When choosing a vacuum pump, the required vacuum level depends on the specific application.
For general applications like suction, concentration, vacuum drying, or distillation, a vacuum of up to 1 mbar is usually enough.
This level of vacuum can be achieved using an oil-free diaphragm pump.
However, for specialized applications such as freeze drying, sintering, or etching, a lower vacuum, well below 1 mbar, is necessary.
In these cases, the choice between oil-sealed rotary vane pumps and chemical-resistant diaphragm pumps depends on the sensitivity to corrosive and condensing vapors.
Diaphragm pumps are generally more robust for such applications.
When selecting a vacuum pump, it is crucial to consider the ultimate vacuum (the lowest possible vacuum a pump can achieve) that is required for the specific project.
Choosing a pump with an ultimate vacuum that closely matches the required level is important to optimize the process.
Using a pump that provides too little vacuum can slow down the process, while too much vacuum may lead to unwanted evaporation or difficulties in controlling the process.
The type of vacuum pumping system also varies based on the application and the desired operating vacuum level.
For instance, furnaces operating in the "soft vacuum" range (low micron level) might use a mechanical pump or a mechanical pump/blower system.
While those requiring "high vacuum" (typically 105 to 10-6 Torr) might utilize diffusion or turbo-molecular pumping systems.
Key factors to consider when purchasing a vacuum pump include the required vacuum pressure, which is primarily determined by the boiling points of the solvents being used, and the desired vacuum level.
Different types of pumps offer varying ultimate vacuums; for example, diaphragm vacuum pumps can reach down to 0.3 mbar, while rotary vane vacuum pumps can achieve much lower vacuums, down to 2 x 10-3 mbar.
Additionally, the vacuum depth is important as it affects the boiling points of the compounds being processed.
If working with compounds that have high boiling points, a vacuum pump with a greater vacuum depth might be advantageous.
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