The Components of a Complete Vacuum System
A vacuum system is essential for creating the necessary vacuum conditions within a container by removing gas. No matter the type of vacuum application equipment, it fundamentally includes a pumping system to evacuate gas from the container. For example, a vacuum treatment container connected to a vacuum pump via pipes and valves forms a basic vacuum pumping system (see Figure 1). Figure 1: Basic Vacuum System Diagram In the basic vacuum system shown in Figure 1, only low vacuum levels can be achieved within the container. For higher vacuum levels, a high vacuum pump is usually added in series to the system. When a high vacuum pump is added, valves are typically placed at the inlet and outlet to maintain vacuum independently. If an oil diffusion pump is used, a trap or water-cooled baffle is often installed at the pump inlet to prevent oil vapor from backstreaming into the container (see Figure 2). Figure 2: High Vacuum System Diagram Components of a Vacuum System A vacuum system w...