Oil Diffusion Pump
An oil diffusion pump is a vacuum pump that is used for creating high vacuum levels in ultra high vacuum (UHV) systems. Typically, the pump contains a reservoir inside the main chamber of the pump that is filled with a vacuum oil, such as polyphenyl ether (PPE). This is then evaporated and released into the main chamber of the pump as a vapor, where it is then condensed, creating a vacuum inside the system.
The oil diffusion pump works on the principle of thermal diffusion, where a difference in temperature between two walls causes a gas flow. This thermal diffusion gives the pump its power, allowing it to achieve higher operating pressures and vacuum levels. The oil diffusion pump is usually used in ultra-high vacuum systems, due to the high vacuum levels it is able to achieve.
The oil diffusion pump is able to achieve high vacuum levels by using oil at a very high temperature, usually between 150 and 300 °C. This high temperature is required to evaporate the oil and create the vacuum. This process works by the oil being heated to its boiling point, where it then evaporates and is released into the pump chamber. As the oil vaporizes, it creates a vacuum inside of the chamber. This vacuum then extracts the gas molecules from the chamber, which reduces the pressure inside of the system.
Oil diffusion pumps are commonly used in a variety of industries including, semiconductor manufacturing, research and development, aerospace, and medical equipment. One major advantage of using an oil diffusion pump is that it is capable of creating much higher operating pressures and vacuum levels than conventional pumps. Another advantage of the oil diffusion pump is that it is relatively quiet when used, so it does not disrupt laboratory and research settings.
The major disadvantage of the oil diffusion pump is that it requires the use of hazardous substances, such as oils and solvents. These substances can be hazardous to the people and environment around the pump. Also, the pump requires very high operating temperatures , so it can be difficult to control and maintain.
Oil diffusion pumps are essential for many high-tech applications, due to their ability to create high vacuum levels. Despite the hazards of working with hazardous materials and the difficulty in controlling its high operating temperatures, the oil diffusion pump is an essential tool for creating high-vacuum conditions in a variety of applications.
