Vacuum Pump Systems
Vacuum pump systems are devices or series of machines used for the creation of a vacuum in an enclosed space. In addition to the pump itself, many gasket seals, flanges, valves, couplers, gauges and other accessories are necessary to maintain a reliable seal. Most vacuum pump hardware is made from stainless steel or aluminum because of those materials’ strength and gas non-permeability.
A perfect vacuum is a space in which no matter is present. No perfect vacuum exists in reality, and no machinery can create one. But industrial vacuum pumps can achieve varying degrees of artificial evacuation for uses in many industries and applications. Low vacuums, which are partial vacuums with relatively high levels of residual atmosphere, can be created by small vacuum pumps for light industrial tasks. Many light bulbs, for example, must be partially evacuated or filled with an inert gas in order to function. For many other applications, though, higher degrees of evacuation are necessary. In laboratory applications, high-tech electronics fabrication and some contexts in the healthcare industry, vacuums with very low levels of atmospheric pressure can be necessary. High and ultra high vacuums are necessary for creating these kinds of vacuums, and in some cases, a series of vacuum pumps may be connected to the same inlet line.
There are three main categories of vacuum pumps: positive displacement, momentum transfer and entrapment pumps. Positive displacement pumps expand one part of a vacuum chamber while collapsing another; this compresses the gas inside and causes it to be evacuated. Momentum transfer pumps facilitate repeated collisions between gas molecules and rotors or steam jets that impart momentum and direct the molecules out of the chamber. Entrapment pumps use condensation created by rapid heating and cooling to compress and trap gas molecules in a solid or absorbed state. Each pump variety can be used in conjunction with another to create vacuums of varying pressure levels. For example, a positive displacement pump, an absorption pump and a momentum transfer pump could be used to bring pressure down from 760 Torr to as low as 10 Torr (1 Torr is equal to the fluid pressure exerted by 1 mm of mercury at sea level). Within those three vacuum pump categories, all vacuum pumps can be categorized as either wet or dry. If the vacuum uses oil for lubrication or a ring of liquid sealant, that system is considered to be a wet system. Dry vacuum pumps are systems that make no use of any liquids at any time.
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Vacuum Pump Systems - Dekker Vacuum Technologies, Inc.
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Choosing Vacuum Pump for Septic Trucks
Every restroom operator understands how important vacuum pumps are for a septic truck. The performance of a whole truck depends on this piece of equipment. Therefore, it is necessary, if you are looking to buy a service truck or to replace a pump, to know what to look for in a pump.
Here, we are giving guidelines for choosing an appropriate vacuum pump. For many, cost is the major factor for buying anything; however, in the case of vacuum pumps price cannot be the only factor, as varieties of vacuum pumps work differently in different settings. For example, oilless vacuum pumps cannot perform the job of liquid ring vacuum pumps or rotary vane vacuum pumps.
The factors that you have to consider are:
In terms of performance, look for proper suction and speed of use. Other than pumps and valves, one part that determines the performance of vacuum pumps is flex gears, or couplings. Couplings with a neoprene or rubber sleeve offers great torsion related flexibility. The couplings provide four-way flexing, which absorbs misalignment, shock, and end float. If you have these type of couplings, lubrication and maintenance time can cut down significantly.
A larger pump does not mean that it will work faster; a 500 CFM pump on 2,400-gallon tank can be rendered useless. It is better you understand which size of pump complements which size of tank. First come to know your need and application, and then ask the manufacturer for the recommendations. You also need to know for how long on an average a pump will run.
Maintenance is inarguably the biggest determinant. A simpler vacuum pump system will serve you for a long time; it is simple as that. If you invest in sophisticated pump, there are high chances that the maintenance cost will surpass the advantages it will have. Buying a conventional, time-tested design is a good choice to make.
It is considered a good decision to stick to same brand while replacing a pump. Small changes in specifications can cascade into bigger problems. Apparently, quality of pumps varies from brand to brand; therefore, brand should play a big role in making buying decision. Even if you have to cough some more money for a brand, do not hesitate, it will pay you back in terms of performance and maintenance.
Spend some time to learn about the basics of functioning, terms and performance qualifiers, all this information will help you to a great degree to make decision that you would not regret in future. Read magazines and catalogs about septic and industrial vacuum pumps. Access online directories for checking how many options are available for your application. People in business can be a great help, speak to them, learn about their experience, and find out what worked for others.
- Performance
- Size
- Maintenance
- Brand
- Research
If you contemplate and follow what we just discussed diligently, the pump you will buy will prove its worth over time.
Vacuum Pump Systems Informational Video