During a recent technical visit to the Rubin Glass production site in Pleven, Bulgaria, a Pneumofore representative reviewed several vacuum pumps operating across the plant. The inspection provided further evidence of the remarkable long-term reliability of the installation. Since the commissioning of the first UV16 Vacuum Pump in 2010, the system has progressively expanded in line with Rubin Glass’s production growth and now comprises 15 Pneumofore units.
Installed across different production areas, the pumps support the IS and AIS moulding machines associated to the site’s three glass furnaces. These production lines provide a total production capacity of approximately 750 tonnes per day. Rubin Glass manufactures green, brown and flint glass containers for a broad range of applications.
Rubin Glass is one of the most advanced and well-established glass producers in the Balkan region. With more than 60 years of experience in glass container manufacturing, the company has established a strong international presence and supplies customers across Europe and beyond. Its extensive product portfolio includes bottles ranging from 100 to 3.750 mililitre and jars from 80 to 1.750 millilitre, covering applications for food, edible oils, soft drinks, spirits, beers and wine.
The company’s ability to develop customised glass containers distinguishes Rubin Glass from competitors focused on standardised production. This combination of production flexibility, quality and continuous technological modernisation, supported by advanced quality management systems and integrated ERP business processes, further supports Rubin Glass’ established market position.
In glass manufacturing, vacuum is essential for stable and continuous operation of IS machines. Over the years, Rubin Glass has experienced the trouble-free operation of Pneumofore UV16 Vacuum Pumps, followed by the progressive expansion of the installed system. All these vacuum pumps are equipped with Variable Speed Drives that enable each pump to precisely adapt the delivered capacity to the actual production demand, supporting operational flexibility and energy efficiency.
The picture shows the most recent units, delivered in 2024: air-cooled UV Vacuum Pumps installed with adequate ventilation and properly dimensioned piping connections to minimise energy losses caused by pressure or capacity drops.
As demonstrated in hundreds of glassworks worldwide, Pneumofore UV Vacuum Pumps operate at low rotational speed with direct coupling, allowing stable performance over time and minimising mechanical wear. Pneumofore systems typically operate continuously for more than 20 years without overhauls. This extended operating life contributes to lower Life Cycle Costs, reduced maintenance requirements and sustainable industrial production.