WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT
             VACUUM TANKERS........?



Vacuum works simply by extracting air from a closed container which causes a negative pressure in the
container, allowing water to replace it. This movement of air is accomplished by a vacuum pump. There are
several types of vacuum pumps. There are rotary vane, piston or displacement pumps. Care should be taken
that when comparing pumps it is done by the same rating standards.

Many factors comprise a vacuum system and need to be carefully considered.
  • The kind of vacuum / pressure pump
  • The CFM rating
  • The Pumps efficiency
  • Vacuum producing capacity
  • Recovery rate
  • Maintenance requirements
  • Cooling
  • Oiling
  • Warranty
  • The pump set up
  • Pump protection (shut off system)
  • Easily serviceable
  • Power Source and drive mechanism need to be the proper size with the capacity, strength and
    construction to provide the service needed for the varied conditions of fire service.

Another major component of a properly constructed vacuum system is the tank. Remember that marine grade
and aircraft grade aluminium corrode the same as any metal. Chlorinated water is highly corrosive and any
tank must be coated to protect against this corrosion and rust. The tank on a vacuum tanker should be a
round structure with dished heads constructed of strong enough material to withstand the vacuum force
placed upon it. The tank must be properly supported and mounted to reduce road stresses from affecting it.
Improper supports and lightweight material have been know to cause problems for fire fighting personnel.

Baffling within the tank is also a major factor in a vacuum tank. The baffles inside the tank should be able to
control the movement of water inside the tank and to also reinforce the tank against the vacuum force placed
on it. Flat pieces of metal inside the tank will do very little to prevent water swash or reinforce the tank.

Since a vacuum tank must be a totally closed system in order to build vacuum, a venting system must be
added in order to fill conventionally from a hydrant.

These are all things that should be considered and investigated when looking at a vacuum tanker.

Click on the link below to see how Firovac™ Power Systems
                     has addressed the above criteria.