FAQ: Frequently asked questions

WE WILL ALWAYS TRY TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

To help you find your questions, we categorized our answers in six different subjects;

1. Henkelman : the company, the network, the range
2. Machines : types, models, options
3. Technology: vacuum extraction, gas flushing, seal
4. Applications: type of products, results, benefits of vacuum extraction 
5. Packaging: bags, consumables, other materials
6. Service: cleaning, spare parts maintenance, draining

Please feel free to email or call us if you can not find your answer here.

• 1.Q01:Henkelman - Does Henkelman manufacture its machines?
  Yes. The Henkelman quality is due to a purely "Made in Holland" production with local labour and parts from Northern Europe. All our machines are CE certified
• 1.Q02: Henkelman - Does Henkelman have subsidiaries?
  No. Henkelman is based only in the Netherlands at  ’s-Hertogenbosch and operates via a large network of distributors and agents in 70 countries.
• 1.Q03: Henkelman - Can we be part of the network of Henkelman distributors?
  Yes. Our sales department is always looking out for new cooperation opportunities anywhere in the world. Please feel free to contact us.
• 1.Q04: Henkelman - Can we receive any Henkelman documentation?
  Yes. If you would like to receive a brochure or a user manual on the Henkelman machines, please download it on the Website or get in touch with our sales department.
  
• 1.Q05: Henkelman - Can Henkelman make samples for us?
  Yes. The Henkelman experts with competencies in terms of vacuum products and packaging materials are available to test your products with your packaging. Please feel free to request this from our sales department.
• 2.Q01: Machines - Are a vacuum chamber machine and a tray sealer the same thing?
  Yes and No. These 2 types of machines use the same technology to extract vacuum and reinject gas if required. However, the seal/cutting, the packaging used and the end result are different. The advantages of vacuum packing in trays are good presentation, ease of filling, possibility of using aluminium trays and other materials (that can be heated in the oven, and/or reheated in microwaves). The advantages of the vacuum chamber machine are: low investment, packing of any product size, sous-vide cooking, large storage of raw materials, etc.
• 2.Q02: Machines - Is a vacuum machine and a chamber machine the same thing?
  Yes. The Henkelman vacuum machines are all chamber machines and are classed in different categories: the table top models (Jumbo and Boxer series), the single or double chamber (double work capacity) floor models (Marlin, Falcon, Polar Series) and the vertical models (Toucan Series).
• 2.Q03: Machines - What packaging rate can be achieved with a chamber machine?

  Most Henkelman chamber machines offer a rate of 2 cycles a minute.
  

  This depends on the product (dry or liquid, hot or cold), on the ratio of the volume of the chamber to the volume of the product, the vacuum level to be achieved, the reinjection or not of gas, the seal time sufficient for the material of the bag, the capacity of the vacuum pump.

  It is possible to carry out several packaging processes per cycle with a longer seal bar, or a configuration with several seal bars or even with double chamber machines (the second chamber is loaded while the cycle is done in the first, then vice-versa)

• 2.Q04: Machines - Can 2 single chamber machines have the same rate as a double chamber machine on its own?
  Yes, if for the same product the ratio of the chamber volume (or the working area) to the capacity of the pump is equivalent.
• 2.Q05: Machines - Does a shrink tunnel also extract vacuum and what is the skin effect?
  No. A shrink tunnel is used in addition to a vacuum chamber machine to make skin effect packaging, i.e. the vacuum packaging of the bag will be completely shrunk around the product  so as to get rid of the outlines of the packaging made beforehand in the vacuum machine.
• 3.Q01: Technology - Is there always a gas flushing during the vacuum cycle?
  No. The gas flushing, if required, is done after the vacuum extraction and not during it. Vacuum packing is not systematically under modified protective atmosphere or M.A.P.
• 3.Q02: Technology - What is the modified protective atmosphere and M.A.P. packaging?
  A modified protective atmosphere is comprised of the same gases as those of ambient air: nitrogen N2, carbon dioxide CO2 and oxygen O2. Depending on the recommended mixes, these gases contribute to a balance between the internal pressure of the packaging and the external pressure (in order to not distort or destroy fragile or porous products). Shelf life is also longer and the proliferation of bacteria/mould is slower. The O2 gas is also used for its property of keeping the red or reddish colour of meats.
• 3.Q03: Technology: What mixes of gases are recommended by type of product?
  We have an information sheet for a list of products which is not exhaustive. The specialists are the gas suppliers who will be able to recommended you for your specific product.
• 3.Q04: Technology - Is it possible to control the vacuum cycle of the machine other than by time?
  Yes. Henkelman offers 2 types of printed control boards which are fitted in all our machines: one vacuum control in time (seconds) and one vacuum control in vacuum percentage achieved (up to 99.9% vacuum)
• 3.Q05: Technology - Is it possible to obtain packaging with another seal than double seal?
  Yes. The Henkelman Technology is flexible with different seal systems adapted to your needs. In addition to the possibility of having a double seal, we offer cutt-off seal, 8mm wide seal or Bi-active seal (2 seal bars making a 5mm bilateral seal instead of 1 seal-bar + 1 silicon holder normally). In addition, it is possible to control the seal time (seconds) for the most specific bags/materials.
• 3.Q06: Technology - Is it possible to control the ventilation of the chamber at the end of the cycle to avoid angular products piercing the bag?
  Yes. The Soft-Air option developed by Henkelman is a function which enables you to control in time (seconds) the ventilation of the chamber. Hence, packed products which are sharp, with bones or piercing metals also benefit from irreproachable controlled ventilation.
• 3.Q07: Technology - Is it possible for the large double chamber models to lift the lid automatically?
  Yes. Henkelman has developed a system called Easy-Swing which enables you, simply by pressing a button, to lift the lid automatically. Simply use one finger to swing the lid to the other side.
• 3.Q08: Technology - Is it possible to stop the boiling of juicy or liquid products?
  Yes. Since 2010, Henkelman offers a "Quick Stop H2O Sensor" which will indeed control the vacuum cycle of juicy or liquid products which during this critical phase dry out or deteriorate the machine (pump). Effectively, this function optimises the vacuum time and protects your products against evaporation and the loss of weight.
• 3.Q09: Technology - Are the electronic components likely to be damaged by the electrostatic discharges in the Henkelman machines?
  No. Henkelman offers several machines in ESD version with materials protecting your products and you from electrostatic discharges.
• 3.Q10: Technology - Is it possible to reduce the cycle time and/or the gas consumption?
  Yes. The insert plates for reducing the volume of the chambers are available as standard with all machines. These enable you to fill the chamber so as to have less air to suck out and therefore reduce the cycle time and the gas consumption if required since there will be less to inject. What's more these make it easier to position the product on the seal bar and make the seal optimum. Similar additional plates to be fitted in the lid are available for the Polar series as an option.
• 3.Q11: Technology - Is it possible to tilt a package containing liquid to make packing easier?
  Yes. The inclined plate for liquids is available as an option for all machines. This enables the tilting of the package containing the liquid product and guarantees a perfect seal.
• 3.Q12: Technology - Is it possible to inject oxygen O2 (O2 content of more than 20%) with all the machines?
  No. Only the Henkelman machines fitted with a special pump for oxygen can use a gas or a mix of gases with the oxygen O2 content of more than 20%.
• 3.Q13: Technology - Is there a kit of spare parts ready to order with each machine?
  Yes. Henkelman has a stock of service kits adapted to all machines which is recommended for purchasing a machine.
• 4.Q01: Applications - Can any type of product be packed with the Henkelman vacuum packers?
  To our knowledge, numerous types of food and industrial products can be vacuum packed with our machines. If in doubt, please feel free to contact us as samples can be made internally.
  
• 4.Q02: Applications - Why vacuum pack?
  Vacuum packages are done to protect the products. For food products, vacuum packing helps to extend the shelf life by 3 to 5 times longer than in standard cold chamber storage conditions. For industrial products, vacuum packaging enables the products to be protected during storage and transportation but also saves on the space taken up and avoids fraud. In catering, vacuum packaging enables you to perform sous-vide cooking.
• 4.Q03: Applications - Who is authorised to do vacuum packing?
  Everyone is authorised to do vacuum packaging. In some countries, it is recommended to have a diploma or a certificate to use a vacuum packing machine; however only the bacteriological controls and health and safety standards will be able to bring to light incorrect use of the vacuum technique.
• 4.Q04: Applications - Is there an official list of shelf-lives for all products?
  Yes and no. As the shelf-life depends on the quality and freshness of the products, bacteriological conditions during production and storage and transportation methods, it is difficult to determine an official value - the values given for indication are rather empirical. It is then essential to contact the analysis laboratories concerned which will examine your products.
• 4.Q05: Applications - Does a product which is usually stored fresh, once vacuum packed, have to be systematically stored in the cold?
  Yes. If bacteria not requiring oxygen are initially present in the product, after vacuum packing, these bacteria continue to develop more in an ambient atmosphere than in a refrigerated atmosphere.
• 4.Q06: Applications - Why is it that when meat is vacuum packaged it becomes a dull brown/grey and loses its red/reddish colour?
  Because the vacuum packaging removes all traces of oxygen, and because meats owe their red or reddish colour to the oxygenation of the red oxymyoglobin pigment, the meat effectively loses its colour.  It becomes red again about 20 minutes after the package is opened. For products intended for retail sale, their natural red colour can be kept thanks to a protective atmosphere with high oxygen content.
• 4.Q07: Applications - Is it possible to vacuum pack cooked meals?
  Yes. The preparations are either done in containers (terrines, bowls, trays, plates, etc.) then inserted in a bag and vacuum packed in a chamber machine or are done in trays with a tray sealer machine.
• 4.Q08: Applications - Is it possible to vacuum pack liquid or juicy products?
  Yes. Any liquid can be vacuum packed in a chamber machine or in a tray sealer machine. You are strongly recommended to do this packaging at the lowest temperature possible so as to obtain the best final vacuum level and therefore shorten the cycle time while protecting your product and your machine (the pump). Henkelman offers the "Quick Stop H2O Sensor" option which controls the vacuum packaging of liquid products.
• 4.Q09: Applications - Is it possible to vacuum pack cheese?
  Yes. Henkelman dedicates a page of its website to cheese. Any type of cheese can be vacuum packaged either for fine-tuning during production, for maturing, conservation, storage or transportation so as to comply with the health standards.
• 4.Q10: Applications - Is it possible to vacuum pack raw vegetables and salads?
  Yes. To protect the products, a protective atmosphere created with an M.A.P. packaging (reinjection of gas) is recommended. Salad leaves are not then crushed and the salad is then presented in trays or balloon bags.
• 4.Q11: Applications - Is it possible to pack warm products?
  Yes, however this is really not recommended. When packaging warm products, an evaporation of the humidity of the product is created and can cause condensation in the machine which obviously damages the pump. It is therefore recommended not to pack products with a temperature higher than 30 degrees C or then not to try to achieve a high vacuum level.
• 4.Q12: Applications - Is it possible to vacuum pack CDs, DVDs, documents, files, money?
  Yes. Vacuum packing in no way damages this type of product. The hermetically sealed package guarantees the integrity of the content and secures confidentiality.
• 4.Q13: Applications - Is it possible to vacuum pack electronic components while guaranteeing protection against electrostatic discharges?
  Yes. Henkelman offers several machines in ESD version with materials protecting your products and you from electrostatic discharges.
• 4.Q14: Applications - Is it possible to create sterile packages?
  No. However our chamber machines and our tray sealer machines can be installed in a clean room with a controlled atmosphere. These machines can be adapted to the constraints of the clean room, for example with a dry pump or evacuation of the air containing traces of oil outside.
• 4.Q15: Applications - Is it possible to pack different types of product with the same machine?
  Yes. The same machine can be used equally for vacuum packing food or documents. You are then recommended to select a machine with programmes enabling you to set up parameters (vacuum, gas, seal, etc. in time or percentage) so as to assign one programme per product.
• 5.Q01: Packaging - Can any type of bag/material be used to vacuum pack?
  To our knowledge, numerous types of bags and materials can be vacuum packed with our machines. Depending on the dimensions, the thickness and the material of the bag, a machine with a bar configuration, with a seal system and a seal time is more suitable than another. Please feel free to contact us - tests can be carried out internally.
• 5.Q02: Packaging - Why is it important to choose the right bag?
  Depending on the dimensions of your product, bag dimensions can be calculated and a seal bar configuration may be more suitable than another. Depending on the thickness of the bag: double seal, wide seal, cut-off seal or or bi-active seal system is more recommended than another. Finally, depending on the material of the bag, a seal time can be adjusted to almost 0.1 seconds in order to optimise the cycle time and respect the properties of the material.
• 5.Q03: Packaging - How do I calculate the necessary and sufficient dimensions of my bags depending on my product?

  The product's dimensions determine the size of the bag.
  - The width of the bag is calculated as follows: bag width = (Product length + product width) x (0.11 Product length).

  
  - The bag's length is calculated as follows: Bag length = (Product length + product height/2).

  Once the width of the bag is determined, the seal bar length must always be more than 1cm approximately.

• 5.Q04: Packaging - What is the minimum/maximum thickness required for the bags?
  The thickness should be in between 50 to 500 micron. Also depending on what needs to be vacuum extracted. Your bag supplier can advice you on the right bag for you.
• 5.Q05: Packaging - What packaging materials can be used?
  The packaging materials used must be able to be heat sealed, must be able to be cut, must be resistant, and hermetic in air. Any other option depends on the result and the purpose of the packed product. A great many materials are intended for defrosting and cooking for sous-vide cooking, others for freezing or printing. Aluminium bags can also be sealed in the Henkelman machines.
• 5.Q06: Packaging - Are there different bags/trays depending on the final application of the package?
  Yes. If your products are intended to be heated/cooked in an oven/bain marie, reheated in a microwave or frozen, different materials respond to its applications. There are freezer bags, cooking bags, etc. Please feel free to speak about them with your bag supplier.
• 5.Q07: Packaging - Is it possible to seal bags vertically?
  Yes. Henkelman offers the Toucan range for any type of vertical or square packaging. The bags are inserted on a plate or into a mould and are sealed vertically.
• 5.Q08: Packaging - Is it possible to vacuum pack jars?
  Yes. A jar containing a preparation to be vacuum packaged will close itself during the cycle after the vacuum packing by pressure difference. Hence preparations in jars can be stored for longer.
• 5.Q09: Packaging - Is it possible to vacuum pack containers, plates?
  Yes. The preparations that are done in containers (terrines, jars, trays, plates, etc.) are inserted in a bag and vacuum packed in a chamber machine or are done in trays with a tray sealer machine.
• 5.Q10: Packaging - Is it possible to vacuum pack gastro containers?
  Yes. Henkelman offers for these different models, an adaptable connection on gastro containers which are vacuum packed in order to draw out the air by operating outside the machine. However, Henkelman does not manufacture this type of gastro containers.
• 5.Q11: Packaging - What types of trays/film can be used in a tray sealer machine?
  Henkelman dedicates a page to the tray sealer mould and gives you the possibility of downloading different documents on this subject. Dimensions of gastro trays are possible. Please refer to the documents and contact us.
• 6.Q01: Service - Where can I find all the information about cleaning my machine?
  In the user manual delivered with the machine and it is downloadable from our website.
• 6.Q02: Service - Do I have to clean the machine and how many times?
  Regular, full cleaning is required to extend the life cycle, prevent faults and for an optimum packaging result. In case of intensive use (more than 4 hours a day), we advise professional cleaning once every 6 months. In other cases, one full cleaning a year is enough (depending on the location, the environment and the products). There are however small cleaning jobs which have to be done more often and which users can do themselves.
• 6.Q03: Service - What daily cleaning operations can I do?
  After use, clean the chamber and the lid with a damp cloth.
• 6.Q04: Service - What weekly cleaning operations can I do?
  Check the oil level and replace or add oil if the level is too low or if the oil is dirty. Run the conditioning programme for the pump at least once a week. Check the seal bar for potential damage. Replace the teflon strip / the seal wire if the seal quality is no longer good or if the teflon strip / the seal wire are no longer taught on the bar. Check the lid gasket and replace it if it is damaged or loose.
• 6.Q05: Service - What quarterly cleaning operations can I do?
  Replace the oil at least once every six months. Check the condition of the lid if it is transparent and the gas springs.
• 6.Q06: Service - What annual cleaning operations can I do?
  Check the oil filter or exhaust filter for its saturation. If saturated, replace the filter. Contact your supplier for professional cleaning to check the pump and the cylinders/membranes/seal air chambers.
• 6.Q07: Service - What is the conditioning programme?
  The conditioning programme has to be run every week. The conditioning programme cleans the pump, enables the oil to absorb humidity and potential grime and filters them. The programme is activated by pressing a button on the control panel and by closing the lid. It lasts 15 minutes. The programme should also be run upon initial use, after the machine has not been used for some time and before changing the oil. This programme reduces the potential risks of rust marks and of pump blockage.
• 6.Q08: Service - Can I power clean the machine?
  No. Power cleaning is not authorised for cleaning the machine. Power cleaning can cause considerable damage to the electronic parts and other components of the machine.
• 6.Q09: Service - Can I move my machine with oil in the pump?
  Yes. However, the machine must be transported or moved in an upright position. Overturning the machine IS NOT authorised as this may damage the pump
• 6.Q10: Service - How do I add oil to the pump?
  Oil has to be added every week. The oil viewer helps you check the level and quality of the oil. If the oil level is too low, add oil. The filler cap can be unscrewed with an appropriate open end wrench. Ensure that the right amount of oil is inserted and fill it up slowly to the limit authorised by the oil level indication label.
• 6.Q11: Service - How do I drain oil from the pump?
  Oil has to be changed every 6 months. The oil viewer helps you check the level and quality of the oil. If the oil is dirty or milky white, change the oil. Before draining the oil, let the conditioning programme run a full cycle.  Remove the draining cap and put a container underneath. If need be, slightly tilt the machine to drain all oil and residue. Ensure that the right amount of oil is inserted and fill it up slowly to the limit authorised by the oil level indication label.
• 6.Q12: Service - What oil can I put in the pump?
  It is important to use the right type of oil for the pump. The wrong type can damage the pump. The ambient temperature around the machine is also important for the type of oil. The types of oil are listed in the user manual delivered with the machine and downloadable from our website. Examples of supplier brands for the standard oil types are Shell Vitrea, Aral Motanol GM, BP Energol CS, or Texaco Regal R+ O with a corresponding viscosity index.
• 6.Q13: Service - How do I check and change the exhaust filter of the pump?
  The exhaust filter has to be changed every 12 to 18 months. The pump has one or more exhaust filters which absorb the oil steam and filter this. When the filters are saturated, it is impossible to obtain a maximum vacuum. Open the back or the side of the machine to reach the pump, and unscrew the filter housing lid. The filter is visible and is attached behind a ring which has to be unscrewed and removed using a wrench. Then the replacement can be done.
• 6.Q14: Service - How do I change the pump's oil filter?
  The oil filter has to be changed every 6 months and each time the oil is drained. This is screwed in place behind the exhaust filter housing.
• 6.Q15: Service - How do I clean the seal bar?
  The seal system has to be renewed every 3 months. The seal quality depends, among others, on the cleaning of the seal bar and silicon holder. The main cleaning operations are the daily cleaning of the seal bar and silicon holder with a damp cloth, and a weekly check of the bars with replacement of the seal wire, or the teflon strip and the silicon rubber of the silicon holder if the seal quality is not good enough.
• 6.Q16: Service - How do I replace the seal wires of the seal bar?
  Take out the seal bar and remove the teflon strip. Remove seal wires by unscrewing the clips and pulling the wires out of the grooves. Remove the other teflon strip underneath and clean the seal bar with a dust-free cloth. Cut new seal wires the length of the seal bar plus 15cm. Replace the teflon strip inside and place the end of the wires through the grooves on the side of the seal bar and screw the wires on the bottom. Place the seal bar head down in a vice and pull the seal wires through the groove from the other side of the seal bar. Stretch the wires firmly with pliers and attach it by screwing at the same time. Use tong and groove pliers as a lever, for optimum wire tension. Cut the ends that exceed the both ends just after screwing them in place. Henkelman also has a tool to help you change the seal wires. Please feel free to contact our technical department.
• 6.Q17: Service - How do I replace the teflon strip of the seal bar?
  Cut a piece of teflon strip the length of the seal bar plus about 5 cm. Stick a new teflon strip right on the seal wires. When sticking the teflon on the bar, ensure it is smooth and has no creases.
• 6.Q18: Service - How do I replace the silicon rubber of the silicon holder?
  The silicon rubber has to be replaced every 6 months. Remove the old silicon rubber from its support. Cut a new silicon rubber the same size as the old one. It is very important that the size is the same - a smaller or bigger size can cause problems when seal. Place the new silicon rubber in its support. Ensure that the surface of the silicon rubber is even and has no tension.
• 6.Q19: Service - How do I replace the lid gasket?
  The lid gasket has to be replaced every 6 months. This is essential for obtaining an optimum vacuum. The lid gasket is subjected to wear and tear due to big pressure differences. The length of the new lid gasket is determined in accordance with the old lid gasket. If the lid gasket is too short or too long this may cause problems closing the lid or cause leaks.  The lid gasket has to be placed in the lid properly and without tension. The ends have to be cut and must be butt-jointed to avoid any leaks.
• 6.Q20: Service - Is there a kit of spare parts ready to order with each machine?
  Yes. Henkelman has a stock of service kits adapted to all machines which is recommended for purchasing a machine.
• 6.Q21: Service - What is the quality of the stainless steel used for the Henkelman machines?
  The stainless steel of all Henkelman machines is classed: 304 (AISI U.S.A); X5CrNi18-09 1.4301 (Europe EN 10027); Z6CN18-09 (Afnor France).
• 6.Q22: Service - Where can I find the serial number of the machine and the voltage, tension and power values?
  These data are indicated on the identification plate stuck on the machine.
  
• 6.Q23: Service - When using gas, what is the maximum pressure on the gas bottle?
  1 ATO
• 6.Q24: Service - Where can I find the technical, electronic and pneumatic diagrams?
  In the user manual delivered with the machine and downloadable from our website.
• 6.Q25: Service - Where can I find exploded views of the machines?
  On request from the technical department.
• 6.Q26: Service - Where can I find trouble shooting diagrams help for the machine to get it working properly again?
  In the user manual delivered with the machine and downloadable from our website.