we have a 5x12 router we keep its grid down to 4x8 so we can keep parts held to the table tighter some parts still seem to move , would like to be able to use the whole table at times we currently have 2 Becker rotary vane pumps vtlf series pump 6.6 kw and 1 10hp liquid ring pump we added later, would like to go to one pump that would do the job of all 3 Beckers have new vanes in them and are pulling about 25hg when tested with a gauge we are located in Texas think we are about725ft above sea level, what are the best options I have spoke to a few salesman and opinions are all over the place that why I'm looking for end user opinions, What matters cfm? liquid ring, regenerative blower, rotary screw? any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have not used a rotary vane type pump for over 25 years. I am using two liquid ring pumps from Travaini. 1st one is almost 24 years old and running well for about a shift per day. Newer one is 6 years old. Both are 40h.p. and I really have no complaints on ability to hold parts. We do keep them out of the dust in separate rooms. I did have thermal alarms on the old one until we increased air flow and exhusted the heat build up in the room that it ended up in. Aside from that, with occaisional maintenance, it just keeps running.

We ran two Beckers and had issues. We moved to a 30 hp rotary screw and it holds well. CFM is what you are after.

I think liquid ring or rotary screw are the way to go.

In my experience as a technician and a sales rep, I have worked with and sold most types of vacuum pumps. The Rotary Screw and the Liquid Ring are the top two in my opinion. Keep the filters clean, service them regularly, and allow good airflow around the pump for cooling and they will last a long time. I can put you in touch with a person in Texas if you want.

keep in mind if you go liquid ring it is very expensive per year to use if you are a small shop like myself. you have to service it annualy & that includes filters of air & oil + you have to use certified compnay to service until warranty is done.. it runs anywhere from $ 2200.00 to $2500.00 just to service it annualy. if i were doing it again i would definately try rotary. i had just a plain old blower type before i changed & i think it actaully held parts better & if material was warped the blower would do better at pulling them down & holding. so saying all that i would recommend seeing what annual maintenance is on the others. the blower pump i had was oil change annualy & that oi is very reasonable.

this liquid ring service a year ago was much more expensive
pump oil $898 15 gal
1 filter $ 536 seperator
filter $33. air
filter $84 air
filter $ 91. oil
mileage $114
labor $ 294
tax 153.82

be wise & do much more research than i did for sure

mike

Service it yourself.

Dropout,
I agree. We do the service ourselves as well. Filters, oil, whatever. We change it when necessary. Over 20 years of service and I'm not complaining. Noted, we did have a guy that retired from Travaini, or one of their service companies come in to do some upgrades, but that is different. One shot deal 4 or 5 years ago.

Hi Rodney,

I've carefully reviewed your and everyone's discussion. Your core requirements (integrating equipment, improving overall table suction power, and controlling long-term costs) are very clear, and the long-term usage experience and real-world cost data shared by Mike, Bill, and others are invaluable for decision-making. My suggestions are based on these "end-user opinions."

Core Comparison of Mainstream Options:
The current discussion focuses on two types of pumps, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

Liquid Ring Pump: The advantages are extremely high reliability and long lifespan (as Mike mentioned, nearly 24 years), and it's not sensitive to dust. The challenge is that annual maintenance costs may be higher (as detailed in another Mike's bill), and it is highly dependent on a good cooling and clean environment.

Rotary Screw Pump: Several users have reported excellent suction capacity (CFM), and maintenance is relatively simpler. Initial investment and long-term maintenance costs need to be specifically evaluated.

In addition, some members mentioned that regenerative blowers may have unique advantages in handling slightly warped panels, which is worth considering.

Key Action Recommendations for You:
To make the best decision for your needs, I recommend focusing on the following points when communicating with suppliers:

Quantify your real needs: Calculate the maximum grid leakage area when using the entire 5x12 foot table and determine the critical vacuum level required to reliably hold the parts. This is the basis for determining the required CFM.

Compare total cost of ownership: Ask suppliers to provide a detailed list of estimated annual maintenance and parts prices, and clarify which maintenance tasks can be performed in-house. Also, compare the energy consumption differences of different pumps in your specific environment.

Consider the Texas environment: You must plan for a separate, well-ventilated, and low-temperature installation space for the pump, and pay close attention to intake filtration, which is crucial for the pump's lifespan in a hot and dusty environment.

Summary: There is no single best pump, only the pump that best matches your specific processing situation, workshop environment, and overall budget. I suggest you use the above points to request written performance calculations and total cost analysis from suppliers for your specific working conditions, and try to contact local users with similar applications to get real-world feedback.

I hope this concise framework will help you make an effective decision. Good luck!