For low-pressure solutions, a large number of applications utilize vacuum systems. Essentially, a vacuum system ensures the equipments and products work smoothly. This is because under low pressure conditions, there are less air particles which can cause damage. However, a vacuum system needs an efficient vacuum pump. A vacuum pump is required to remove air, gas or liquid from an enclosed container. This results in formation of low pressure (or vacuum). Factors that influence the selection of an appropriate vacuum pump includes the amount of vacuum produced, the power that is needed to produce it and the flow of air removal amongst others.
The three major categories of vacuum pumping technology employed in vacuum pumps are:
Some of the key applications of vacuum pumps from the extensive list are in: flight instruments, hydraulic brakes, cruise control systems, manufacturing processes like vacuum tubes and electric lamps, various medical procedures and vacuum coating amongst others.
One of the type of positive displacement pumps is a liquid ring pump. Along with its application as a vacuum pump, liquid ring pump is also used as a gas compressor. It compresses the gas by rotating a vaned impeller. As the name suggests, liquid is flowed into liquid ring compressors and by centrifugal force, it forms a moving cylindrical ring to form the compression chamber seal. Liquid used in liquid ring compressors should have appropriate vapour pressure. In most cases, water is used as the sealant liquid.
Another variant of pump is sealless ones and magnetic drive pumps are the flagship pumps under this category. The application scope of these plastic lined magnetic drive pumps is witnessing a striking growth especially in chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Magnetic drive pumps use a standard electric motor to operate a set of permanent magnetic coupling which in turn are used to transmit torque to the impeller without the need of a seal. These pumps are very important for pumping of highly toxic and corrosive liquids like acids, adhesives, chemicals, lubricants, coolants etc.