As a reader of our blog, you already know the value of an industrial vacuum cleaner for keeping your facility clean, compliant, and contaminant-free. The question is, which vacuum cleaner will best help you achieve these goals? To help you answer that question, here are our top 10 vacuum solutions for the food processing industry. 
1. VHT EXP Series
The VHT EXP Series includes two continuous duty explosion-proof (EXP) vacuums:These VHT EXP Series works well as a multi-operator central vacuum system and for the bulk collection of materials like coffee beans, flour, and sugar. Both vacuums are designed to safely collect explosive dust in general cleaning and process-integrated applications. They are also both CSA-certified for use in Class I, Group D and Class II, Groups F and G environments, appropriate for all collection of combustible dusts and in classified (hazardous) locations. There are two main differences:- Power. The 456 has greater horsepower: 7.5 HP vs 5 HP for the 437.
- Filtration. The 437 can be outfitted with an optional downstream ULPA filter for the collection of ultrafine dust and particles.
2. VHS110 EXP
The VHS110 EXP is CSA-approved for use in Class I, Group D and Class II, Groups E, F, and G locations. It features PullClean filter cleaning technology and downstream HEPA filtration.3. VHC EXP Series
The VHC EXP series -- comprising the VHC110 EXP and the VHC120 EXP -- is a new line of air-operated, hazardous location vacuums that use 60% less compressed air than a typical vacuum. Both models meet the requirements for use in Class I, Group D and Class II, Groups E, F and G environments. The difference is the airflow -- the VHC120 EXP has more CFM for even greater suction power.4. VHC200 EXP
The VHC200 EXP is an explosion-proof air-operated vacuum for use in hazardous locations. It’s CSA-approved for use in Class I, Group D and Class II, Groups E, F, and G locations, and ATEX-approved for zones 1, 2, 21, and 22. The VHC200 EXP can also be used in continuous duty applications. This vacuum provides heavy-duty cleaning power, so it’s well-suited for applications that produce denser types of debris, for example, pick-up of starch around production lines.5. VHS110 C2D2
The VHS110 Certified C2D2 is a single-phase NRTL-certified vacuum cleaner for collection of combustible dust in non-classified (per NFPA 652) and in Class II, Division 2 classified locations. This vacuum is ideally suited for floor and overhead cleaning around production areas.6. T Series: NFPA-Kitted
The T Series is a collection of lightweight, easily maneuverable vacuums for cleaning challenging environments. They are perfect for collecting powders, liquids, dust, and debris. These machines can be fitted with an optional NFPA transformation kit, which ensures the vacuums are compliant with NFPA guidelines for collecting combustible dust in non-hazardous environments. This video shows the standard model T Series in action. Modifications to design are required for NFPA-kitted vacuums.7. 3700-3900 Series
With oversized filters and large collection capacities, our 3700 and 3900 Series vacuums are designed for continuous and heavy-duty applications, such as vacuuming up large volumes of grain. These vacuum cleaners are maintenance-free and come with optional upstream and downstream HEPA filters for the collection of ultrafine particles. The main differences are the power and the maximum waterlift and airflow. Learn more about this family of vacuum cleaners.8. Trim Vacs
For packaging applications, check out our R Series Trim Vacuums. These high-capacity, high-pressure vacuum cleaners are designed for continuous duty removing excess lateral trim and scraps during packaging processes. Trim vacuums improve packaging efficiency by continuously collecting waste, which reduces your production time. Learn more about the features and benefits of trim vacuums.9. Pneumatic Conveyors
Pneumatic conveyors allow coffee roasters to safely and efficiently move coffee beans and roasted grounds from large containers to other locations. These systems decrease the risk of product contamination, while also reducing staffing requirements and load times.10. Nomex Filters for Hot Oven Cleaning
If you operate a bakery, you know the importance of a powerful vacuum cleaner, especially when it comes to cleaning the oven. In the past, you might have used hand tools to scrape flour, crumbs, and other food particles out of the oven and then vacuumed them up. Now, there’s an easier solution. Using an industrial vacuum with a high-temperature resistant filter, you can clean your oven much faster because you don’t have to wait for it to cool down. This boosts your productivity and profitability by reducing your downtime. Several of our food processing vacuums can be fitted with a Nomex star filter, which can collect materials up to 464°F and an efficiency of 99.7% at 1.5 microns.________________________
We hope this has been a helpful introduction to vacuum solutions for the food processing industry. Which one is best for you will depend on the results of your dust hazard analysis (DHA) and authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Learn more about taking the first steps to comply with NFPA 652. If you have questions or would like to learn more about any of these products, contact a Nilfisk industrial vacuum specialist. We look forward to hearing from you!
