Running cost
Up to five times more
Vacuum generators are, in general, less effective at pulling a vacuum and cost as much as five times more to operate than a dedicated vacuum pump.
Source: US DOE sourcebook (2016), Fact Sheet 2.
Packaging and automation equipment are among the uses of compressed air the US Department of Energy names, and its sourcebook says vacuum generators run on compressed air can cost as much as five times more to operate than a dedicated vacuum pump. Ultra Controlo distributes and services Elmo Rietschle vacuum pumps and blowers, which the maker lists for the packaging industry, and makes ULTRASEC and ULTRADRY dryers, which its brochure lists for packaging.
The US Department of Energy sourcebook, the Compressed Air Challenge, the FDA Food Code and US patents on packaging machines and blowers describe these uses.
Powering packaging and automation equipment and conveyors, among the uses of compressed air the DOE names.
Air is removed from the package and the package is hermetically sealed so that a vacuum remains inside, as the FDA Food Code defines it.
On thermoform packaging machines, especially for food, it is common practice to evacuate the filled package and supply a protective gas before sealing, per a 2020 US patent.
The DOE lists palletisers, de-palletisers, box makers, packaging equipment and automatic die-cutting equipment among the applications of vacuum generators.
A 2023 US patent lists vacuum packaging and packing equipment among the applications of regenerative blowers, also called side channel blowers.
The Compressed Air Challenge advises blowers instead of compressed air for cooling, aspirating, agitating, mixing or inflating packaging.
Sources: US DOE and Compressed Air Challenge sourcebook (2016), Section 1 and Fact Sheet 2; Compressed Air Challenge, Fact Sheet #2 (May 2026); US FDA Food Code 2022, 1-201.10; US Patents 10,633,133 B2 (2020) and 11,815,105 B2 (2023), backgrounds.
Many lines make vacuum with compressed air through a venturi. The DOE and the Compressed Air Challenge compare that with a vacuum system.
Vacuum generators are, in general, less effective at pulling a vacuum and cost as much as five times more to operate than a dedicated vacuum pump.
Source: US DOE sourcebook (2016), Fact Sheet 2.
As a rule, in a base load situation, a vacuum generator operating less than 30 percent of the time is more economical than a central vacuum system.
Source: US DOE sourcebook (2016), Fact Sheet 2.
Apply a vacuum system instead of creating a vacuum with compressed air venturi methods that flow high pressure air past an orifice.
Source: Compressed Air Challenge, Fact Sheet #2 (May 2026).
Vacuum generators are chosen for safety, ease of installation, size, no electricity at the point of use and low first cost, the DOE notes. Sources: US DOE sourcebook (2016); Compressed Air Challenge (2026).
Equipment that the Ultra Controlo catalogue and brochure, and the partner makers, tie to packaging.
Rotary vane, claw and liquid ring vacuum pumps, each listed by Elmo Rietschle for the packaging industry; its V-VCB is designed for small vacuum packaging machines.
Elmo RietschleOutput up to 3,000 m³/h in the Ultra Controlo catalogue; the maker lists food and non-food packaging among their applications.
Elmo RietschleRotary vane pumps for vacuum and gas sampling in the Ultra Controlo catalogue; Thomas lists food and beverage packing for its PICOLINO rotary vane pumps and packaging equipment for its WOB-L 617 piston pumps.
ThomasRefrigerated, with a stable +3 °C dew point, or adsorption, down to −70 °C; the Ultra Controlo brochure lists packaging for both.
DryersSources: Ultra Controlo Industrial 2026 catalogue, pp. 10, 11, 15 and 17; Ultra Controlo industrial brochure; Elmo Rietschle, rotary vane, V-VCB, claw, liquid ring and G-BH1 pages; Thomas, rotary vane technology and WOB-L 617 pages.
Ultra Controlo is a Portuguese manufacturer of compressed air, vacuum and technical gas systems, with 40 years of experience. We design, assemble and test our own compressors, dryers and carbon towers in Portugal, and supply and service five partner brands.
ULTRASCREW compressors, ULTRASEC and ULTRADRY dryers and ULTRAK activated carbon towers.
Gardner Denver, Elmo Rietschle, Thomas, Speck Pumpen (Circutec) and Speck Triplex.
Preventive and corrective maintenance, original spare parts and emergency support, by our own team.
Source: Ultra Controlo Industrial 2026 catalogue, pp. 3, 10, 16, 17 and 22.
The US DOE sourcebook (2016) says vacuum generators run on compressed air can cost as much as five times more to operate than a dedicated vacuum pump, although, as a rule in a base load situation, a generator running less than 30 percent of the time is more economical than a central vacuum system.
Under the 2022 FDA Food Code, vacuum packaging removes air and seals the package so that a vacuum remains, while modified atmosphere packaging changes the package atmosphere so that its composition differs from air.
No. The 2022 FDA Food Code, a model code for retail and food service, warns in its annex that reduced oxygen packaging can increase the potential for growth of certain pathogens, and that without certain controls C. botulinum toxin may form before spoilage renders the product unacceptable.
The Compressed Air Challenge Fact Sheet #2 (May 2026) advises using blowers instead of compressed air to provide cooling, aspirating, agitating, mixing or inflating packaging, and a vacuum system instead of compressed air venturis.
It distributes and services Elmo Rietschle vacuum pumps and side channel blowers, which the maker lists for packaging, and Thomas pumps; its brochure lists the ULTRASEC and ULTRADRY dryers for packaging.
The machines, how they make vacuum today, the pressure and the hours per day. We reply with the equipment that fits.
