I am currently designing a system under vacuum.  I need somebody to design, and implement a component for my prototype that involves pneumatics and solenoid valves; and does on/off switches on the control system.  

Any input will be much appreciated.

I imagine you could search for some mechanical engineers here. you might also say you need the technical assistance of mechanical engineer for vacuum systems. Good luck.

Hi, Dr Peralta, I just want to share some inputs on your design of vacuum system. May I introduce myselfI'm a mechanical engineer from Mapua and currently into design of battery electric machines and EV's, and into research and development of low cost PV and wind turbine technology (permanent magnet technology). A Vacuum System has a wide variety of applications. It is now used in packaging processed meat products such as hotdogs, hams, fishes to get rid of air or moisture to prolong shelf life. It was also used in lamination process to get rid of bubbles formed between the product being laminated as in PV Panel lamination process and the laminating material such as Epoxy Resin or PET.  First you woud need a Vacuum Pump consisting of an Electric Motor coupled with an Air Pump so the capacity of air to be removed can be computed from the capacity of the vacuum pump which can be bought brand new or if you want cheaper can be available on surplus machine shops. The vacuum chamber are sealed type just like your chest freezer and will depend on the size of your product to be vacuumed. Hope this would help you. You can also PM me or get my contact details on my profile.

Dear Paco & Aris,

Thanks for your inputs.

You are right Aris, the vacuum system has a lot of applications.  Btw, my expertise is food process engineering.

My system does not use a vacuum pump.  I have developed a system that does not need the troublesome pump.  Experience suggest that when the vacuum pump does not work; the vaccum sealer, the freeze dryer, and etc, becomes useless. 

The alternative vacuum system has a sound theoretical fundamentals, and I already have made progress in my lab experiments.  It works.

I need to sub contract the desired control systems, with the prototype to start with, before I engage in a commercial model.  I have already studied the solenoid valves that actuates based on pressure differential.  I already understand that.  I am in the stage where I need to buy the parts; (what particular parts are needed, with full undertanding of its limitations and capacities); and assemble the control system.  That is where I got stuck.

I am approaching this endeavor on a very professional manner.  If somebody could help me, all I need is your terms.  Perhaps, we could proceed, and translate this wonderful idea.

you'll need both mechanical and electrical engr. mechanical to determine the kind of devices youll need based on your application and to design its sequence of operation based on your system requirements i.e pressure and temperature settings including cut out and cut in, timing and time delays, safety etc... electrical to design control system=on how to operate those electrical and mechanical devices in sequence(both in auto and manual) based on your requirements. im also in biogas technology and currently building my prototype, hopes we succedd. good luck to us all....

Roderick, thanks for your inputs.  They are very much appreciated.

My company, Instrumentation & Control Specialists, Inc. (I&CS) may be able to help.

Our company has designed instrumentation and control systems to almost all industries. It includes your specific interest: solenoid valves, programmable logic controllers, sensors, etc...

Please contact me through BGN. We need to understand first your process flow before we can recommend the suitable control system.

Once we determine the right instrumentation and control conficuration, we can design for you the complete control panel, how to install, test, and commission the system.

Thanks for your post Rainnel.

Let me consolidate, and will contact you, and look forward to hearing your ideas.