What is the difference between Roots blower and vacuum pump?

31 Jul.,2025

 

In industrial applications, Roots blowers and vacuum pumps are widely used for air and gas handling. While they may look similar, their working principles, pressure ranges, and application scenarios are quite different. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between the two, and help you determine which one fits your system best.

1. Different Working Principles

  • A Roots blower (also known as a Roots air blower) is a positive displacement blower. It uses two rotors rotating in opposite directions to move air from the inlet to the outlet, thereby increasing the pressure and delivering air consistently.

  • A vacuum pump, on the other hand, removes gas molecules from a sealed volume to create a vacuum (negative pressure).

In some systems, a negative pressure Roots blower may be used to create mild vacuum conditions, but its core function remains air delivery under pressure.

2. Application Scenarios

Roots Blower Applications:

  • Wastewater treatment aeration

  • Aquaculture aeration (Root Blower Aquaculture)

  • Pneumatic conveying systems

  • Powder conveying system pneumatic

  • Industrial pneumatic conveying systems for PVC

  • Coal conveying system pneumatic

  • Pneumatic conveyer for rice husk, corn, sawdust

  • Truck/ship loader-unloader rice husk air grain pneumatic vacuum conveyor

  • Pneumatic conveying machine for bulk materials

Vacuum Pump Applications:

  • Vacuum packaging

  • Laboratory and medical equipment

  • Semiconductor processing

  • Vacuum drying systems

3. Pressure Range

  • Roots blowers operate in low to medium pressure ranges, perfect for continuous airflow applications like aeration and material conveying. A popular model such as Root Blower 15 HP is often used in aquaculture and pneumatic conveying systems.

  • Vacuum pumps are used for generating high vacuum and are ideal for environments requiring very low pressure.

4. Equipment Design and Installation

Although both machines have similar external structures, their internal components and goals are different. Roots blowers push air, while vacuum pumps extract air.

In systems such as powder conveying, Roots blowers are paired with specialized pipe for pneumatic conveying to build a complete system, while vacuum pumps are typically isolated units.

5. Recommended Models & Brands

As a trusted manufacturer and solution provider, OASIS recommends the following:

  • Root Blower Golden Tech Series – Efficient and durable for complex working conditions

  • Roots Blower Longtech Series – Low noise and vibration for industrial setups

  • 15 HP Root Blower – Cost-effective and reliable for both aquaculture and pneumatic conveying

6. Complete Pneumatic Conveying System Solutions

We provide fully integrated industrial pneumatic conveying systems, including:

  • PVC powder conveying systems

  • Pneumatic conveyer for rice husk, sawdust, corn, and other biomass materials

  • Bulk material truck/ship loader and unloader solutions

  • Custom pipe fittings and pipe for pneumatic conveying


Why Choose OASIS?

  • 10+ years of industry expertise

  • Custom design available

  • Free technical consultation & blower selection

  • Global shipping support.