The purpose of a diffusion pump is to achieve and maintain high vacuum levels in various industrial applications by using the vapor of a boiling fluid to capture and remove air molecules from a chamber. This is particularly useful when mechanical pumps alone cannot achieve the desired low pressure levels.
Summary of the Answer: The diffusion pump is designed to operate in a high vacuum environment, typically below 10^-2 torr, which is beyond the capability of mechanical pumps. It accomplishes this by utilizing the vapor of a boiling fluid to entrap air molecules, which are then released and removed from the system as the fluid cools. This process allows the diffusion pump to maintain a high vacuum without the need for moving parts, making it a reliable and durable option for many industrial applications.
Detailed Explanation:
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Operation Principle:
- Unlike mechanical pumps that use pistons, fins, or lobes to physically push air out of a chamber, diffusion pumps operate on the principle of fluid entrainment. They use the vapor of a boiling fluid (often referred to as oil) to capture air molecules.
- The vaporized fluid, being denser than the gas in the chamber, effectively sweeps the gas molecules towards the exhaust where they are condensed and collected. This process is aided by the downward flow of the vapor, influenced by gravity, which directs the gas molecules towards the bottom of the pump.
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Role in Vacuum Systems:
- In vacuum systems, diffusion pumps are typically used as the secondary or tertiary stage after mechanical pumps and sometimes booster pumps. Mechanical pumps are effective up to a certain pressure (around 20 torr), after which their efficiency declines.
- The diffusion pump is activated when the pressure reaches between 10 and 1 micron, allowing the system to achieve high vacuum levels, often down to 10^-10 torr.
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Integration with Other Pumps:
- Diffusion pumps do not operate independently; they require a holding pump to maintain pressure in the fore-line and prevent oil from the diffusion pump from escaping into the vessel.
- During operation, the holding pump is isolated, and the mechanical pump serves as the backing pump for the diffusion pump, ensuring that the system maintains the necessary vacuum levels.
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Applications:
- Diffusion pumps are essential in applications requiring very low pressures, such as electron-beam microscopy, vacuum deposition, coatings, and vacuum furnaces. Their ability to achieve and maintain high vacuum levels without moving parts makes them a preferred choice in these industries.
Correction and Review: The information provided is consistent with the typical operation and purpose of diffusion pumps. The explanation of how diffusion pumps work in conjunction with other pumps in a vacuum system is accurate and detailed, providing a clear understanding of their role and importance in achieving high vacuum levels.
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