Do you know how to use a vacuum pump? Unfortunately, the answer will be mixed because most people don’t have enough knowledge to use it. As a result, your vacuum pump may need to be repaired frequently. Nevertheless, this is an important mechanical component used in chemical industries, power generation, mining plants, food manufacturing, etc.
That’s why it is essential to know how to use it, and then you will understand how it works with higher efficiency. Moreover, it will help you lower costs and increase productivity. So let’s check how it works and other perspectives so you can easily use it in your work.
What Is A Vacuum Pump?
We all know vacuum pumps are used to generate vacuum from the devices. Here, it can draw out air and gas from sealed devices. Moreover, a vacuum can be used to pass liquids from one place to another, which is similar to a compact vacuum.
You may know suction power is also known as vacuum pumps. If you want the highest performance, you have to maintain it daily. A household vacuum cleaner machine is one of the best examples of a vacuum.
This device can pick the dirt, derbies, and also water. If you want to see how it works, you can set the vacuum into a zipper bag. In the end, you will see it squeeze the zipper bag.
Let’s make a long story short. Here, we will know every detail about this vacuum pump.
How Does A Vacuum Pump Work?
It’s not rocket science to know how a vacuum pump functions. Here, high volume pressure goes to low volume pressure, and that’s how it generates its activities. It can work in mechanical and chemical ways, depending on the situation. It tries to draw pressure from high to low spots to balance the pressure in all areas.
Moreover, it pushes molecules from one area to another area. But fluid jet and venturi generation work on the natural flow of compressed liquid, gas, or air. That’s the way it functioned.
Where Are Vacuum Pumps Connected?
If you look closely at an air conditioner, you will find that vacuum pumps are generated with a suction line and a pressure gauge. These are connected with liquid lines.
Let’s dig deeper to check how vacuum pumps work.
Setting Up Your Vacuum Pump
When you are ready to use the vacuum pump, clean it carefully. Then fill up the vacuum oil slowly. You must be conscious about the fill line because filling oil above it may not be suitable for your pump.
Attach Your Gauges To The Ports
After filling the oil, you must set the gauge with vacuum and pressure ports. The blue gauge is used for low pressure, and the red one is for high. However yellow hose is used for connecting the gauges with the vacuum pump.
Always connect everything tightly; otherwise, it will not work efficiently.
Open Your Manifold Valves
You should check your valves when you finish all the steps I mentioned at the beginning.
Start Your Pump
Once you complete the process, it’s time to start the pump. First, start the switch button then you can hear your vacuum is working.
Open Side Gauge Valve
When you start your vacuum, ensure you open the side gauge of the pump. Otherwise, it can’t pull the air.
Allow The Vacuum To Run for a Few Minutes
When the vacuum pump runs at full speed, leave it to operate for at least 15 to 30 minutes. It helps to remove the air. From the manufacturer’s guide, you need to read all the information on how to use a vacuum pump properly.
Shut Off The Vacuum Pump
After using your vacuum, make sure to close it. The open and switch off button is the same. Moreover, you have to pull out the hose line from the pump.
That’s how you can use a vacuum pump effectively.
Vacuum Pump Uses And Application
There are different uses for vacuum pumps. However, most of its benefits are in industrial and engineering areas. Here, check out the uses of vacuum pumps.
- Oil Refinement – Used for crude oil into petroleum products.
- Uranium Composition – It is used for nuclear power generation.
- Composite Moulding – This one is made from different materials. Those are reinforced concrete, fiberglass, and plywood.
- Semiconductor Processing – It is used in the forming of electrical components. Example: Gallium arsenide is a semiconductor.
However, you can also see vacuum pumps play the main character in other sectors. Such as,
- Gyroscope
- Radio Therapy device
- Air Conditioner
- Electronic Lamps
- Dairy gadgets
- Automotive systems
- Electron microscope
- Sewage system
- Fusion research
- Trash Compactor
There are many other sectors where vacuum pumps are used.
Vacuum Pump Basics
Whenever you use a vacuum, you can feel the pressure range of this machine. On this basis, they are divided into groups. Like,
- Rough or low Vacuum: 1000 to 1 mbar
- Fine or Medium Vacuum: 1 to. 001 mbar
- High Vacuum: 0.001 to 0.0000007 mbr
- Ultra-High Vacuum: 0.0000007 to 0.00000000001 mbr
- Extreme High Vacuum: < 0.00000000001 mbr
Moreover, vacuum pumps are divided into three stages according to their function.
- Positive Displacement Vacuum Pumps: Used for steady speed.
- Momentum Transfer Vacuum Pumps: They can create high speed.
- Diaphragm Vacuum Pumps: Creatr accuracy with high speed.
- Entrapment Vacuum Pumps: Storing gas.
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The vacuum pump’s pressure depends on wet or dry conditions. In wet pumps, oil or water is used to seal and lubricant. But the dry pumps are used for compressing gas.
Let’s check out some vacuum pump methods which are commonly used.
Capture Pumps
This pump is also known as an entrapment pump. Here, they need high vacuum pressure to operate it. Moreover, it has no moving parts. So, it creates a vacuum territory with two methods.
Cryopump
In this method, it traps gas via cryogenics. This cryogenic technology freezes or traps the gas. Here, they used cold temperatures.
Sputter Ion Pumps
This pump uses high magnetic fields to generate the vacuum. It creates powerful electropositive irons on titanium cathode.
Transfer Pumps
The transfer pumps also use two methods. The first is kinetic energy, and the second is positive displacement. It pushes the gas particles out of space.
Kinetic Pumps
This vacuum uses vapor to push the gas to the outside. Here, a high-pressure technology system is included. It has two different pumps, one is turbomolecular, and the other is a vapor diffusion pump. It has a simple operating system, which uses transformed momentum and increases the rate of gas molecules towards the outlet.
A high-speed heated oil steam system is the central operating system of vapor diffusion pumps. However, it reduces the pressure at the inlet part.
Positive Displacement Pumps
It expands the original gas volume and transfers it to the chamber, where the vacuum compresses and isolates the gas. Moreover, the pump generates high pressure expelling the gas outside. As a result, it can operate at a low-pressure range.
There are various types of positive displacement pumps available.
- Oil Sealed Rotary Vane Pump
- Liquid Ring Pump
- Diaphragm Pump
- Scroll Pump
- Roots Style Pump
- Claw Pump
- Screw Pump
Now you know how to use a vacuum pump and see all kinds of vacuum. So it’s time to understand what hazards you may know when you use a vacuum pump.
What Happens When A Vacuum Pump Fails?
There are a few specific reasons to fail a vacuum pump when you use it. Here, I am giving some common reasons for vacuum pump failure.
- Increased Noise: Extreme noise level in a pump is the initial reason for pump failure. Because it indicates that you need to clean your vacuum pump; otherwise, it may harm your diaphragm, valve plates, motor, or other parts. So clean it before you want to use it or after use.
- Extended Processing Times: If some particles like dirt or something are stuck in a vacuum chamber, then it extends your process time. So, this increased time may hamper the pump from running smoothly. That’s why you must check the vacuum when you notice this problem.
- Overheating And Constant Restart: Overheating always impacts every mechanical component badly. For that reason, you face a restart problem. So, check your ventilation system to reduce this problem.
- Won’t Turn On: Sometimes, you will see that you can’t turn on your pump. That is because of a fuse issue. So, if you notice this problem, fix your fuse. If this happens regularly after fixing it, then you have a power problem.
- Slow Starts or StandStill: Whenever the pump takes time to start or stand still, it has a blockage or flow problem. It may make an issue in the inlet and outlet vacuum pump. So, if you notice this issue, fix it quickly.
- Poor Fuel Efficiency: If you see a poor fuel consumption problem in your pump, the hose may break down, or the engine may have a leaking problem. Fix this problem immediately. Otherwise, it will damage the entire pump system.
- Brake Pedal Hard To Press: In diesel engines, you will face a common issue. Pumps generate less suction, and the pump function decreases rapidly in this situation. Immediately fix this, or you can lose your pump.
These are the most common issues that you see regularly. So whenever you notice any of them, search for a mechanic as soon as possible.
Here you have to follow some rules before operating your machine. Let’s check those.
Safety Notes For The Operator
If you want machine safety, you need to ensure its safety. Because there are specific hazards that you just need to know before using it. Here are some tips you should follow :
- Avoid hot parts of the pump when you operate it.
- Use detect-free electrical components.
- Never use vacuum pumps near flammable chemicals, waste, or things that may cause problems.
- Avoid using solvents.
- Place belt guards in the proper way.
- Use a pan to catch oil drips.
- Close the valve before shutting off the pump.
- Always check the oil level and remove or replace it when needed.
- Take precautions before operating the vacuum pump. Like wearing safety glasses.
- Put your hand aside from the suction inlet.
These are some tips that you must follow. Otherwise, you can face difficulties. There are some questions that can arise in your mind when you want to know how to use a vacuum pump. Here, I list some of those.
Why is water used in vacuum pumps?
In the liquid ring, vacuum pump water is used mainly. That is because it can seal the chamber. If drying materials are soaked with chemicals at that moment, some other liquid will be used. The water vacuum is used in a wide range of industries.
How long can I run the vacuum pump?
If the vacuum pump is not getting hot, then it can run smoothly. Always make sure that your pump is in the best condition. Otherwise, it can’t run as long as you need.
How much vacuum can a vacuum pump pull?
It depends on the vacuum pump and the manufacturers. Because some vacuums have less power and some have high suction power. It is said that a high-quality pump can take 200 to 500 microns.
Does water damage the vacuum pump?
It depends on how much water you use in the vacuum pump. Overflowing liquid always harms your pump, and it can damage the components. So, you must check the liquid level before using it.
How does a vacuum remove moisture?
No, a vacuum pump could not remove moisture. Air pressure is the cause of liquids rising and falling down. So when it fails, there’s some evaporation you can see. So this is the preferred removal of moisture.
That’s how the vacuum pump works. So, it knows how to use a vacuum pump is very important. Otherwise, you can’t use it safely. If you don’t know the uses read the precaution or advice. Without knowledge, if you run a vacuum pump, then it can easily damage within a minute. This mechanical component needs attention; if you can do these, it will run long.