A Complete Guide to Vacuum Pumps

What is a Vacuum Pump?

As the name suggests, vacuum pumps are used to create vacuums. These powerful devices pull the gas and air molecules from sealed containers to create a vacuum (technically a ‘partial vacuum’ as it will be imperfect in comparison to a theoretical ideal - or ‘perfect’ vacuum). Such vacuums may be required for an engineering or manufacturing process or they may be used to move liquids from one location to another, just like conventional pumps.

Vacuum pumps are also known as ‘suction pumps’. They are hardworking devices and it is important to ensure they are properly maintained and replaced when necessary.

How Do You Create a Vacuum?

Now we know what a vacuum pump does, it’s time to consider how it works. These ingenious tools induce different levels of pressure in two spaces: high and low. When the regions are linked, air molecules will be pulled from the high-pressure space into the low pressure one, leaving the first empty. In other words, creating a vacuum.

Vacuums can also be created using vacuum generators which work on a venture principle. This is where compressed air passes through a venture chamber designed to move gases or fluids out of a region of space. Venturi or fluid jet vacuum generators rely on the flow of compressed air, gas, or liquid as the ‘motive’ fluid to pull or create a vacuum at the desired port.

Vacuum Pump Applications and Uses

So, what are vacuum pumps used for? There is no single answer to this question as these devices have multiple uses across industry and engineering, including:

• Semiconductor processing (semiconductors are materials with intermediate electrical conductivity, widely used in the production of electronic components)

• Composite moulding (composites are materials made from a mix of two or more substances - examples include plywood, fibreglass and reinforced concrete)

• Uranium enrichment (for nuclear power generation)

• Oil refining

Vacuum pumps also play an important role in the function of some manufactured equipment, for example:

• Electric lamps

• Radiotherapy devices (for cancer treatment)

• Electron microscopes, spectrometers (for chemical analysis) and similar analytical equipment

• Air conditioning systems

• Dairy equipment

• Gyroscopes for flight instrumentation

• Automotive engines (to boost braking and increase fuel efficiency)

Vacuum Pump Types

There are four different types of commercially available vacuum pump:

Let’s take a look at each in more detail.

Vacuum Pump Product Comparison

The following is a selection of leading vacuum pump brands and a snapshot comparison between several products:

Image	Brand	Product Example
	Festo	OVEM-20-H-B-QO-CE-N-1P vacuum generator
	SMC	Process Diaphragm Pump 5 to 45 L/min
	Air Engineering Controls Ltd	Air Engineering Controls Ltd Vacuum Pump
	Norgren	Norgren Vacuum Pump

Vacuum Pump Hazards

Vacuum pumps are powerful and potentially dangerous items. Potential risks include:

• Contaminated pump oil spillage due to incorrect handling

• Injury from accidental exposure to moving parts

• Electrical shocks due to faulty wiring

• Fire due to overheating or other malfunctions

• Toxic fumes due to inadequate ventilation

However, the following safety measures will help to minimise risk:

1. Do not operate pumps in areas of limited or no ventilation

2. Use a pump or ventilation cabinet whenever possible

3. Ensure belt guards are in place

4. Use a spill tray to catch any leakage if faults occur

5. Ensure tubing is fully compatible with the pump and fit for use - replace it if necessary

6. Check the surrounding area for any combustible materials

7. Check switches and cabling for potential faults

FAQs

What Happens When a Vacuum Pump Fails?

Like all mechanical devices, vacuum pumps occasionally fail. It may be a sudden failure, for instance, the pump refuses to switch on one day, but you are more likely to encounter a gradual accumulation of symptoms as internal issues worsen over time.

Typical symptoms of impending vacuum pump failure include:

• Oil leakage

• Noisier operation

• Smoke discharge

• A fall in vacuum pressure

What is the Unit of Vacuum?

The pascal (Pa) is a standard international unit of pressure, named after French physicist Blaise Pascal. This is sometimes used to measure vacuums, but the more usual unit is the torr, a term derived from a different physicist - the Italian Evangelista Torricelli.

The torr is defined as equivalent to 1/760th of a standard atmospheric level of pressure. Until recently, a different definition was used: equivalence to a millimetre of mercury in a manometer (pressure measurement device).

What is the Difference Between a Vacuum Pump and a Compressor?

These two devices have distinct purposes. As we saw above, vacuum pumps are designed to create a vacuum through a combination of high and low-pressure zones. By contrast, compressors draw in air from the surrounding environment and compress this by subjecting it to high pressure, creating stored energy for eventual discharge to power pneumatic tools and devices.