Types of Vacuum Pumps and their operating principles

What is a vacuum pump?

A vacuum pump is a device proficient in generating low-pressure or partial vacuum by pushing gas or air molecules out of a sealed chamber. The device works by removing the molecules of air and other gases from the vacuum chamber.

Main types of vacuum pumps

Rotary vane vacuum pump: An excellent choice if you need a high-performance vacuum pump at affordable costs. A rotary vacuum pump is compact and small. It has an offensive vacuum capability. They are suitable for liquid samples and solvents that boil quickly. The operation of a rotary vacuum pump necessitates the use of oil. Oil enables perfect air tightness, continual and effective lubrication of the moving components and significant heat blow to keep the vacuum pump cool.

Diaphragm vacuum pumps: They are particularly corrosion and chemical-resistant. They are thus utilized with any viscous, acidic or corrosive substance. Because of this feature, they are widely used in industries such as food for pumping fluids like water, chocolate and syrups, and the cosmetic and chemical industries. They are also employed in rotational evaporation and volatile compound treatment. They are dry pumps, and this removes the need for oil lubrication. Also, diaphragm vacuum pump has lower vacuum level than rotary pumps, making them unsuitable for freeze-dying.

Liquid ring vacuum pump: They work by pumping a liquid that is centrifuged against the pump walls; thus, the liquid ring maintains the pump’s air tightness. They are used in power plants, distilleries, petroleum refineries, sugar mills, mines and other industry verticals. Liquids, tiny solid particles and vapours flow through these pumps with minor sensitivity. These robust pumps can decrease and boost pressure with the maximum flow rate.

Scroll vacuum pump: They are used to pump vacuum both wet and dry. They are commonly employed in research and laboratories. These pumps are small and silent and do not require any oil. The seal must be changed often to maintain ideal air tightness, so regular maintenance is needed.

Turbomolecular vacuum pump: These vacuum pumps work the same way as compressors. The benefit of these pumps is that they do not need any oil. They are spotless pumps and are ideal for applications requiring ultra vacuum, such as analytical instruments or laboratory analysis. They are more expensive and have complex technology.

Basic operating principle of industrial vacuum pump

Irrespective of the technology, the essential functioning principle of a vacuum pump is the same. Air molecules and gases are removed from the vacuum pump chamber. The removal of different molecules gets progressively challenging when the pressure in the room is lowered.

Wrap up

Vacuum pumps are one of the critical components found in vacuum furnaces. Their primary function is to clean and seal. It is essential to buy vacuum pumps from reliable manufacturers. Kay blowers is an authorized provider of a unique range of vacuum pumps that can meet the demand for diverse applications in every industry vertical.