HKScan and Franzin Carni See Decade-Long Benefits from Pneumofore Vacuum Technology
Amid increasing demand for efficient and hygienic food packaging, centralized vacuum systems are fast becoming the preferred solution across the meat processing sector. Moving away from decentralized networks of smaller pumps, leading processors are adopting centralized vacuum technology to cut emissions, reduce noise, and lower operating costs.
One such adopter is Finnish meat producer HKScan, which has operated Pneumofore vacuum systems at its Swinoujscie, Poland facility since 2005. The original installation featured three UV16 H vacuum pumps coupled with a roots blower in a double-stage configuration, achieving a deep vacuum of 0.05 mbar(a). Pneumofore's UV Series units impressed HKScan not only through performance, but also through their clean exhaust—made possible by the use of H2 class food-grade coolant that meets NSF standards—and low operational noise.
Following the system's strong performance, HKScan expanded its setup in 2007 with the addition of a UV30 double-stage pump. All four units have been operating without interruption since their respective installations. In 2024, the company added a further UV30 H unit, reinforcing the brand's reputation for reliability. According to Pneumofore, the original UV16 H units have now surpassed 110,000 hours of operation without requiring an overhaul.
The Italian meat processor Franzin Carni, located near Venice, offers another example of successful long-term deployment. Prior to 2002, the company relied on multiple small vacuum pumps inside a 2°C cooling chamber. This decentralized system proved inefficient and costly. Pneumofore replaced it with a centralized solution comprising a single double-stage UV16 pump, capable of reaching 4 mbar(a). The upgrade boosted packaging throughput by 20%, from 20 to 24 packs per minute, while reducing energy and maintenance costs.
Franzin Carni later added a second UV16 unit in 2006, with the entire system installed externally on the rooftop. The setup has remained in continuous use for over a decade, again with no reported downtime or need for major servicing.
Pneumofore attributes this track record to its engineering philosophy, which emphasizes durability and air-cooled technology. The company's centralized systems are designed to manage moisture evacuation efficiently, while offering the added advantage of installation flexibility—including outdoor placement without the need for water cooling infrastructure.
"Success stories like these highlight the value of collaboration between solution providers and customers, where a thorough application analysis leads to enhanced performance without compromise," the company said in a statement.
With over a century of engineering expertise and a growing presence in food industry applications, Pneumofore is positioning itself as a key player in packaging efficiency for perishable goods. Its centralized vacuum systems are increasingly being viewed as a long-term investment in operational excellence.