How air flows through a vacuum cleaner?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter royp
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Air Vacuum
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The airflow in a Henry vacuum cleaner is facilitated by two distinct sections: the lower section containing the inlet pipe and dust bag, and the upper section housing the motor and fan. When the vacuum is activated, air and dust enter the dust bag through the inlet pipe. The air exits the dust bag by passing through its porous material, allowing most dirt to remain inside while maintaining a continuous airflow due to the fan's operation in the upper section. The larger surface area of the dust bag results in a lower air velocity compared to the ducts, ensuring effective filtration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vacuum cleaner components, specifically the motor and fan mechanisms.
  • Knowledge of airflow dynamics and pressure differentials.
  • Familiarity with filtration principles, particularly regarding porous materials.
  • Basic mechanical assembly skills to analyze vacuum cleaner designs.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of airflow dynamics in mechanical systems.
  • Explore the design and function of vacuum cleaner dust bags.
  • Learn about the impact of surface area on airflow velocity in filtration systems.
  • Investigate the role of pressure differentials in vacuum technology.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, product designers, and anyone interested in the mechanics of vacuum cleaners and airflow systems will benefit from this discussion.

royp
Messages
55
Reaction score
22
TL;DR
How air travels from outside through inlet and then blown out by the fan through the outlet in a vacuum cleaner?
Hello,
Recently, I 'opened up' a Henry vacuum cleaner to trace the path the airflow takes - from inlet through to the outlet. The vacuum cleaner has 2 distinct sections:
1) A lower section with inlet pipe and the 'dust-bag'
2) and the upper section with the motor, fan and the outlet.

Now, the end of the inlet pipe (inside) has a bag fitted neatly and covering the hole of the pipe completely; and the bag appears to be without holes/perforations. As we switch on the device, the air along with dust particles enters the bag through the inlet pipe but how the air flows out? On the upper section, There is air continuously being blown out by the fan through the outlet.

Now the question is: how the air exit the dust-bag and maintains a continuous path/flow? Or is there any other explanation?
 
Science news on Phys.org
Air passes through the porous material of the dust bag, most dirt remains inside.
Because the area of the bag is relatively big, the velocity of the air per unit of area is much smaller than through the ducts.
Please, see:
https://gogreenklean.com/how-a-vacuum-bag-works/
 
You are welcome, royp. :smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
8K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
6K
Replies
1
Views
2K