Alan Buchanan

Exclusive to Conservation By Design

Imperial Vacuum Table

The Vacuum Table surface is the size of an Imperial sheet of paper with a one-inch buffer added to each dimension (31 inches x 23 inches). Supplied with two vacuum pumps, an FPZ lowpressure regenerative blower of light construction, which creates a maximum vacuum of 275 millibars that will pass a maximum 400 litres per minute. The second is a Gast 1023 high-pressure oil free vane pump, providing up to 800 millibars moving a maximum of 200 litres per minute. The FPZ pump gives the initial seal and vacuum. If more vacuum is needed the Gast is turned on automatically. They work in conjunction up to a vacuum level of approximately 220 millibars, at which point the Gast takes over with the ability of lifting the vacuum to 800 or 850 millibars. Once the vacuum is over 220 millibars the FPZ pump is automatically turned off by a vacuum switch. Each pump is fitted with a non-return valve to ensure that one pump does not draw air through the other.

The work surface is made of sintered polyethylene which has a slight resistance to the passage of air, enough to distribute the level of vacuum evenly over the whole surface. The material is washable.

The sintered polyethylene is carried on a PVC insert which is drilled and grooved, again, to ensure an even vacuum over the whole surface. Both are carried in a polypropylene tray.

The table also features an integral lightbox which is fitted beneath the vacuum table emitting 55W of light with a colour temperature of 4000 degrees Kelvin. Two small fans keep the compartment cool.

Suction Point

A small area, high pressure machine ideal for the removal of pressure sensitive tape adhesive and for small stain removal. The suction point is let into the centre of a stainless steel surface of 770mm x 470mm (30" x 18"). The vacuum surface measures 100mm x 100mm and is of sintered polyethylene. If required the whole stainless steel worktop can be lifted from the machine to stand in a fume cupboard or on a larger work surface. The vacuum pump will create a vacuum of up to 850 millibars or 85% of a pure vacuum. The pump is a Gast 1023 oil free, rotary vane pump, 0.5 H.P. Single phase.

As with the larger Buchanan Vacuum table the ‘Suction Point’ incorporates an integral light box to assist in making an even dyed pulp infill or for accurate repairs.