What Is A Vacuum?
A vacuum is defined as a space that contains less matter (particles or molecules) than the surrounding atmosphere. It is impossible to reach a perfect vacuum, as not presence of matter at all.
Vacuum Other name :
Empty Space
Emptiness
Nothingness
Vacancy of air
Negative pressure
Unit Of Vacuum :
Pascal (Pa)
Torr (Torr)
Millibar (mbar)
Atmosphere (atm)
Inches of Mercury (inHg)
Millimeters of Mercury (mmHg)
Micron (µm) or Micrometer (µmHg)
Bar (bar)
Kilopascal (kPa)
Psi (pounds per square inch)
How is Vacuum Measured?
U-Tube Manometer
McLeod gauge
Bourdon Gauge
Pirani Gauge
Thermocouple Gauge
Ionization Gauge
Capacitance Manometer
Cold Cathode Gauge
Thermal Conductivity Gauge
Digital Vacuum Gauge
Vacuum Transducer
What is Vacuum Pressure?
A pressure at a given position is the force exerted by air weight of the atmosphere of Earth (or that of another planet).
What is the Difference Between a Vacuum and Atmospheric Pressure?
Atmospheric pressure is the weight of air pushing down on us from the Earth’s atmosphere, typically around 101.3 kPa (or 1 atm) at sea level.
Vacuum has a much lower pressure, indicating that there is little to no air present. This lower pressure is often measured in units like pascals (Pa) or torr.
What are the Types of Vacuum?
Low vacuum (Rough vacuum): Pressure slightly less than the atmospheric pressure, 1 atm to 0.001 atm.
Intermediate vacuum: Pressure in 0.001 atm to 10^³ atm
High vacuum: Pressure of 10^-3 atm to 10^-7 atm
Ultra-high vacuum (UHV): Pressure is less than 10^-7 atm.
Very high vacuum (VHV): < 10^-9 atm.
Xtreme high vacuum (XHV): < 10^-12 atm
Vacuum Uses :
Vacuum Packaging : Keeps food and products fresh by removing air from packaging, which helps prolong their shelf life.
Vacuum Distillation : Separates liquid mixtures at lower temperatures to avoid damaging heat-sensitive ingredients.
Vacuum Furnaces : Heats metals and alloys in a vacuum to prevent oxidation and contamination during treatment.
Vacuum Forming : Molds plastics by heating them and using vacuum pressure to shape them over specific forms.
Vacuum Drying : Eliminates moisture from delicate materials under reduced pressure to protect them from damage.
Thin Film Deposition : Coats surfaces with thin layers of metals or other materials in vacuum conditions for use in electronics and optics.
Space Simulation : Tests spacecraft and materials in vacuum chambers that replicate the conditions of outer space.
Vacuum Insulation : Produces highly insulated containers, such as thermos bottles, that maintain the temperature of liquids.
Medical Vacuum Systems : Provides suction for surgeries and patient care, ensuring a sterile environment.
Vacuum Lifters : Uses vacuum suction to safely lift and handle heavy or fragile items, like glass sheets.
Vacuum Advantage :
Protects sensitive materials from rust and damage by stopping oxidation.
Lowers boiling temperatures, allowing delicate processing of materials.
Ensures clean and pure production in manufacturing.
Offers strong insulation against heat transfer.
Boosts efficiency of heat transfer during processes.
Cuts down on energy usage in drying and distilling processes.
Extends the freshness of products by using vacuum packaging.
Provides precise control over various industrial processes.
Minimizes pump damage by reducing cavitation.
Maintains a clean, contaminant-free environment for research and production work.
Vacuum Disadvantage :
Vacuum systems, especially high and ultra-high vacuum setups, are expensive to install due to the need for specialized equipment like vacuum pumps, chambers, gauges, and sensors.
To keep these systems running efficiently, regular maintenance is necessary. This includes servicing parts such as pumps, seals, and gauges to ensure everything works properly.
Operating vacuum systems can also be challenging. Skilled technicians are often required to manage the equipment and monitor the system.
Additionally, certain materials cannot be processed or handled in a vacuum, limiting the range of applications for these systems.
Read More : Hazard TypeÂ
Vacuum Hazard :
Asphyxiation
Oxygen Deficiency
Please see this video : Damaging to vessel
