Vacuum sealing otherwise know as dry packaging is the process of removing oxygen from a bag with the goal of extending the shelf life and preserving the material or product inside the bag. Industrial vacuum sealers are available in a variety of sizes and styles with features that can accommodate most any sealing application.
The basic process of vacuum sealing a moisture barrier bag using a nozzle or snorkel vacuum sealer is outlined in the following steps.
1) Place the edge of the bag on the seal bar, insert nozzle or snorkel inside the bag. Press the foot pedal to compress the seal bar jaws and begin the vacuum sealing process.
2) Air is extracted by the nozzle and the bag conforms around the product.
3) Once air is evacuated, the heating elements seal the bag and the sealer will begin the dwell/cool mode.
4) Once complete, the seal bars open and you can remove the bag.
Consider the following options when selecting a vacuum sealer:
Self-Contained Vacuum Sealer
Most industrial vacuum sealers require an external air compressor or plant air supply. Self-contained vacuum sealers feature an internal built-in compressor. This internal compressor gives the vacuum sealer a “plug and go” feature. This is beneficial when 
there is no external air supply available or you need to use the sealer in a location where this is no space or external connection available.
Gas Purge
Vacuum sealers with a gas purge option will pump a stabilizing gas, such as nitrogen into the bag before vacuum sealing. This ensures that all oxygen is removed from the bag, extending the shelf life of the product.
Dual Nozzle
Dual nozzle vacuum sealers feature two nozzles to evacuate the air which can increase production. This can be beneficial when sealing large bags as it helps to pull the vacuum faster producing greater efficiency.
Vacuum Filter
A vacuum filter option is recommended when sealing items such as liquids or powders. Vacuum filters keep debris from getting sucked into the nozzles and damaging the unit.
Vacuum Regulator
A vacuum regulator controls the amount of vacuum to prevent “over vacuuming” of products and crushing delicate sensitive items inside the bags.
Dual Elements
Dual element sealers utilize two heating elements, both the upper and lower bar. The advantage to dual element sealers is a faster seal for thicker and harder to seal materials.
Moisture Barrier Bags
There are a variety of styles and materials of moisture barrier vacuum seal bags. When evaluating moisture barrier bags it is important to review MVTR (moisture vapor 
transmission rate) and thickness of material for desired puncture resistance. Film materials are available to accommodate a variety of vacuum sealing applications, including ESD safe barrier films, Mil-Spec films, clear poly/nylon films for commercial sealing applications and many more.
Correct Products is a leading supplier of mil-spec packaging supplies and other specialty packaging equipment. Please visit us at www.correctproducts.com for more details on vacuum sealing equipment and dry packaging accessories such as ESD moisture barrier bags, desiccant, dry pack labels and more!