This article is to introduce the application of vacuum pumps for brick making.
The bricks are often made from fired clay. After the raw materials are crushed and grinded, they are sent to the brick shaping process – extrusion, molding, or pressing. The first process is the most common forming method.
The pulverized materials and water (in the range of 10 to 15%) are fed into one end of a pug mill. Such clay mass consists of a lot of air (7-10%), which reduces the plasticity of the clay. The blend is then fed into an extruder at the other end of the mill. Usually, the extruder consists of two chambers: The first chamber removes air from the ground clay with a vacuum and the second chamber is a high-pressure cylinder to compact the material. (Reference: How Products are Made)
The first de-airing chamber that maintains a vacuum of 500 – 960 mbar is supported by a vacuum pump, which removes air holes (down to 0.5-1%) and bubbles to increase the strength of the clay greatly to prevent cracking and other defects.
For brick making, the vacuum pumps play an important role. Traditionally, a liquid ring vacuum pump is used for such a vapory and dusty environment. However, not all customers are satisfied with this type of vacuum pump. Liquid ring pump has some shortages: low power efficiency, low ultimate pressure and water-based operation.
Here’s a more expensive but in the long run up to 50% cost-saving solution. Replace the liquid ring pump with an oil-sealed rotary screw vacuum pump.
Click HERE to learn more about oil-sealed rotary screw vacuum pump.
Coolink, a TOP 3 Global HVAC Vacuum Pump Manufacturer & Quality Industrial Vacuum Pump Supplier from China