Vacuum Pump?

What Is a Vacuum Pump?

You're probably familiar with vacuum cleaners, but what about vacuum pumps? For those unfamiliar, a vacuum pump is a device designed to remove gas molecules from a sealed space in order to create the desired vacuum pressure. Today, vacuum pumps are no longer limited to domestic use, they have also become widely used in various industrial applications.

Technically, a vacuum pump creates a vacuum in the condenser when components such as turbines and generators in a machine system are operating. Residual vapor, which is the remaining steam produced during the turbine’s operation, moves from one side of the fan to the other. To accelerate the condensation process, creating a vacuum to the condenser is essential. As the vapor descends, it comes into contact with the outer wall of the condenser, while coolant is pumped through the inside of the condenser. This heat transfer process causes the wet vapor to condense and turn into water.

Application of Vacuum Pumps in Industry

Vacuum pumps are available in various types and are widely used across many industries. They can be categorized into several types, including liquid ring vacuum pumps, rotary vane vacuum pumps, dry vacuum pumps, diaphragm vacuum pumps, and turbomolecular vacuum pumps. Below are some of the main industries that use vacuum pumps, along with the types of vacuum pumps commonly applied in each sector:

1. Oil and Gas Industry

Vacuum pumps are widely used in crude oil refining, natural gas processing, and pumping systems that move liquids and gases from one location to another, as well as wastewater treatment. Types of Vacuum Pumps Used:

• Liquid Ring Vacuum Pump: Used to handle gases containing steam and corrosive gases in the crude oil refining and natural gas processing.
• Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump: Commonly used in oil refining and vacuum distillation process.
• Dry Vacuum Pump: Suitable applications that require oil-free operation contamination - free performance. 

2. Chemical Industry

In the chemical industry, vacuum pumps are used in the distillation, dehydration, refining, purification, and  evaporation systems to separate chemical from their solvents efficiently. Types of Vacuum Pumps Used:

• Liquid Ring Vacuum Pump: To handle corrosive and hazardous gases in distillation, drying and extraction processes.
• Dry Vacuum Pump (Claw, Screw, or Roots): Used in processes that require an oil-free environment and can handle corrosive gases.
• Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump: Applied in the process of evaporation and separation of chemicals from their solvents.

3. Automotive Industry

Vacuum pumps assist in the creation of anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and vacuum braking systems commonly used in vehicles. Types of Vacuum Pumps Used:

• Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump: Most commonly used in vacuum braking systems on vehicles.
• Dry Vacuum Pump: Used in the aluminium die casting process for the manufacture of machine components.
• Diaphragm Vacuum Pump: Applied in braking systems that require a dry and oil-free vacuum pump.

4. Pharmaceutical Industry

Vacuum pumps assist in the drying, distillation, and purification of chemicals used in drug formulations. Types of Vacuum Pumps Used:

• Liquid Ring Vacuum Pump: Used in the drying process of raw materials, creating vacuum in reactors, and removing gases during chemical synthesis processes.
• Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump: Applied in the distillation and purification process of pharmaceutical chemicals.
• Dry Vacuum Pump (Pompa Vakum Kering)

5. Electronics Industry

Vacuum pumps are essential in evaporation systems for applying thin layers of semiconductor material to substrates. Types of Vacuum Pumps Used:

• Dry Screw Vacuum Pump: Used in thin film deposition (CVD and PVD), etching, and ion implantation processes for semiconductor chip manufacturing.
• Turbomolecular Vacuum Pump: Combined with a dry backing pump to achieve the ultra-high vacuum pressure required in etching and wafer handling processes.
• Rotary Screw Vacuum Pump: Used in house vacuum systems for pick-and-place operations and handling of semiconductor components.

6. Food & Beverage Processing Industry

Vacuum pumps are used in vacuum packaging processes to extend the shelf life of food and beverage products. Types of Vacuum Pumps Used:

• Liquid Ring Vacuum Pump: Safely handles liquids and vapors, ideal for deaeration of fruit juices, beer and other beverages.
• Dry Vacuum Pump: It is the top choice for vacuum packaging processes due to its oil-free operation which prevents contamination of food and beverage products.
  
• Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump.

7.  Food Industry

Vacuum pumps are used in packaging, air removal from packages, and the manufacture of frozen food products. They are also used in the drying, purification, and distillation of food ingredients. Types of Vacuum Pumps Used:

• Dry Vacuum Pump: Ideal for the food industry as oil-free operation prevents oil contamination of food products, maintaining food safety and quality.
• Liquid Ring Vacuum Pump: Widely used for its ability to handle vapors and gases efficiently in deaeration processes (removal of air from liquids such as fruit juice).
• Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump: Used in vacuum packaging processes.
  

8. Plastic Industry

Vacuum pumps are used in the forming and moulding process to aid in the manufacture of precision plastic products. Types of Vacuum Pumps Used:

• Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump: Thermoforming and vacuum forming processes for the manufacture of precision plastic products.
• Liquid Ring Vacuum Pump: Applied in extrusion systems.
• Dry Vacuum Pump: Applied in oil-free operations to maintain the quality of plastic products.. 
  

Can FMM support your vacuum pump needs? Yes! Of course! FMM offers vacuum pumps under the NASH brand. The brand, established in 1905 and primarily focused on pumps, provides the highest level of assurance and reliability in quality and durability. Supported by FMM's highly experienced service team, this ensures a double-digit win-win outcome in selecting the right vacuum pump, along with a guaranteed routine maintenance. For an overview, click the following link to learn more about the NASH products FMM offers: 

https://www.fajarmasmurni.com/products/Nash