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Here at Quincy, we are no strangers to the wide variety of industries that use compressed air. It\u2019s an essential utility for many companies, vital for operation throughput and product quality. Many corporations considered to be \u201ccritical infrastructure\u201d such as hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and food companies depend heavily on Quincy compressed air.<\/p>\n
We offer a variety of technologies to produce and deliver compressed air, each with advantages and disadvantages applicable to any given application. At this point, you may be asking, \u201cWhat does this have to do with vacuum pumps?\u201d<\/p>\n
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For the most part, the technology used in compressors is the same technology used in industrial vacuum pumps. \u00a0\u201cIndustrial\u201d is a keyword here, referring to vacuum pumps which operate in the \u201cRough Vacuum\u201d range.\u00a0 Technologies include (but aren\u2019t limited to): \u00a0reciprocating piston, rotary screw (dry or oil flooded), rotary vane, claw\/tooth, etc.\u00a0 In \u201cMedium, High, and Ultra-High\u201d vacuum ranges, vacuum pumps are much more differentiated than compressors, and include technologies like oil diffusion, turbo molecular, and cryogenic pumps.\u00a0 Quincy\u2019s vacuum offering focuses on the industrial vacuum market, serving applications like pick-and-place, packaging, degassing, hold-down, and many more.<\/p>\n
The use of a compressor is different from that of a vacuum pump in the sense that a compressor typically draws air from an open source (like the atmosphere) and discharges at higher pressure to a closed system, while vacuum pumps draw air (or some other gas) from a closed system and discharges to an open system (often the atmosphere).\u00a0 Both perform mechanical compression. Just at different spectrums of pressure.<\/p>\n
Mechanically speaking, there are often subtle differences in the design\/operation of a compressor vs. vacuum pump, including the rotating speeds, sealing designs, heat transfer capabilities, and power consumption.\u00a0 These differences are what necessitate machines dedicated to compression or vacuum, and why it\u2019s generally not just a matter of \u201cconnecting to opposite ports\u201d.<\/p>\n
In our experience, users are much more familiar with the operating principles, applications and sizing of air compressors than vacuum pumps.\u00a0 Therefore, Quincy has a team of Vacuum Applications Engineers dedicated to guiding customers through the process of determining what\u2019s best for their application and corporate initiatives.<\/p>\n
In our article \u201cVacuum Pump Applications<\/strong>\u201d we help outline just a few of the most common applications in various market segments, and what variables you should think about when considering a vacuum for your needs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What do you think of when you hear the word \u201cvacuum\u201d?\u00a0 If you\u2019re like many, a household carpet cleaner comes to mind, or maybe your garage wet\/dry vac.<\/p>\n What if we told you that nearly all products are manufactured with the assistance of vacuum?\u00a0 The circuit board in your cell phone was created using vacuum.\u00a0 Many plastic products in your house were likely molded into the shape you see and use with vacuum.\u00a0 Do you still like the feel of a physical book or newspaper in your hands?\u00a0 The printing was made possible with the assistance of vacuum.\u00a0 Even most food and beverage products you consume each day were manufactured with vacuum playing a critical role.<\/p>\n Quincy vacuum pump<\/strong>s<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0are used in various industries for a wide range of applications, making our jobs a never-ending lesson in how products are manufactured!\u00a0 Let\u2019s take a look at vacuum applications commonly found in various market segments.<\/p>\n \u2026and many more. \u00a0Quincy Compressor is always working with customers who use vacuum in innovative ways to improve their throughput and\/or product quality.<\/p>\n With this information in mind, chances are there\u2019s a vacuum application in whatever industry you work in!\u00a0 Do you need a vacuum pump, or suspect vacuum could help with your operation? If so, there are many things to consider:<\/p>\n These questions are asked every day by people researching new and improved vacuum solutions. \u00a0The truth is, you don\u2019t need to know the answers to these questions because Quincy can help with those details.\u00a0 The important question to ask yourself is HOW vacuum influences YOUR operation and\/or product.\u00a0 Some examples, and why they are important, are:<\/p>\n Many applications are a combination of evacuation (hogging) and then maintaining a specific vacuum level for a period of time (holding).\u00a0 The load associated with this holding condition can also be an important factor in sizing vacuum equipment.\u00a0 In some cases, like distillation or evaporation, that holding load is the result of the upstream equipment design and is very well defined.\u00a0 In other cases, the holding load is a function of air leakage, evaporation, or some other lesser-defined source.\u00a0 This is where the experience of our Vacuum Applications Engineers can help guide the technical discussion.<\/p>\n With an understanding of common vacuum applications and operational variables to reflect on, we\u2019re now ready to start assessing vacuum technologies.\u00a0 In our article \u201cChoosing The Right Pump for You<\/strong>\u201d we outline the general advantages and disadvantages of various technologies and recommend questions to ask when the time comes for you to select and purchase your pump.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In every buying decision, there are options to consider and value\/costs to weigh.\u00a0 Selecting the appropriate vacuum technology for your application and your company is no different.\u00a0 There are few applications in vacuum in which everyone (users, governing bodies, and suppliers alike) agrees on a single technology as being the standard.\u00a0 \u00a0Therefore, having a good fundamental knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of common industrial vacuum technologies will help guide your research.<\/p>\n Below is a brief description of the operation, limitations, and advantages\/disadvantages of many common industrial vacuum technologies.<\/p>\n Principle of Operation:\u00a0 Crankshaft rotates a piston (or pistons) up and down, while a set of valves allow for the isolation and flow of process gas into suction and out of discharge pathways.<\/p>\n Principle of Operation:\u00a0 A matched set of screws with tight tolerances capture process gas at the inlet and convey the gas to the discharge, where compression against the atmosphere takes place.\u00a0 Oil is circulated throughout the machine to seal tolerances and absorb the heat of compression.\u00a0 Gas discharge is then passed through an oil mist separation system before exhausting to the atmosphere.<\/p>\n Principle of Operation:\u00a0 A matched set of screws with tight tolerances capture process gas at the inlet and convey the gas to the discharge, where compression against the atmosphere takes place.\u00a0 Tolerances are so tight that each screw \u201cflight\u201d acts as a seal between vacuum and discharge.\u00a0 The pumping chamber is jacketed with cooling fluid circulated and cooled via cooling water and\/or heat exchanger.<\/p>\n Principle of Operation:\u00a0 A rotor is located eccentrically (off-set) within a pumping chamber, with vanes located in slots.\u00a0 As the rotor turns, centrifugal force slides the vanes against the inside walls of the pumping chamber.\u00a0 The vanes trap the volume of air at the suction, which is then compressed and exhausted into the discharge box.\u00a0 Sealing oil is injected throughout the pump to lubricate the vane contact and remove the heat of compression.\u00a0 Discharge gas is passed through a discharge box, where oil is separated.\u00a0 The oil is circulated through a filter and cooler before being reinjected.<\/p>\n Principle of Operation:\u00a0 A piston is located eccentrically (off-set) within a pumping chamber.\u00a0 As the piston rotates past the suction port, gas is drawn into the pumping chamber.\u00a0 The process gas is compressed by the rotating piston (while the suction if valved closed) and exhausted through a discharge check valve.\u00a0 Oil lubricates the piston and the pumping chamber.<\/p>\n Principle of Operation:\u00a0 Two claw shaped rotors are positioned within a pumping chamber and rotate in opposite directions.\u00a0 As the rotors pass the suction opening, they trap air between themselves and the outside walls of the pumping chamber.\u00a0 Air is eventually compressed via the matting claw geometries and exhausted into a discharge silencer.<\/p>\n Principle of Operation:\u00a0 An impeller is located eccentrically (off-set) within a pumping chamber which is filled with a sealed fluid (typically, water).\u00a0 As the rotor turns, centrifugal force pushes the water to the outside perimeter of the pumping chamber, creating \u201cbuckets\u201d.\u00a0 As the impeller rotates past the suction port, gas is drawn into a \u201cbucket\u201d, compressed, and exhausted through the discharge port.\u00a0 A gas\/liquid separator then removes water from the process gas.<\/p>\n These advantages and disadvantages may help you start eliminating options based solely on things like utility availability and corporate initiatives.\u00a0 For example, if water is a costly utility in your area, you may want to eliminate liquid ring pumps from your consideration. \u00a0If water is not a concern, but noise and vibration levels are, you may lean towards a liquid ring as a potential fit for your application.<\/p>\n Look at that! We\u2019re already narrowing your search. Here are some other factors to consider when searching for the right pump technology for you…<\/p>\n Is your process continuous or cyclic? <\/u><\/p>\n Continuous processes where vacuum is maintained at a fixed level (or within a controlled range), are much easier on pumps.\u00a0 A cyclic process is one that involves repeated evacuation of a closed system from atmospheric pressure to a lower desired pressure.\u00a0 Cyclic processes operating with oil-sealed pumps can lead to excessive oil mist exhaust if too much time is spent at higher pressures (slight vacuum). Not only is this undesirable for the working area, but the reduction in oil over time can lead to mechanical complications within the pump.\u00a0 Applications like thermoforming, where hot plastic sheets are drawn into a mold one after the other, are examples of cyclic processes. It\u2019s important to know which one applies to your process.<\/p>\n Are condensable vapors or liquids coming off the process? <\/u><\/p>\n As liquids are incompressible, introducing them in large quantities in a vacuum pump can cause failures (in some cases, irreparable and sudden).\u00a0 Process gases that may exist as vapors under vacuum conditions but as a liquid at atmospheric conditions may condense in a vacuum pump.\u00a0 With oil-sealed pumps, this condensate will affect the oil\u2019s ability to adequately lubricate pump components. \u00a0With a dry pump, condensable liquids will lead to oxidation and rusting.\u00a0 When we apply vacuum pumps on applications with the potential for liquid slugs or condensable vapors, countermeasures are employed to ensure our pump and your operator\u2019s safety aren\u2019t jeopardized.<\/p>\n Is there particulate coming off the process? <\/u><\/p>\n Many vacuum applications involve cutting materials, conveying bulk substances, or other applications that could result in particulate carryover to the vacuum pump\/system.\u00a0 In these cases, it\u2019s important to understand the general size and magnitude of the particulate, so effective countermeasures can be implemented.\u00a0 Installing a 50-micron inlet filter may catch large chunks (or the ill-placed socket wrench) but won\u2019t do much for sawdust.\u00a0 Improper filtration leads to damaged pump components. Damaged pump components cause failures. Failures can lead to injury.<\/p>\n What are the ambient operating conditions? <\/u><\/p>\n Is this pump operating in a hot environment? \u00a0With rotating equipment one of the most critical factors for stable operation is temperature.\u00a0 The temperature of the motor, bearings, elastomers, etc. \u00a0A pump operating in a hot environment is at increased risk for failure (especially if it\u2019s an air-cooled pump).\u00a0 At what elevation will the pump be used?\u00a0 The air at higher altitudes is less dense, meaning forced air used for cooling is less effective.<\/p>\n These are some of the many questions we ask in the pump selection process. \u00a0Addressing these points during the quotation phase can help ensure the right technology (and variation thereof) is selected, ensuring years of smooth and stable operation.<\/p>\n Now that you\u2019ve made sure to REALLY understand how vacuum supports your operation and read through the pros\/cons of various pump technologies, it is now time to discuss a few important variables that will influence the size of the pump.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s assume we\u2019ve already narrowed your search down to one specific type of pump we believe is best suited for your application. We now need to identify the right size pump to use. Here at Quincy we have performance curves for all of our pumps. These curves tell us the capacity each pump can push at various levels of vacuum.<\/p>\n When considering our QSV line of rotary screw pumps, for example, our larger sized QSV 1100 can push nearly four times the capacity that our smallest size QSV 205 can push at the exact same level of vacuum. For this reason, and various others, we wouldn\u2019t want to install a QSV 1100 where a 205 would get the job done. An oversized pump draws more power and isn\u2019t as efficient. We would only want to oversize a pump if the operation is rapidly growing to match some demand.<\/p>\n It\u2019s always a good idea to consult professionals when sizing a vacuum pump. Most of the variables that determine the size pump required are difficult to measure. It\u2019s easy to assume you need a higher level of vacuum suction for your operation because the current level isn\u2019t sufficient. But what if there is a leak somewhere in your operation you aren\u2019t aware of? Well, you just oversized your vacuum pump to compensate for a leak. Now your pump is drawing more power, you\u2019re paying more for energy, and your boss is mad that you didn\u2019t consult professionals. Or, for instance, let\u2019s say you\u2019re pumping down a relatively small process chamber.<\/p>\n You determine one of our smaller pumps will get the job done. But hold on, you didn\u2019t consider all of the pipes connecting your pump to the process chamber. You didn\u2019t consider the pressure drop occurring across these pipes or within your filtration elements and liquid separators. Well, my friend, you just undersized your pump. Now you\u2019re guaranteed to spend more money trying to fix a problem that wouldn\u2019t exist had you consulted a vacuum professional. Never hesitate to call us. We will make sure mistakes like this don\u2019t happen. Our job is to save you from these headaches.<\/p>\n Improper pump selection or sizing can not only cost you excess in cash, but it can also lead to pump failures. Avoiding failures is critical for the safe operation of vacuum pumps. Not only do you want to protect your investment, but you also want to protect your workers most of all. Any time equipment fails, safety is a concern. The safest way to operate any vacuum pump is by first having the right pump operating. Most safety concerns can be avoided ahead of time in the selection and sizing process. However, after your pump is installed and operating, it is very important to maintain it. Proper maintenance is a must to continue avoiding failures, keeping your operators safe.<\/p>\n Many failures during operation can be traced back to improper maintenance in some way or another. Have you been cleaning and changing your pump\u2019s inlet filtration elements as advised by the pump\u2019s provider? Some pumps require more upkeep than others. If your pump\u2019s filtration isn\u2019t being kept up according to our advised maintenance schedule, solid particulates can likely make their way inside your pump, damaging various sensitive components depending on your pump type.<\/p>\n Many companies put the responsibility on machine operators to clean and replace inlet filters without the assistance of qualified maintenance personnel. If this is not done correctly, a particulate bypass occurs and may degrade your pump. Inlet filtration elements that handle solid particulates are not rated to handle liquids or vapors introduced to the pump by your process.<\/p>\n Process liquids require a different type of separator to assure liquids don\u2019t make their way into your pump. Minor liquid damage can cause couplings to break, contaminate the oil, and cause rust or corrosion of internal pump components. Moderate liquid damage can cause electrical drive motor failures due to excessive loading, broken vanes in rotary vane pumps, damage to exhaust valves, deformed internal pump components from hydraulic pressure, bearing failure from the contaminated lubricant, or sludge buildup. Severe water damage can permanently destroy the pumping module if it attempts to compress a liquid.<\/p>\n Process vapors or gasses are handled with condensers or cold traps. Different types of gasses or vapors require different precautionary measures. For example, corrosive process gasses may require filters containing materials such as polypropylene, fiberglass, or stainless-steel mesh to eliminate or reduce chemical attack. Water vapors may not be an issue if operating a water-sealed vacuum pump. If the vacuum pump is oil-sealed, we certainly need to consider the damages water vapor can cause.<\/p>\n Even with proper inlet filtration practices, filtration at the exhaust may also be a necessary safety measure to take depending on the process and environment. With work areas becoming cleaner and regulations becoming more stringent regarding airborne oil contamination, there is heightened awareness of contaminants in vacuum pump discharge air. This awareness has resulted in an effort to not only keep the air clean and free of oil smoke but also to keep production machinery, factory walls, ceilings and roofs all clear of oil contamination.<\/p>\n The bottom line is that oil sealed vacuum pumps can discharge oil even when supplied with quality OEM separation packages. Your pump likely already possesses a separation system, after the pump itself, responsible for removing oil from the exhaust air through various methods. If other equipment operating near your pump\u2019s exhaust is sensitive to oil contamination, excess exhaust filtration may be necessary.<\/p>\n Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating a vacuum pump. Your facility has rules and regulations in place for handling all types of mechanical and electrical equipment. Vacuum pumps possess electrical and moving mechanical components that can cause serious injury without the proper PPE. You and your operators should always consult your facility\u2019s PPE regulations. Items likely required or prohibited by your facility to safely operate this equipment may include\u2026<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to remember these are only recommendations. Because safety regulations vary from facility to facility, consulting your own facility\u2019s rules is of utmost importance.<\/p>\n With the information provided here, you are not only prepared to begin the vacuum pump selection and sizing process, you are equipped with the knowledge to begin practicing safe vacuum pump operation. Remember, no matter your level of vacuum pump awareness, do not forget to consult professionals. Here at Quincy, we want to solve these problems for you, providing guidance in selecting the proper pump for you.<\/p>\n At Quincy Compressor, we sell a range of reciprocating and rotary screw air compressors in addition to vacuum pumps. To learn more about our inventory, browse our site and check out our helpful\u00a0air compressor resources<\/a>.Vacuum Pump Applications<\/h2>\n
Aerospace\/Naval<\/h3>\n
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Automobile<\/h3>\n
![\"Automobile\"](\"https:\/\/www.quincycompressor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/3-Automobile.jpg\")
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Chemical\/Gas Petrochemical<\/h3>\n
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Food Processing<\/h3>\n
![\"Food](\"https:\/\/www.quincycompressor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/4-Food-Processing.jpg\")
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Plastics<\/h3>\n
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General Industrial<\/h3>\n
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Choosing the Right Pump for You<\/h2>\n
![\"Choosing](\"https:\/\/www.quincycompressor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/5-Choosing-the-Right-Pump-for-You.jpg\")
<\/p>\nReciprocating<\/h3>\n
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Rotary Screw (Oil-Flooded)<\/h3>\n
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Rotary Screw (Dry)<\/h3>\n
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Rotary Vane (Oil-Flooded)<\/h3>\n
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Rotary Piston<\/h3>\n
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Rotary Claw<\/h3>\n
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Liquid Ring<\/h3>\n
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Questions to Keep in Mind<\/h2>\n
![\"Questions-to-Keep-in-Mind\"](\"https:\/\/www.quincycompressor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/6-Questions-to-Keep-in-Mind.jpg\")
<\/p>\nVacuum Pump Sizing<\/h2>\n
![\"Pump-Sizing\"](\"https:\/\/www.quincycompressor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/7-Pump-Sizing.jpg\")
<\/p>\nVacuum Pump Failures\/Safety<\/h2>\n
![\"Vacuum-Pump-Failures-Safety\"](\"https:\/\/www.quincycompressor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/8-Vacuum-Pump-Failures-Safety.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMaintenance<\/h2>\n
![\"Maintenance\"](\"https:\/\/www.quincycompressor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/9-Maintenance.jpg\")
<\/p>\nOther Safety Precautions<\/h2>\n
![\"Other](\"https:\/\/www.quincycompressor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/10-Other-Safety-Precautions.jpg\")
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