Positive displacement vacuum pumps are widely used throughout the meat processing industry. They fulfill a variety of essential criteria, thanks to the controlled low-pressure environment they achieve. When plants need quality and reliability, a positive displacement vacuum pump is often one of the most effective options.
What Positive Displacement Pumps Do in Meat Processing
When it comes to meat processing, vacuum pumping refers to the process of removing air from a sealed chamber to conduct pumping below atmospheric pressure (under vacuum). The equipment that handles this achieves material transfer by managing the pressure conditions, as opposed to a mechanical transfer pump.
It can be tricky to nail down exactly when positive displacement vacuum pumps are the right choice, because meat processing calls for the use of positive displacement pumps, rotary pumps, and centrifugal pumps in various applications.
Vacuum pumps are most often used in packaging and mixing, where a certain vacuum level is needed to remove gases.
The Difference Between Vacuum Pumps and Standard PD Pumps
Your typical displacement pumps work by drawing fluid through the pump inlet, trapping a fixed volume, and pushing it out the discharge port. Vacuum units handle gas instead, with air being trapped at the inlet, compressed in the pump chamber, and released through a discharge valve at the outlet port.
You shouldn’t confuse this with other common types such as reciprocating positive displacement pumps, rotary positive displacement pumps, internal gear pumps, piston pumps, and diaphragm pumps. A positive displacement pump is selected specifically for vacuum duty, while these other types of equipment address a variety of other needs.
Pump selection also comes down to what type of material you’re handling. Unlike centrifugal pumps, which rely on centrifugal force to move low viscosity fluids, positive displacement pumps work by moving a controlled volume to deliver constant flow and precise control for a wide range of materials.
How the Right Vacuum Conditions Improve Product Quality
Vacuum conditions are an important requirement in many meat processing applications. Lowering oxygen content lengthens shelf-life and enhances product appearance. Many fresh meat products benefit from these factors, being more appealing to both vendors and customers.
These types of positive displacement vacuum pumps also help release trapped air in the product. Avoiding visible folds and improving density provides a more consistent texture for products like sausages and formed meats. With less air working its way into the system, fill performance is much easier to manage.
You’ll also see positive displacement vacuum pumps used upstream of final packaging for this reason. The stable vacuum conditions improve repeatability in mechanical actions across batches. The steady product consistency offsets the impact of output drifts and surges as well.
The Practical Benefits of Positive Displacement Vacuum Pumps
Positive displacement vacuum pumps are used in a variety of specific applications in meat processing.
Blending is a prime example, thanks to the removal of air pockets that could potentially impact texture and visual uniformity. Emulsified products or those with fine particles are particularly vulnerable. Reliable vacuum ensures mixers and blenders operate under controlled conditions, reducing variation.
Vacuum tumbling can also increase marinating rate, allowing operators to achieve the required tenderness and water retention in shorter time frames. Vacuum tumbling improves marinade penetration, as it is pulled into gaps more readily. Products are left with improved texture, flavor, and color when processed under vacuum conditions.
Vacuum hoppers and feed systems allow for smoother hand-off, thanks to steady conditions compared to standard PD pump action. Positive displacement vacuum pumps have fine pressure control, achieving the versatility necessary for handling an extensive range of products.
Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Process
Positive displacement vacuum pumps are highly versatile but aren’t always the right choice for specific processes. You’ll find rotary vane pumps at work in many food applications. They’ve been applied to the packaging process, thanks to their rough-vacuum performance.
You’ll also find a variety of dry-running claw or screw designs that could fit plant operations and maintenance strategies.
You’ll also need to consider the importance of sanitary design in meat processing. Equipment must be suitable for routine cleaning in order to meet food safety requirements. When selecting the right positive displacement pump for your application, ensure these details have been accounted for in the design and material selection.
Find Positive Displacement Vacuum Pumps Today
Could a positive displacement vacuum pump be the right fit for your meat processing application? Packaging, blending, and other processes can benefit from this controlled material handling. You can browse a full selection of pump types from FPEC and reach out for guidance on the specific pumping action to best suit your application.