A vacuum pump works by creating a pressure difference between the volume to be processed and the environment. Main stages of operation:

1. Gas capture:
   The gas from the volume enters the working chamber of the pump.
2. Compression:
   In the working chamber, the gas is compressed by mechanical or physical action.
3. Deletion:
   The compressed gas is discharged from the working chamber into the atmosphere or a special collection vessel.

Types of vacuum pumps differ in the way they create a vacuum:

• Mechanical pumps:
  Vacuum is created by moving parts such as pistons, plates or a rotor.
• Diffusion pumps:
  A stream of oil or mercury vapour is used to create a deep vacuum.
• Turbomolecular pumps:
  They create a vacuum due to the high-speed rotation of the blades.
• Cryopumps:
  Low temperatures are used to condense gases and vapours.

Areas of application

1. Pharmaceuticals:
   • They are used in the processes of drying, degassing, and the production of sterile preparations.
2. Chemical industry:
   • Creating vacuum in reaction systems, purifying gases, evaporating solvents.
3. Metallurgy:
   • They are used for vacuum casting, heat treatment and brazing of metals.
4. Food industry:
   • Vacuum packaging of food, removing air from food products such as sauces or juices.
5. Scientific research:
   • Physical and chemical experimentation facilities, vacuum chambers for evaporation or coating.
6. Electronics:
   • Production of semiconductors, vacuum sputtering of films.

Features of vacuum pumps

1. Types of vacuum:
   • Rough vacuum: Corresponds to low vacuum levels (1-1000 mbar).
   • Medium vacuum: The pressure is within 10-³-1 mbar.
   • Deep vacuum: Pressure below 10-³ mbar, used for specialised applications.
2. Resistance to aggressive environments:
   Special models can handle aggressive gases or vapours.
3. Pumping speed:
   Determines how much gas the pump can remove per unit of time.
4. Energy efficiency:
   Modern models are equipped with economical engines, which reduces energy consumption.
5. Compactness:
   Some pumps have a modular design that allows them to be integrated into compact systems.
6. Noise and vibration:
   The low-noise models are suitable for laboratory or medical applications.

How do I choose the right vacuum pump?

1. Vacuum level:
   Determine which vacuum level is required for your process (rough, medium or deep vacuum).
2. Productivity:
   Consider the volume of the system to be pumped and the pumping speed.
3. Type of environment:
   Make sure that the pump is suitable for your type of gas or vapour (corrosive, toxic, abrasive).
4. Materials:
   For use with aggressive substances, choose models made of stainless steel, Teflon or other chemically resistant materials.
5. Operating conditions:
   Consider the temperature, humidity and frequency of use of the pump.
6. Protection system:
   Choose a pump with protection against overheating, dry running and mechanical wear.