Application

Mixing and kneading under vacuum

In mixing and kneading under vacuum, the mixing vessel is evacuated so that no air is worked into dough, paste or emulsion and existing bubbles escape. For pasta dough, Atlas Copco describes it as faster mixing with even water distribution and longer shelf life, Becker as fewer air inclusions in dough and emulsion. Below you can see how the application works, what vacuum the manufacturers name and which of their series are intended for it – 318 models from 6 manufacturers.

Compare 318 modelsHow it works

  • 318Models
  • 18Series
  • 6Manufacturers
  • approx. 120 mbarMixing pasta dough (Atlas Copco)
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Touch the points: each part of the system explains itself.

In short

Vacuum mixing and kneading: the key facts

  • Pasta doughFor mixing and extruding pasta dough, Atlas Copco names approx. 120 mbar, up to 600 m³/h per line for lines of 1,500–6,000 kg/h, and specifies the GHS VSD+ for this; benefits: faster mixing, even water distribution, longer shelf life.
  • Electrode pasteAtlas Copco: vacuum removes air bubbles from the anode and cathode paste. Leybold: the electrode paste is mixed and degassed under vacuum (TRIVAC, SOGEVAC, VARODRY, CLAWVAC). Busch: slurry is mixed under vacuum (R5 RA, COBRA NC/NX).
  • Dough and emulsionFor vacuum mixing and kneading, Becker names the VADS series: fewer air inclusions in dough and emulsion.
  • Meat and fishLeybold names tumbling, mixing and massaging of meat and fish: vacuum plus pressure, heat and mechanical action for marinating, curing and cooking – with SOGEVAC, NOVADRY and CLAWVAC.
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  • Air and gas (vacuum)
  • Exhaust

Operating principle

How it works: Vacuum mixing and kneading

The drawing shows the basic principle in section. The systems and pumps of the individual manufacturers differ in detail.

  1. FillingThe ingredients go into the closed mixer: flour and water, electrode material and solvent, meat and marinade.
  2. MixingThe vacuum pump lowers the pressure – for pasta dough, according to Atlas Copco, to approx. 120 mbar – and the tool mixes or kneads. No air is worked in, and existing bubbles escape (Atlas Copco, Becker, Leybold).
  3. VentingThe mixer is vented and emptied; in pasta lines, the dough continues to the extruder. As the result, Atlas Copco names even water distribution and longer shelf life.

Vacuum and sizing

Vacuum mixing and kneading: how much vacuum is needed

What the manufacturers say about pressure, pumping speed and sizing.

What vacuum

For mixing and extruding pasta dough, Atlas Copco names approx. 120 mbar and for gluten-free pasta 500 mbar.

What suction capacity

For pasta lines with 1,500–6,000 kg/h, Atlas Copco names up to 600 m³/h per line. For other mixers, the pumping speed depends on the vessel size, the cycle time and the gas load from the material being mixed.

Steam and process air

For gluten-free pasta, Atlas Copco points out hot, humid, contaminated process air with steam and names the claw vacuum pumps DZS VSD+ for it. For pasta dough in general, Atlas Copco names the oil-lubricated screw vacuum pumps GHS VSD+ (GHS 402–1002).

Which pumps

Becker names VADS; Busch R5 RA and COBRA NC/NX, and in its product finder also MINK, PANDA/PUMA and COBRA Semicon; Leybold TRIVAC, SOGEVAC, VARODRY and CLAWVAC for slurry, and SOGEVAC, NOVADRY and CLAWVAC for meat and fish; Edwards lists E2M Ex and LR, Pfeiffer Vacuum HiScroll and HiLobe.

Technology

Vacuum mixing and kneading: the vacuum pumps the manufacturers name

Listed are the series the manufacturer itself names for this application. “Show only …” sets the filter of the product overview.

Product overview

Vacuum mixing and kneading: all 318 models compared

Use the filters on the left to narrow the selection – by manufacturer, technology and the models’ key figures, for 50 or 60 Hz.

Atlas Copco DZS VSD+ series 5 models

DZS 100 VSD+Pumping speed 105 m³/h 50 Hz105 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 50 mbarRated motor power 3 kW 50 Hz3 kW 60 HzVariants 3
DZS 200 VSD+Pumping speed 189 m³/h 50 Hz189 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 50 mbarRated motor power 5.5 kW 50 Hz5.5 kW 60 HzVariants 3
DZS 400 VSD+Pumping speed 398 m³/h 50 Hz398 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 140 mbarRated motor power 11 kW 50 Hz11 kW 60 HzVariants 3
DZS 600 VSD+Pumping speed 600 m³/h 50 Hz600 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 200 mbarRated motor power 11 kW 50 Hz11 kW 60 HzVariants 2
DZS 1200 VSD+Pumping speed 1,140 m³/h 50 Hz1,140 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 200 mbarRated motor power 22 kW 50 Hz22 kW 60 HzVariants 2

Atlas Copco GHS VSD+ series 21 models

GHS 350 VSD+Pumping speed 400 m³/h 50 Hz400 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 5.5 kW 50 Hz5.5 kW 60 HzVariants 29
GHS 402 VSD+Pumping speed 467 m³/h 50 Hz467 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 5.5 – 7.5 kW 50 Hz5.5 – 7.5 kW 60 HzVariants 4
GHS 585 VSD+Pumping speed 560 m³/h 50 Hz560 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 7.5 kW 50 Hz7.5 kW 60 HzVariants 30
GHS 602 VSD+Pumping speed 640 m³/h 50 Hz640 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 7.5 – 11 kW 50 Hz7.5 – 11 kW 60 HzVariants 4
GHS 730 VSD+Pumping speed 730 m³/h 50 Hz730 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 11 kW 50 Hz11 kW 60 HzVariants 30
GHS 752 VSD+Pumping speed 805 m³/h 50 Hz805 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 11 – 15 kW 50 Hz11 – 15 kW 60 HzVariants 4
GHS 900 VSD+Pumping speed 870 m³/h 50 Hz870 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 15 kW 50 Hz15 kW 60 HzVariants 32
GHS 902 VSD+Pumping speed 917 m³/h 50 Hz917 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 15 – 18.5 kW 50 Hz15 – 18.5 kW 60 HzVariants 4
GHS 1002 VSD+Pumping speed 1,039 m³/h 50 Hz1,039 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 18.5 kW 50 Hz18.5 kW 60 HzVariants
GHS 1202 VSD+Pumping speed 1,172 m³/h 50 Hz1,172 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.3 mbarRated motor power 18.5 kW 50 Hz18.5 kW 60 HzVariants 9
GHS 1300 VSD+Pumping speed 1,250 – 1,615 m³/h 50 Hz1,250 – 1,615 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 18 – 22 kW 50 Hz18 – 22 kW 60 HzVariants 33
GHS 1402 VSD+Pumping speed 1,383 m³/h 50 Hz1,383 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.3 mbarRated motor power 22 kW 50 Hz22 kW 60 HzVariants 9
GHS 1602 VSD+Pumping speed 1,581 m³/h 50 Hz1,581 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.3 mbarRated motor power 30 kW 50 Hz30 kW 60 HzVariants 9
GHS 1600 VSD+Pumping speed 1,590 – 1,811 m³/h 50 Hz1,590 – 1,811 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 28 – 30 kW 50 Hz28 – 30 kW 60 HzVariants 33
GHS 2002 VSD+Pumping speed 1,771 m³/h 50 Hz1,771 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.3 mbarRated motor power 37 kW 50 Hz37 kW 60 HzVariants 9
GHS 1900 VSD+Pumping speed 1,810 m³/h 50 Hz1,810 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 37 kW 50 Hz37 kW 60 HzVariants 21
GHS 2700 VSD+Pumping speed 2,674 m³/h 50 Hz2,674 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 45 kW 50 Hz45 kW 60 HzVariants 8
GHS 3400 VSD+Pumping speed 3,268 m³/h 50 Hz3,268 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 55 kW 50 Hz55 kW 60 HzVariants 8
GHS 3800 VSD+Pumping speed 3,724 m³/h 50 Hz3,724 m³/h 60 HzUltimate pressure 0.35 mbarRated motor power 55 kW 50 Hz55 kW 60 HzVariants 9

Becker VADS series 3 models

Busch COBRA Industry series 36 models

Busch COBRA Semicon series 22 models

Busch MINK series 32 models

Busch PANDA/PUMA series 26 models

Busch R5 series 58 models

Edwards E2M series 9 models

Edwards LR1A series 12 models

Edwards LR1C series 9 models

Edwards LR1D series 12 models

Leybold CLAWVAC series 5 models

Leybold NOVADRY series 4 models

Leybold SOGEVAC series 23 models

Leybold TRIVAC series 20 models

Pfeiffer Vacuum HiLobe series 17 models

Pfeiffer Vacuum HiScroll series 4 models

Model comparison

Models a manufacturer no longer carries in its current range are listed in its “Outdated models” section.

Industries

Vacuum mixing and kneading: where the manufacturers name it

The manufacturers list these uses on their own pages.

Battery manufacturing

Atlas Copco describes that vacuum removes air bubbles from the anode and cathode paste; for slurry mixing, Leybold names TRIVAC, SOGEVAC, VARODRY and CLAWVAC, Busch R5 RA and COBRA NC/NX, and Pfeiffer Vacuum lists mixing for HiScroll and HiLobe.

Industry page: Battery manufacturing →

Confectionery and bakery

Atlas Copco describes the mixing of pasta dough at approx. 120 mbar with GHS VSD+ and of gluten-free pasta at 500 mbar with DZS VSD+; Busch and Pfeiffer Vacuum list mixing for confectionery and bakery products in their product data.

Industry page: Confectionery and bakery →

Packaging

In the area of primary packaging and food processing, Becker names vacuum mixing and kneading with VADS against air inclusions in dough and emulsion; Leybold the tumbling, mixing and massaging of meat and fish with SOGEVAC, NOVADRY and CLAWVAC.

Industry page: Packaging →

Chemicals

Edwards lists mixing for the oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps E2M Ex and the liquid ring vacuum pumps LR, without describing it.

Industry page: Chemicals →

Frequently asked questions

Vacuum mixing and kneading: frequently asked questions

How does mixing under vacuum work?

The mixing vessel is closed and is evacuated during mixing or kneading. This means no air is worked in, and existing bubbles escape from the material being mixed. For pasta dough, Atlas Copco describes the result as faster mixing with even water distribution, Becker as fewer air inclusions in dough and emulsion.

How much vacuum does a vacuum kneader for pasta dough need?

For mixing and extruding pasta dough, Atlas Copco names approx. 120 mbar and for gluten-free pasta 500 mbar. For lines of 1,500–6,000 kg/h, Atlas Copco states up to 600 m³/h pumping speed per line.

Which vacuum pump for pasta machines and dough kneaders?

For pasta dough, Atlas Copco names the oil-lubricated screw vacuum pumps GHS VSD+ (GHS 402–1002) and for gluten-free pasta the claw vacuum pumps DZS VSD+, because hot, humid, contaminated process air with steam occurs there. For the vacuum mixing and kneading of dough, Becker names the VADS series.

Why is electrode paste for batteries mixed under vacuum?

Atlas Copco describes that vacuum removes air bubbles from the anode and cathode paste; Leybold writes that the electrode paste is mixed and degassed under vacuum. Leybold names TRIVAC, SOGEVAC, VARODRY and CLAWVAC for this, Busch R5 RA and COBRA NC/NX for slurry mixing.

What happens when meat is tumbled under vacuum?

Leybold describes tumbling, mixing and massaging of meat and fish as a combination of vacuum with pressure, heat and mechanical action for marinating, curing and cooking. Leybold names SOGEVAC, NOVADRY and CLAWVAC for this.

Oil-free or oil-lubricated for mixing under vacuum?

Both are named. Oil-lubricated: Atlas Copco GHS VSD+, Leybold TRIVAC and SOGEVAC, Busch R5 RA, Edwards E2M Ex. Dry: Atlas Copco DZS VSD+, Leybold CLAWVAC, NOVADRY and VARODRY, Busch COBRA NC/NX, Pfeiffer Vacuum HiScroll and HiLobe; Edwards also lists the liquid ring vacuum pumps LR.

Why is vacuum better for shelf life when kneading dough?

For pasta dough, Atlas Copco names a longer shelf life as a benefit of the vacuum, besides faster mixing and even water distribution. Becker names fewer air inclusions in dough and emulsion.

What suction capacity does a pasta line need?

For lines of 1,500–6,000 kg/h, Atlas Copco states up to 600 m³/h per line at approx. 120 mbar. For other mixers, the pumping speed depends on the vessel size, the cycle time and the gas load from the material being mixed.

What can be done when steam and humid air occur during mixing?

Atlas Copco describes exactly this case for gluten-free pasta: hot, humid, contaminated process air with steam at 500 mbar. The claw vacuum pumps DZS VSD+ are named for this; a filter upstream of the pump retains dough residues and dust.

Which vacuum pump does Pfeiffer Vacuum name for mixing?

In its product data, Pfeiffer Vacuum lists mixing for the scroll vacuum pumps HiScroll and the Roots pumps HiLobe, without describing the application.

A single pump or a central vacuum system?

A central system in a room of its own keeps noise and heat away from production and matches its output to the demand. Central vacuum systems are planned and built by Eugen Theis Vakuum, a company of the Ehrler & Beck group – more under Central Vacuum.

Does Ehrler & Beck also supply spare parts and service?

Yes. Ehrler & Beck offers original spare parts and accessories as well as maintenance and repair.

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