About Vacuum Pumps
A vacuum pump is a unique system that can be used to reduce liquid pressure when compared to limited pressure. This will be gained through the vacuum created which is used to take away any surplus air and its elements.
What do Vacuum Pumps Do?
A vacuum pump is a common type of pump and this is because many pumps can be classified as a vacuum pump.
This type of pump works by creating a vacuum effect which will then lead to the movement of air or fluids. The air or the fluid will then move quickly into a vacuum as these different states will move from a place with high pressure to a place with lower pressure.
Some pumps operate by removing unnecessary by-products by decreasing boiling points or providing overrides.
Types of Pumps
Now that we know what these pumps do, let us now look at the different categories of vacuum pumps. They are usually classified by the techniques they use or employ to achieve a vacuum.
Positive Displacement Pump
The first type is the Positive displacement pump.
This type uses a mechanism to constantly expand a cavity. This activity will then allow gases to go in from a chamber which will then seal off the cavity. It will then be exhausted into the atmosphere.
The principal with how this operates is that the vacuum is created by expanding the volume of a container. An example of this is a manual water pump, there is a mechanism that will expand a cavity area that is a seal and creates a deep vacuum.
With the change in pressure, the fluid will move from the chamber and will be pushed into the small cavity. When this is done, some of the fluid is pushed into the small cavity of the pump.
Momentum Transfer Pump
The second type is known as a Momentum transfer pump.
These operate by using a high-speed jet of dense fluid or high speed rotating blades to move the molecules of the gas out of the chamber. These types of pumps can achieve high compression ratios at low pressure. It is important to note that they typically do not have sealed volumes.
Entrapment Pumps
The third type is referred to as an Entrapment pump.
Entrapment pumps can be used to capture gases in an adsorbed or solid-state. These types of pumps operate at a lower flow rate than other vacuum pumps but they can still create a high vacuum. Some entrapment pumps work via a chemical reaction. These are highly useful when they are placed inside a container where the vacuum is required.
Measuring Pump Performance
The pumping speed of the pump is an important metric that can be used to rate a pump. This speed refers to the volume flow rate of the pump at the inlet which is often measured in the volume per unit of time.
This will show the effectiveness of the pump so different pumps can have variable rates.
The Throughput measurement will refer to the pumping speed multiplied by the gas pressure at the inlet. This is usually measured in units of pressure-volume/unit time.
It is useful when you are examining the leak in a system involving the pump, you can use the throughput value to measure and compare the lead to the pump throughput.
Applications
There are several industrial or scientific applications for vacuum pumps.
Vacuum Pumps can be used in the following applications:
- In-flight instruments
- composite molding
- vacuum tubes
- electric lamps
- CRTs
- electron microscopy
- semiconductor processing
- print pressing
- medical applications and so much more.
Some of the specific medical applications include radio-surgery, mass spectrometers and radio-pharmacy. There are other applications such as in the use of instruments that analyze solids, liquids and gas.
Vacuum pumps can also be used for decorative vacuum coatings on glass, metal and plastics. They can also be used to provide additional assistance to mechanical devices or in hybrid or diesel engines in motor vehicles. The pumps are fitted on the engine to provide the vacuum environment required for some areas of the engine to work.
Advantages of Using a Vacuum Pump
- Pumps can be used securely via suction to move waste or other materials.
- They will have spill avoidance features that will provide controls to make safe transport of your required materials.
- They will move your material as you intended with the speed required.
- There are different types made for specific applications.
Disadvantages of using a Vacuum Pump
- Pumps can fail if conditions change.
- If a pump fails, it can lead to leaks and possible pollution.
What to Look for in a Pump
When looking to purchase a vacuum pump, there are a few things you should look for to ensure you get the best deal.
Here are a few things to consider:
– Ease of use
A pump should be user friendly and contain features that are intuitive to you. This is good to review these features and see how easy it is to use them. Ensure when you buy the unit you will maximize and enjoy the use.
– Build Quality
What material is your pump made of? This is an important question as many types on the market are not made of heavy-duty materials. Depending on your usage and requirements, you should get a pump that will be durable and sturdy to ensure it will not be damaged easily. Always choose to best to ensure your safety and that you will get good usability from the unit.
– Additional features
Some pumps come with extra elements. This helps a specific brand to stand out from the rest and offer you great value for your money. Extra features can help to influence your pump’s processes and allow you to get additional usage without needed additional equipment.
Top Brands of Vacuum Pumps
- XtremepowerUS
- Kozyvacu
- ZENY
- Robinair
- Yellow Jacket
- FJC
- Fieldpiece
- CPS
Contact a Vacuum Pump Repair Specialist
Industrial Pump Repair Canada
210-A Arvin Ave, Stoney Creek, ON L8E 2L8
(905) 664-1394