A vacuum pump is a device which was invented in 1650 by Otto von Guericke. Its main function is to remove gas molecules from a sealed volume and leave a partial vacuum behind. Basically, it is used to pull out air and gases from a sealed or confined space due to which the space is left out of any gas and air molecules. They are used in various applications like cleaning, sealing etc.
Performance Measures
The performance is measured on the most important factor which is its pumping speed. The pumping speed refers to the volume flow rate of a pump at its inlet, often measured in volume per unit of time. The pumping rate is different for each type of pump and the gases being pumped. Depending on the chemical composition of the gases remaining in the chamber, the average volume flow rate of the pump varies. Another factor which signifies the performance level is throughput which means pumping speed multiplied by the gas pressure in the inlet. Number of molecules pumped out of per unit time at a constant temperature is known as throughput.
Different types, uses and applications are find with this equipment in variety of industries. Basically, there are three types of vacuum pumps, positive displacement pumps, momentum transfer pumps also known as molecular pumps and entrapment pumps which are further classified into liquid ring, single cone, close couple and chemical process pump.