Flow Control Valve: Vacuum Pumps Explained
A vacuum pump removes air particles or gas molecules from a sealed space to achieve a difference to create a partial vacuum in pressure. In short, vacuum pumps are mostly used to keep a machine clean inside or to externally clean out a machine. You could say a vacuum pump is an oversized flow control valve, but used to push molecules in order to suck out unclean particles.
The best example is the vacuum pumps used extensively by refrigeration and air conditioning technicians to remove air or non-condensable water from its systems. These particles and molecules need to be removed because they can cause the systems to operate inefficiently and also corrode internal parts.
How does a vacuum pump work?
The vacuum pump’s main and only function is to shift the pressure in a sealed or contained space in order to create a partial or full vacuum, either chemically or mechanically. Pressure automatically equalises itself across connected areas as gas molecules flow from high to low to fill an entire area with its volume. Thus, if a new low-pressure space is introduced, gas will naturally flow from the high-pressure area to the low-pressure area until the pressure is equalised. This vacuum process is created not by sucking the gas, but by pushing molecules into the contained space. When all the particles or molecules are equalised, this creates a vacuum that removes everything that has shifted from high to low-pressure states.
Other applications
Aside from the above-mentioned use, vacuum pumps are also used in a variety of ways in many industrial and scientific processes. This includes:
- Composite plastic moulding processes.
- Production of most types of electric lamps and vacuum tubes.
- Semiconductor processing and ion implantation.
- Photolithography, electron microscopy, and medical processes that require suction.
- Uranium enrichment.
- Medical applications like radiotherapy, radiosurgery, and radiopharmacy.
- Vacuum coating on glass, metal, and plastics for decoration.
- Hard coating for engine components (such as that used in Formula One racing cars).
- Ophthalmic coating.
- Milking machines in dairy sheds.
- Vacuum impregnation of porous materials such as electric motor windings and wood.
- Freeze drying.
- Fusion research.
- Trash compactors.
- Vacuuming sewage systems.
MasterMac2000
When MasterMac2000 was established in 1989 as a distributor of pneumatic valves, air rams, and other flow control valve systems, its first and original product line was Univer. After all, Univer’s high quality and high standard pneumatic valve systems can be used for all industrial applications, including heavy applications. For more information, contact us today on 0733444711 and talk to us about what you need. You can also visit https://mastermac2000.com.au/ to view all our products.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.