Vacuum pumps are devices that remove gas from a sealed space in order to create a partial or full vacuum. Originally invented by Otto von Guericke in 1650, vacuum pumps are commonly used for a variety of industrial and scientific purposes. There are several different kinds of vacuum pumps, including positive displacement pumps, momentum transfer pumps and entrapment pumps.

Freeze Drying Process

Vacuum pumps are commonly used during the process of freeze drying materials such as perishable foods. During the freeze drying process, pressure is added to frozen foods using a vacuum pump and heat. This causes the frozen water in the food to skip the liquid phase and go directly from a solid to a gas. Freeze drying is commonly used to preserve perishable items over long periods of time, such as during shipping and storage.

Medical Applications

Vacuum pumps are regularly used in medical processes where suction is required. They are also used in medical applications such as Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery.

Coating Processes

Vacuum pumps are used in the coating of certain items, including vacuum coating for decoration and glass coating. Vacuum coating is a mechanized procedure used to apply coatings to certain materials in which a material is conveyed through a coater, or application changer, at a fast, constant speed. Hard vacuum coating is used for engines in Formula 1 cars. Depending on the type, vacuum coating can be used for decoration, durability or even energy saving measures.