A vacuum pump is a device that removes gas molecules from a sealed volume in order to leave behind a partial vacuum. Vacuum pumps can be used in a variety of applications, ranging from aerospace engineering and industrial processing, to medical and scientific research.
In aerospace engineering, vacuum pumps are used to simulate certain conditions found in the environment of outer space. This allows engineers to test various components and materials in a simulated environment prior to their use in actual space shuttles, satellites, drop tanks and struts. By recreating vacuum conditions on Earth, engineers can ensure that the components and materials can withstand the rigors of space life.
Industrial processing applications for vacuum pumps vary widely. Vacuum pumps are used for degassing, which removes noncondensable gases from a sealed container. They are also used for coating, where high-vacuum systems are used for precision thin film coatings on a variety of materials, such as hard drives and CDs. Many manufacturing processes, including glass production and tire making, rely on vacuum pumps and the protective environment it provides.
In terms of medical applications, the use of vacuum pumps is growing steadily. Most cryogenic applications, such as the cryopreservation of human embryos, require the use of a vacuum pump to remove the air between sample containers in order to create a low-pressure environment. Vacuum pumps are also used to create a spacecraft-like atmosphere in certain operating theaters. This minimizes air pressure and flow, thus reducing the chance of contaminants entering into the environment.
In scientific research, vacuum pumps are widely used to create complex systems and research environments. Vacuum pipes are widely used in the condensation and coalescence of droplets. Water can be easily condensed, while more complex molecules, such as aerosols and smoke, require more advanced systems to effectively condense them. Vacuum pumps are also implemented to create a vacuum in a test tube.
The use of vacuum pumps is increasing as engineers, scientists and industrial workers go further than ever before in their research and design work. Vacuum pumps provide a safe and protective environment for many applications, ranging from cryogenic storage to industrial manufacturing. The use of vacuum pumps is sure to continue and evolve as the need for more specialized applications arises.
