How does a vacuum pump work?

Vacuum pumps are used in a wide variety of different industries and are essential in the daily operations of the medical, automotive, industrial manufacturing, and aerospace sectors. Whether you are already an expert on vacuum pumps or are a complete novice looking for more information on how a vacuum pump works, the different types of vacuum pumps, and why they are so important, then you have come to the right place. Read on to learn about more vacuum pumps from the experts at Glaston.

What is a vacuum pump?

A vacuum pump is a type of device that removes gases, such as air, from a system or container to create a vacuum. It is a type of industrial pump that works within a restricted area to create a pressure difference and utilises a number of different technologies to work efficiently. 

A vacuum pump creates a pressure difference both between the exterior and interior of the container or system. This difference is created by the pump reducing the pressure on the side it is installed. 

Examples of where vacuum pumps are required include the food and beverage industry or when working with pulp and paper, medical processes, the semiconductor and electronics industry, and woodworking.

How does a vacuum pump work?

The main purpose of a vacuum pump is to create a space inside a process or object. A vacuum refers to a space no matter where the gas (or air) is below atmospheric pressure. 

Vacuum pumps are required as they change the pressure within the contained space to create a vacuum (either chemically or mechanically). While vacuum pumps can be used in different ways, and as part of different processes, they all have the same aim. 

Pressure, in any setting, will always try to equalise as molecules flow to fill the entire volume area. Therefore, when a new low-pressure space is introduced (by a vacuum pump), gas will flow from high-pressure areas to the new low-pressure area created until they are equal. 

It is important to remember that the vacuum pump process does not ‘suck’ gas but pushes molecules from one region to the next by changing high and low-pressure states to create a vacuum.

Types of vacuum pumps

Due to how versatile vacuum pumps are and the various different settings, processes, and industries they can be used in, there are different types of vacuum pumps. However, they all work on the same principle and science. 

There are two main classifications of vacuum pumps, these are gas transfer and gas entrapment. Gas transfer pumps are divided into positive displacement and momentum transfer. Here are two kinds of vacuum pumps and how they work.

Transfer Pumps

Transfer pumps can use two types of methods of operation: kinetic energy or positive displacement. This means that transfer pumps are pushing gas molecules out of the space through the system to create a vacuum. But what transfer pumps and capture pumps have in common is that they are pushing gas and air through the system at different intervals.

In some cases, multiple transfer pumps may be used at the same time to provide a higher vacuum rate. Another reason why you may use multiple transfer pumps is to allow for the event of a pump failure, which without a backup pump could cause the process serious problems.

Kinetic Pumps

Kinetic pumps are secondary pumps that use momentum through blades or vapour to push the gas around and towards the outlet. A Turbomolecular pump uses high-speed rotating blades to propel the gas modules. These types of pumps have low transfer rates and provide low pressures. 

Other types of vacuum pumps include diffusion pumps, piston pumps, rotary vane pumps, and diaphragm pumps.

Vacuum pumps maintenance

Now that we have answered your question of ‘how does a vacuum pump work’ and you have a better understanding of the type of vacuum pumps that are needed for different processes, it is important that you are aware of how to maintain a vacuum pump. 
Here at Glaston, we are experts when it comes to vacuum pump maintenance of state-of-the-art vacuum pump products. It is crucial that no corners are cut with vacuum provision and that all your products are offering maximum performance and efficient vacuum systems.

Vacuum pumps finance

If you are looking for options when it comes to financing your vacuum pump purchase then here at Glaston, we have vacuum pump finance options suited to you and your needs. There are a number of financing packages that are tailored to suit the needs of different organisations and businesses and mean that you can reap the benefits of your new vacuum pump immediately. 

For more information on vacuum pumps at Glaston or the finance options available to you, contact us today for expert advice.