Can a Dry Pump be Reused for Vacuum Chambers? | lamonster

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of reusing a dry pump, specifically a 2hp compressor, for evacuating a vacuum chamber. Participants explore the effectiveness and limitations of using such pumps in vacuum applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that while a dry pump can create some vacuum, the quality of that vacuum may not be sufficient for all applications, indicating that turbo pumps might be necessary for achieving a good vacuum.
  • Another participant explains that most compressors can function as vacuum pumps depending on how the inlet and discharge are configured, noting that the design of seals and cooling methods will influence performance.
  • A further contribution emphasizes that vacuum is defined by pressure, and achieving a lower pressure depends on the quality of the equipment used. They recommend measuring the vacuum with a pressure gauge as a preliminary experiment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of using a compressor as a vacuum pump, with some acknowledging potential limitations while others provide technical insights on how to adapt the pump for vacuum use. No consensus is reached on the adequacy of the compressor for achieving a good vacuum.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the specific design and capabilities of the compressor, as well as the need for appropriate measurement tools to assess vacuum quality.

lamonster
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Can any dry pump be reused for evacuating a chamber? Ie: I have a 2hp compressor, can I use it to make a vacuum chamber.

-lamonster
 
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You'd get some vacuum, how good it is, is another question. For good vacuum you need turbo pumps and the likes.
 
Yes, most compressors (pressure pumps) can be used as a vacuum pump simply by choosing how you apply the inlet and discharge of the pump. With an open inlet to atmosphere and the discharge piped off, it acts as a compressor pumping up the pressure in the discharge manifold. If the inlet is piped off and the discharge is open to atmosphere then it acts as a vacuum pump reducing the pressure inside the inlet manifold. The type of seals and cooling methods designed for the particular machine will help predict how much positive or negative pressure the pump can produce and for how long.
 
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Of course, a vacuum is measured by pressure. Anything below atmospheric pressure can be referred to as a vacuum. The better your equipment, the lower the pressure you can attain. You might want to get a pressure gauge and measure just how good a vacuum you can get. It could be a first experiement.
 

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