Choosing the right vacuum technology for your pick-and-place application isn’t always straightforward. BECKER’s engineering experts break down the operational principles, benefits, and trade-offs of ejectors and mechanical vacuum pumps - so you can make an informed choice backed by decades of industry experience.
Electromechanical vacuum pumps and Venturi ejectors are both common in pick-and-place systems, but they work in very different ways, each with distinct advantages and limitations. Selecting the right solution means considering factors such as initial investment, operating costs, and maintenance requirements.
In this article, our team shares its insights and recommendations to help you identify the vacuum solution best suited to your application, industry, and operational priorities.
The Venturi effect is the reduction in fluid pressure that occurs when a fluid flows through a narrowed section of a pipe. In a vacuum ejector, this principle is applied by forcing compressed air through a nozzle, creating a high-velocity jet that generates the vacuum. Ejectors operate on a different principle from positive displacement or turbo-dynamic pumps, which use mechanical methods to remove air or gas from a chamber to create low pressure.
In the wider vacuum technology landscape, both approaches have their place, with each offering distinct performance characteristics suited to different applications. BECKER supports this diversity by providing a full spectrum of operating principles - including rotary vane, screw, claw, and radial designs, as well as regenerative blowers, engineered for reliability, efficiency, and adaptability across a broad range of industrial environments.
Ejectors are compact, lightweight, and relatively low-cost, making them easy to integrate into many systems. They are also low-maintenance, with no moving parts. However, they may not reach the deeper vacuum levels required for certain applications, so suitability depends on the specific performance demands.
At first glance, an ejector vacuum system may appear to be a cheaper option than an electromechanical vacuum pump when looking only at the initial purchase price. However, when considering the entire system, the additional costs for an air compressor, ongoing maintenance, and the energy needed for operation can represent a significant long-term expense.
For example: The technical comparison in the graphic below shows that at a vacuum level of approximately. -600mbar (approx. -18inHg), which is typical for pick and place applications. A single Becker VT4.16 60 Hz can replace a combination of 3 ejectors from a common manufacturer.
This typical combination of ejectors requires 5.69 Nl/s of compressed air at 6 bar, which corresponds to an electrical energy consumption of 2.28 kW. With the same volume flow, a VT4.16 has a power consumption of 0.75kW at 60Hz. As a result, the electric BECKER vacuum pump is about three times as efficient in continuous operation.
With rising energy prices, this usage is a significant part of total operating costs for manufacturers. For efficient and economical vacuum generation, electromechanical vacuum pumps are recommended.
The Venturi ejector system is oil-free and contains no moving parts, but its compressor can still release oil residues through the exhaust air - a drawback for many industrial applications. In sectors such as packaging, printing, and paper, oil residues or similar lubricating fluids are largely unacceptable, making an oil-free vacuum pump the ideal choice.
If the existing compressor system is already operating near its capacity limits, purchasing an additional compressor, along with the necessary accessories, is often essential to ensure the reliable operation of an ejector system. This additional investment should be factored into any cost analysis.
The heat generation of a venturi compressor in continuous operation is much higher than that of an electromechanical vacuum pump. In food packaging and processing, where temperature levels are a key concern, centralised mechanical vacuum systems can be an effective solution in removing additional and unwanted heat from the workspace.
Achieving a precise, stable vacuum is challenging with ejector systems. Electromechanical vacuum pumps, on the other hand, can be finely tuned to maintain the required vacuum level throughout every process step - especially when equipped with a variable speed drive (VSD), also known as a frequency inverter. Therefore, for critical vacuum precision, electromechanical vacuum pumps are the right choice.
Noise protection is an important factor when choosing a vacuum system. During the exhaust process, ejector systems can be up to 16 times louder than electromechanical pumps. Noise levels can be reduced even further by installing the pumps in a separate room or by using BECKER’s optional soundproof hoods.
An ejector vacuum system requires an extensive and costly network of piping, which can be prone to maintenance issues and create weak points in the system. In contrast, an electromechanical vacuum pump is installed directly at the point of use, eliminating the need for expensive pipelines and reducing potential sources of failure.
Even with regular maintenance and servicing, a compressor failure can still occur - bringing the entire ejector system to a complete halt. This inevitably leads to costly production downtime and repair expenses. In contrast, a failure of an electromechanical vacuum pump can be quickly, easily, and cost-effectively bridged by swapping in a replacement or using a reserve - or duty-standby pump.
Other named benefits that these pumps enjoy are:
Choosing between an electromechanical vacuum pump and a vacuum ejector starts with understanding the unique demands of your application - from vacuum levels and flow rates to energy efficiency and integration needs. At BECKER, we take the time to listen, ask the right questions, and recommend solutions that fit your processes perfectly. With over 140 years of designing and supplying vacuum solutions for automation, our team understands the fine balance between performance, energy efficiency, and lifetime cost.
Your local BECKER expert is here to guide you through the options, address your concerns, and share practical insights drawn from decades of experience. Arrange a free, no-obligation consultation today, and explore our technical data sheets and overview flyer available on our website.
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