Find the Best Hand Vacuum Pump for Long-Term Use

  • Thread starter Thread starter leroyjenkens
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    hand Pump Vacuum
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a reliable hand vacuum pump suitable for long-term use, particularly focusing on the durability of valves and the overall configuration of the vacuum system. Participants explore various types of pumps and valves, their materials, and potential configurations for maintaining a vacuum in a container.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with the failure of multiple hand vacuum pumps and suggests that the diaphragm in the valve may be too weak for long-term vacuum retention.
  • Another participant proposes that a pump and piping configuration allowing disconnection from the vacuum source might be beneficial.
  • A suggestion is made for using a rigid pipe with a ball valve to maintain the vacuum in the chamber, although the exact setup remains unclear.
  • Concerns are raised about the longevity of rubber diaphragms in check valves, with a participant proposing a ball valve as a potentially more durable alternative.
  • Discussion includes a reference to a specific check valve available online, questioning its effectiveness compared to rubber diaphragms.
  • One participant mentions that well-machined ball valves with integral seals are commonly used in vacuum applications, although they lack specific details about the original setup.
  • Another participant notes the availability of industrial vacuum check valves, highlighting a price point for comparison.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the best type of valve for maintaining a vacuum, with some favoring ball valves over rubber diaphragms. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal configuration and components for a long-lasting vacuum system.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided detailed sketches or descriptions of their setups, which limits the ability to offer tailored advice. There are also varying assumptions about the materials and designs of valves and pumps.

leroyjenkens
Messages
616
Reaction score
49
I have a hand vacuum pump I'm using to evacuate air out of a container and hold the vacuum for a long period of time. This pump came with a valve that eventually failed. I bought a few more just like it and those failed as well. I guess the diaphragm inside the valve is too weak to hold a vacuum for extended periods of time. I think this hand vacuum pump is for pools or something. I'd get a stronger hand pump or stronger valve, but I'm not sure what kind of company would be in that business. I don't necessarily have to get just a stronger valve. I'll buy a new hand pump if I need to. But does anyone know if there's a manual pump that won't fail from having a decent vacuum for extended periods of time? Thanks.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Do you need to keep the pump hooked to the vacuum source? It sounds to me like you might want a pump and piping configuration that allows you to disconnect the evacuated chamber from the pump. Just a guess.
 
turbo said:
Do you need to keep the pump hooked to the vacuum source? It sounds to me like you might want a pump and piping configuration that allows you to disconnect the evacuated chamber from the pump. Just a guess.

It doesn't have to stay hooked up. Just the vacuum needs to stay in the container. I was thinking of a hose clamp, but that may weaken the hose after a while, because the hose has to be pretty rigid not to collapse from the vacuum.

What kind of pipe could I use that would allow me to disconnect the pump?

Thanks for the response.
 
I was imagining an external hand pump evacuating a chamber. A rigid pipe with a nice block valve (ball valve would be ideal) would be enough to hold the vacuum in the chamber. Not knowing the exact configuration of your pump and chamber setup makes it hard to come up with anything more useful. Good luck.
 
The check valve I've been using, I think, just has a rubber diaphragm. That diaphragm appears to weaken over time from holding a vacuum. Here's an example of a valve I could work with:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-inch-one-way-check-valve-AIR-RIDE-Bags-bagged-air-compressor-male-female-/161104279396?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2582903764&vxp=mtr

So that thing has a ball valve inside of it? A ball valve wouldn't fail as easily as a rubber diaphragm, would it? I assume there's some kind of rubber inside for the ball to rest on to create a seal, and for it to fail, that seal would probably have to get old and crack or whatever, or just have a ridiculous pressure that crushes the rubber and ruins it. I don't need anything that strong. A rubber diaphragm held up for quite a while, so this seems like it would work a lot better. What do you think?
 
I still haven't seen a sketch of your set-up, so I'm in the dark. I can tell you that well-machined ball valves with integral seals are just what lots of people use in vacuum situations.
 
leroyjenkens said:
The check valve I've been using, I think, just has a rubber diaphragm. That diaphragm appears to weaken over time from holding a vacuum. Here's an example of a valve I could work with:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-inch-one-way-check-valve-AIR-RIDE-Bags-bagged-air-compressor-male-female-/161104279396?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2582903764&vxp=mtr

So that thing has a ball valve inside of it? A ball valve wouldn't fail as easily as a rubber diaphragm, would it? I assume there's some kind of rubber inside for the ball to rest on to create a seal, and for it to fail, that seal would probably have to get old and crack or whatever, or just have a ridiculous pressure that crushes the rubber and ruins it. I don't need anything that strong. A rubber diaphragm held up for quite a while, so this seems like it would work a lot better. What do you think?

The one on ebay is a good price if it will work. They are made to hold pressure in air ride vehicles.

Vaccon makes vacuum check valves for industrial purposes but they are about $30 in that size range.

http://www.vaccon.com/Check-Valves-Home.aspx
 

Similar threads

Can a Mason Jar Maintain a Vacuum for Powder Paint Storage?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Strong Valve Needed for Hand Pump - Help Appreciated
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Implausible multiple failures in my gas central heating system
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Pulling a vacuum on a heat pump with a recovery machine
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Calculate vacuum loss by using principles of physics, not physical testing?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Air Conditioner commissioned without a vacuum pump & N2?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
19K
High School Vacuum needed for coin-feather tube?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Low voltage switching of a pump, on a countdown
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Plumbing Compressed air powered water pressure
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
15K
Best vac pump for boiling water
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K