Can I Use Aluminum for DIY Diffusion Pumps?

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SUMMARY

Aluminum can be utilized for DIY diffusion pumps, particularly when treated to prevent outgassing, as seen in UHV valves and chambers. The boiling temperatures of silicon oil in diffusion pumps vary, with common fluids ranging from 135°C for butyl phthalate to 275°C for Santovac 5, as referenced in O'Hanlon's work. While DIY diffusion pumps can be cost-effective, purchasing used or rebuilt pumps from reputable sources like Duniway Stockroom is advisable for reliability. Caution is recommended when buying from platforms like eBay due to unknown prior usage of the pumps.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of UHV (Ultra High Vacuum) systems
  • Familiarity with diffusion pump operation and design
  • Knowledge of vacuum materials and their properties, specifically aluminum
  • Basic thermodynamics related to boiling points of fluids
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of aluminum in vacuum applications
  • Study the design principles of diffusion pumps
  • Learn about the various types of diffusion pump fluids and their boiling points
  • Explore reputable suppliers for vacuum hardware and rebuilt pumps
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for DIY enthusiasts, engineers, and researchers involved in vacuum technology, particularly those interested in building or optimizing diffusion pumps for UHV applications.

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Can I make diffusion pumps from aluminum?

I am going to create parallel connected diffusion pumps for many UHV purposes. I see that aluminum that is treated to prevent outgassing is used for UHV valves, chambers, and reactors.

I'd like to know what temperature diffusion pumps boil their silicon oil at because I would love to make these pumps from aluminum. Diffusion pumps are superior in every way when it comes to low cost DIY. There are even DIY diffusion pumps made from stainless steel cups that are poorly designed (shooting vapor straightdown instead of onto cooled walls) on instructables.com that have achieved 0.022 millitorr. Because these can be combined in series or parallel, their strength does not matter.
 
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You may have better luck buying a used/rebuilt diffusion pump, rather than building one yourself.

Duniway Stockroom is a reputable company for al kinds of vacuum hardware, including rebuilt pumps:http://www.duniway.com/catalog/dt-rebuilt.php

You can probably find old diffusion pumps on e-bay, as well, but I would be cautious, as you do not know what materials went through them.

The boiler temperature varies, depending upon the kind of oil being used. Check O'Hanlon, p. 228 for a table of T_boiler of some common types of diff. pump fluid. (ranges from 135 C [butyl phthalate] to 275 C [Santovac 5] )
 

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