A Complete Guide to Vacuum Pumps

Vacuum pumps, explained simply, are used to create vacuums. These powerful devices pull the gas and air molecules from sealed containers to create a vacuum (technically a ‘partial vacuum’ as it will be imperfect in comparison to a theoretical ideal - or ‘perfect’ vacuum). Such vacuums may be required for an engineering or manufacturing process or they may be used to move liquids from one location to another, just like conventional pumps.

Also known as suction pumps, they are hardworking devices and it is important to ensure they are properly maintained and replaced when necessary.

Pressure Ranges

Industrial vacuum pumps are typically categorised by the pressure ranges they are designed to work with. Standard pressure ranges include:

Pressure Range	Mbar	Torr
Low vacuum	1000-1	760-0.75
Medium vacuum	1-10¯³	0.75-7.5¯³
High vacuum	10-10¯⁷	7.5-7.5¯⁷
Ultra-high vacuum	10-10¯¹¹	7.5-7.5¯¹¹
Extreme-high vacuum	Less than 10¯¹¹	Less than 7.5¯¹¹

These devices have multiple uses across industry and engineering, including:

• Semiconductor processing
• Composite moulding
• Uranium enrichment (for nuclear power generation)
• Oil refining
• Medical vacuum pump

Industrial vacuum pumps also play an important role in the function of some manufactured equipment, for example:

• Electric lamps
• Radiotherapy devices
• Electron microscopes, spectrometers (for chemical analysis) and similar analytical equipment
• Air conditioning systems
• Dairy equipment
• Gyroscopes for flight instrumentation
• Automotive engines (to boost braking and increase fuel efficiency)

These components are powerful and potentially dangerous. Potential risks include:

• Contaminated pump oil spillage due to incorrect handling
• Injury from accidental exposure to moving parts
• Electrical shocks due to faulty wiring
• Fire due to overheating or other malfunctions
• Toxic fumes due to inadequate ventilation

Safety should always be your number one priority. Key health and safety considerations include:

• Familiarise yourself prior to operation
• Monitor oil levels and be prepared to change the oil when necessary
• Safely dispose of any oil in the proper manner
• Never block or obstruct exhausts or pump outlets
• Wear appropriate PPE
• Do not operate pumps in areas of limited or no ventilation
• Use a ventilation cabinet whenever possible
• Ensure belt guards are in place
• Use a spill tray to catch any leakage if faults occur
• Ensure tubing is fully compatible with the pump and fit for use - replace it if necessary
• Check the surrounding area for any combustible materials
• Check switches and cabling for potential faults

You should also bear in mind some practical considerations:

• Pump size
• Intended application
• Pump type
• Performance requirements

Specific guidance for how to use vacuum pumps should be outlined in the manufacturer's instructions for your particular product. In addition, knowledge and understanding of the basic vacuum pump working principle and the properties of a vacuum will prove beneficial.

It is important to select the best product for your requirements. One of the key considerations is the manufacturer, and you should bear in mind that some brands specialise in particular vacuum pump types. A comparison tool may help you learn which is best suited to your industry or application.

Click below to browse our extensive range offered by industry-leading manufacturers.

How Do You Create a Vacuum?

Vacuum pumps induce different levels of pressure in two spaces - high and low. When the regions are linked, air molecules will be pulled from the high-pressure space into the low pressure one, leaving the first empty. In other words, this creates a vacuum.

Vacuums can also be created using vacuum generators which work on a venture principle. This is where compressed air passes through a venture chamber designed to move gases or fluids out of a region of space. Venturi or fluid jet vacuum generators rely on the flow of compressed air, gas, or liquid as the motive fluid to pull or create a vacuum at the desired port.

What Happens When a Vacuum Pump Fails?

Like all mechanical devices, vacuum pumps occasionally fail. It may be a sudden failure, for instance, the pump refuses to switch on one day, but you are more likely to encounter a gradual accumulation of symptoms as internal issues worsen over time.

Typical symptoms of impending failure include:

• Oil leakage
• Noisier operation
• Smoke discharge
• A fall in vacuum pressure

What is the Unit of Vacuum?

The Pascal (Pa) is a standard international unit of pressure, named after French physicist Blaise Pascal. This is sometimes used to measure vacuums, but the more usual unit is the Torr, a term derived from a different physicist - the Italian Evangelista Torricelli.

The Torr is defined as equivalent to 1/760th of a standard atmospheric level of pressure. Until recently, a different definition was used - equivalence to a millimetre of mercury in a manometer.

What is the Difference Between a Vacuum Pump and a Compressor?

These two devices have distinct purposes. Pumps are designed to create a vacuum through a combination of high and low-pressure zones. By contrast, compressors draw in air from the surrounding environment and compress this by subjecting it to high pressure. This creates stored energy for eventual discharge to power pneumatic tools and devices.