Custom Vacuum System Design: Tailored Solutions for Complex Industrial Needs

Published on January 6, 2026

Modern industrial facilities face unique material handling challenges. When cleanup needs exceed what standard equipment can handle, a custom vacuum system delivers performance that off-the-shelf units simply can’t match. From high-solid slurries to hazardous zones and hard-to-reach spaces, tailored systems enhance safety, reliability and efficiency.

Atlas Industrial Vacuum pairs strategic design with industry-proven technology to deliver vacuum pump solutions built for your facility’s exact requirements. It all starts with understanding your application.

Why Custom Vacuum System Design Matters

Material types, layout constraints, safety classifications and throughput needs vary widely across industrial environments like refineries, wastewater plants and marine operations. A one-size-fits-all vacuum can struggle with:

  • High‑solids sludge that clogs conventional pumps
  • Abrasive or corrosive materials that damage internal parts
  • Hazards like explosive atmospheres or confined space restrictions
  • Long vertical lifts or extended discharge distances

Custom systems address these challenges by selecting the right components, controls and conveyance strategies for the job, including model selection, piping layout and accessories like strainers or hoppers.

Air‑Powered Performance with Solidsvac Technology

Solidsvac pumps form the core of many custom vacuum systems we design, delivering robust performance in demanding conditions. Unlike electric or mechanical units, Solidsvac uses compressed air and high-efficiency airflow to generate strong vacuum and material conveyance, with no internal moving parts in contact with the pumped media.

This design approach enhances safety and reliability, especially where electrical equipment is discouraged or prohibited.

Example Solidsvac Models and Capabilities

Here are real, field‑proven units and what they’re capable of in a custom application:

  • SV150‑CVCD “Mean Machine”—A continuous vacuum solids pump capable of up to 35‑50 m³/hr of high‑solids slurries and sludges with up to 25″ Hg vacuum. Its constant vacuum design reduces cycle stoppages and air consumption by up to 50%, improving throughput on long cleanouts.
  • SV200‑SPDK – A 100 mm (4″) solids handling pump that transfers 25,000+ L/hr of thick entrained solids. Ideal for tank farms, tailings ponds, digesters and high‑lift jobs where material must travel long distances without dilution.
  • SV440‑CVCD “Great White”—A heavy‑duty system that can handle up to 70 m³/hr of slurry with minimal wear and continuous, unmanned operation. This makes it a strong choice for industrial plants and large refining or storage tank cleanups.
  • Vac‑Pack Series—A continuous high‑vacuum/airflow source that delivers similar performance to vac trucks at a fraction of the cost. When paired with skips, tanks or custom manifolds, it becomes the heart of a tailored system.

These units are often paired with custom plumbing, strainers, dewatering boxes and controls to create a complete solution optimized for your site.

Where Custom Vacuum Systems Shine

Industrial Plants & Chemical Processing

Custom systems handle acidic or abrasive slurries, scale buildup and sediment in production areas, all while reducing downtime. By matching the right Solidsvac model and accessories to your layout, your plant gains faster cleanups and better uptime.

Customers in this category often choose models like the SV150‑CVCD or SV440‑CVCD for continuous operation and minimal maintenance.

Refinery & Energy Sector

Cleaning bottoms in crude tanks, outlet sumps or refining vessels demands explosion‑resistant performance. A custom system can incorporate Solidsvac pumps that operate safely in hazardous zones and improve turnaround times over traditional vac trucks or diaphragm pump setups.

Explore more on our refinery cleaning page.

Maritime & Port Facilities

Bilges, ballast tanks and deck sumps present access and corrosion challenges. Systems tailored with Solidsvac units are built with stainless steel wetted components and air‑powered operation to thrive in these environments.

Learn more at our maritime cleaning page.

Wastewater & Municipal Operations

Septic sumps, clarifiers and grit chambers with high solids or fibrous material benefit from continuous vacuum systems that resist clogging and run longer between service intervals.

Why Atlas Industrial Vacuum for Custom Solutions

Partnering with Atlas is more than buying industrial vacuum equipment. It means engineering a solution that fits your facility’s needs:

  • Expert application assessment: we start with your material type, layout and safety requirements
  • Model selection guidance: choosing the right Solidsvac pump and configuration
  • Integration planning:  designing piping, fittings and controls for your site
  • Support and service: from deployment through operation

We also offer demo evaluations so you can see the equipment’s real‑world performance before full deployment.

Request a demo to see how tailored solutions perform on your applications.

Ready for a Tailored Vacuum Solution?

If your cleanup needs go beyond standard options, a custom design could be the answer. Whether your focus is reliability, safety, uptime or regulatory compliance, Atlas Industrial Vacuum is an experienced partner in vacuum pump solutions that work smarter for your facility. Contact us today to discuss your application and get started on a custom system that delivers real results.

Ready for the next step?

Request a quote or schedule a demo to experience the Atlas + Solidsvac difference.