Vákuumpumpák

Vákuumpumpák are devices designed to remove gas molecules from a sealed volume, creating a partial vacuum. They are essential in numerous industrial, scientific, and medical applications. The fundamental principle behind their operation involves various methods to physically trap or displace gas molecules from the system.

There are several broad categories of vacuum pumps, broadly classified by the pressure range they achieve. Rough vacuum pumps, such as diaphragm pumps and rotary vane pumps, are used for initial evacuation or when very low pressures are not required. They typically operate in the range of 1000 to 0.1 millibars. Foreline pumps are often used in conjunction with high-vacuum pumps to reduce the pressure in the chamber before the high-vacuum pump begins its work.

High-vacuum pumps, including turbomolecular pumps and diffusion pumps, achieve much lower pressures, down to 10^-9 millibars or even lower. Turbomolecular pumps use high-speed rotating blades to impart momentum to gas molecules, directing them away from the vacuum chamber. Diffusion pumps rely on the entrainment of gas molecules by a fast-moving stream of oil or mercury vapor.

The choice of vacuum pump depends heavily on the required pressure, the volume of gas to be removed, the type of gas, and the tolerance for contamination. Maintenance and proper operation are crucial for achieving and maintaining the desired vacuum levels. Applications range from semiconductor manufacturing and scientific research to food packaging and medical equipment like lyophilizers.