Need advice on vacuum / suction experiment

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting an appropriate vacuum pump for creating maximum negative pressure in a very small area, specifically for an unspecified application that may require high suction capabilities. Participants explore various types of pumps and their suitability for achieving significant vacuum levels.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on the type of vacuum pump that would create maximum negative pressure in a small area, suggesting a high suction low CFM pump might be suitable.
  • Another participant recommends peristaltic pumps and cheap diaphragm pumps for low airflow, high suction pressure applications, while cautioning against applying suction to body parts due to injury risks.
  • A participant questions whether a roller pump can achieve the desired pressure in a small area, comparing the situation to a small hole in a spaceship and expressing uncertainty about the pump's capabilities.
  • One participant suggests using a syringe as a potential solution, noting that achieving close to the maximum vacuum of 14.7 psi is feasible.
  • A participant shares their experience with a specific vacuum pump, the MityVac, claiming it achieved 27 inches of mercury and suggesting that shorter tubing might improve performance.
  • Another participant corroborates the effectiveness of the MityVac, mentioning its use in various experiments and practical applications like bleeding motorcycle brakes.
  • A different participant mentions an eductor-based vacuum pump available at Harbor Freight, describing it as a cheap and simple option that operates continuously when supplied with compressed air.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on the best type of vacuum pump for the application, with no consensus reached on a single solution. Various suggestions and experiences are shared, indicating a diversity of opinions and approaches.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific details about the intended application, which may influence the choice of vacuum pump. Additionally, there are unresolved questions regarding the effectiveness of different pump types in achieving the desired vacuum levels.

Blackie
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TL;DR
Vacuum pump help
Summary: Vacuum pump help

I need advice on what type of vacuum pump would create max negative pressure in a very small area ( a space no larger than your pinky finger I guess) ? Maybe some kinda high suction low cfm pump? I don't know enough about vacuum pumps to know which type to use for my application. And advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Peristaltic pump (roller pump). Cheap diaphragm pumps also works fine for low airflow, high suction pressure applications.
P.S. Never apply suction port on a body parts. Injury is guaranteed if applied.
 
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Ok, I've not researched that particular pump... I'm trying to achieve an insine amount of vacuum. Kinda like if you poked a small hole in a space ship. The amount of force focused near the hole... will a roller pump achieve that kinda pressure in a small area? a lot of the roller pumps I've seen look like they are for medical applications... and more advice would be greatly appreciated
 
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Blackie said:
insine
Is that a typo?

Also, can you say what the application is? That will help us to make the best suggestions for you. :smile:
 
How about a syringe?
Blackie said:
I'm trying to achieve an insine amount of vacuum.
The maximum amount of vacuum in air is 14.7psi, and it isn't difficult to get pretty close to it.
 
Last edited:
This little sucker (pun intended) just pulled 27 inches of mercury with my finger stopping the tubing. I think it would do better if I shortened the tubing. Trade name is MityVac. Harbor Freight has something similar: https://www.harborfreight.com/brake-bleeder-and-vacuum-pump-kit-63391.html.

P9110020.JPG
 
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I used that same vacuum pump with an Edmunds Bell jar for a number of experiments. Plus, I used it to bleed my sportbike brakes for years. A great investment! :smile:
 
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As long as we're at harbor freight... They also sell an eductor-based 'vacuum pump' - I think they intend it for HVAC system evacuation. Feed it compressed air, and it creates a vacuum. Cheap, simple, and continuous (if you have compressed air).
 

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