We have all heard of a vacuum cleaner and, if you are reading the GGR blog you probably know a thing or two about vacuum lifters, but how much do we know about how they work?

In general terms, vacuums are a volume of space that is essentially empty of any matter – the word comes from the Latin term for ‘empty’. A perfect vacuum would have no particles in it at all, but this is impossible to achieve in practice.

Contrary to popular belief, vacuums don’t cause suction, the suction is created due to the change in atmospheric pressure.

The ‘best’ vacuums are found in outer space which has only a few atoms per cubic metre.

The most well known form of this phenomenon is the trusty vacuum cleaner, these handy little machines use low air pressure to help us pick up small particles of dirt and dust.They reduce air pressure by around 20%. The low pressure air caused by the air going into cleaner draws up small objects which then get trapped in bags, canisters or filters.

Similarly, GGR’s lifters work by creating vacuums between the suction pads and the load being lifted. The vacuum pump evacuates a reservoir tank fitted with a gauge. Once a lift is completed air is admitted to the back of the suction pads to release the load.

Who knew there was so much science involved in the humble vacuum!

To find out more about our range of lifting solutions, vacuums or anything else, call one of our friendly team of experts who are on-hand to help.