Vacuum Conveyor suddenly decrease? Follow these four steps Before Taking Pipelines Apart

A sudden drop in suction is the most common issue with vacuum conveyors, but in most cases, it's not a big deal. Just follow these four steps to troubleshoot, you'll usually solve the problem without needing to disassemble any piping.

Step 1: Check the Air Supply

Make sure the main compressed air valve is fully open and the pressure is stable within the equipment's required range. The pneumatic valves and blowback system on the vacuum conveyor rely entirely on compressed air to operate. If the air pressure is too low, the valves won't open properly and the blowback won't have enough force, so suction will naturally drop. Many so-called "equipment failures" turn out to be nothing more than someone turning the main compressed air valve halfway closed. Also, check the oil-water separatorto see if it's full of water and if so, drain it. Moisture in the air can clog up the filter element.

Step 2: Check for Air Leaks

Use your hand to feel around all quick-connect fittings and the hopper door to check for any air leaks. Small leaks are hard to hear, but they can still prevent the system from building up proper vacuum pressure. Pay special attention to the sealing strip on the hopper door, check if it's worn out. Also make sure the O-rings on the quick-connect fittings aren't deformed or misaligned. Once you find the leak, reassemble the connection properly or replace the seal. Most suction issues are resolved at this step.

Step 3: Check the Filter Element

Open the top cover and inspect the surface of the filter element. If it's covered in a thick layer of powder that feels like mud when you touch it, the filter is completely clogged and needs to be removed for cleaning or replacement. At the same time, check the blowback system, watch during pulse blowback to see if air is actually blowing out from the inside of the filter. If not, the blowback air line is blocked or the solenoid valve is faulty. A clogged filter is the most common reason for reduced suction.

Step 4: Check the Piping

Look inside the conveying hose to see if material has built up and narrowed the pipe diameter. Squeeze the hose with your hand to feel for hard lumps inside. If there's a noticeable layer of material stuck to the wall, you'll need to remove it and clean or replace the hose. Also check the elbow joints, they're the most wear-prone areas. If they've worn through and are leaking air, or if the inner surface has become rough and is creating more resistance for the material, suction will be affected as well.