless.
The principle of vacuum lifting technology is simple. A suction pad is placed on a product and with a vacuum pump, the air is sucked out. This creates a vacuum in the space between the suction pad and the product. As a result, the pressure under the suction pad is lower than the outside pressure. Pushing the suction pad and the product firmly together. Enabling the possibility to lift products up to tens of tons!
The power of vacuum was first proven in 1654 by Otto von Guericke, the then Mayor of the German city of Magdeburg. He performed the famous experiment which is now known as the ‘Magdeburg hemispheres experiment’. Otto von Guericke designed the Magdeburg hemispheres to demonstrate the air pump he had invented and the concept of atmospheric pressure. The hemispheres are still used in education to illustrate the strength of air pressure.
The Magdeburg hemisphere experiment consisted of two large copper hemispheres with a diameter of approximately 50cm (20 inches) and the vacuum pump Otto von Guericke invented. One hemisphere was through a tube connection attached to the vacuum pump. The two hemispheres were held together and sealed with grease, after which the air was sucked out of the sphere, creating a vacuum on the inside. Even with on both sides fifteen horses in harness pulling the globe in opposite directions, it appeared impossible to separate the two halves. Now we know the force which needed to be countered was 20,000 N. The equivalent of a mass of 2 tons! Now you see why even 30 horses in total weren’t enough to separate the spheres.
All Aerolift vacuum lifting solutions are designed on the principle of the Magdeburg hemispheres. A suction pad of one square meter easily lifts products up to 4 tons!
Vacuum handling knows many applications. Aerolift specialises in vacuum lifting technology with a high vacuum. The vacuum lifter is provided with a vacuum pump and designed to hold the vacuum even in the situation of a power failure. Any product with an airtight product is lifted efficient and safe. The Aerolift vacuum lifters are used to handle precast concrete elements, tunnelling segments, metal plates, pipelines, paper reels, and wind energy.
Compared to other lifting methods, vacuum handling offers unique advantages. Resulting in more efficiency and safety.
Easy and fast
Reduced production costs
Safe
A vacuum lifter is a one-time investment. However, due to the high efficiency, the return on investment is achieved quickly. The complete handling operation is done by one person. Attaching, detaching, turning, and moving are done with a push of a button. Moreover, vacuum handling offers unique extra advantages for different industries. For example, for precast concrete elements, a vacuum lifter is not only used to lift and turn but also to demould. Curious about the advantages in your industry? Take a look at our industry pages.
Vacuum handling is in many situations a safer technology than conventional lifting systems. Attachment and detachment are done from a safe distance from the product. Reducing the risk to life and limb. And unlike conventional techniques using slings, chains, and hooks, an Aerolift vacuum lifter continuously monitors the safety status. Warning the operator if the vacuum level drops below 80% or if a power failure occurs. Moreover, the operator is able to read the vacuum value at all times. All Aerolift vacuum lifters are engineered and built to ensure that in the event of a technical failure the product stays attached safely for at least 20 minutes. Leaving sufficient time to take corrective measures and lower the product safely to floor level.
More about safe lifting by vacuumAerolift has a worldwide reputation to design outstanding and high-quality (vacuum) lifting solutions for a wide range of industries. A reputation, built on a wealth of experience, knowledge of many different industries, and the strength of innovative developments are reflected in custom-made lifting solutions which perfectly fit each specific situation. The developments make our products unique in the lifting industry:
For more information on vacuum handling and the possibilities, please contact our team of experts. We are happy to discuss your specific situation. Based on our highly advanced product knowledge, we are able to offer suitable lifting solutions for any industry. Aerolift has its own engineering department and production organisation. With the entire process in our own hands, we’re able to respond suitably to the most complex demands. All our vacuum lifters comply at a minimum with NEN-EN 13155 industry standards or in accordance with SGS, ABS, Lloyds TŰV, and others your preferred regulations. Feel free to contact us with further questions on vacuum lifting technology.
