1. Define Your Application
An important part of the selection process is detailing what you expect from your vacuum system. Clearly define your application in order to determine a vacuum-system solution that meets your specific needs.
2. Expense
With so many pumps on the market, it’s generally a good idea to use a well-known brand. Look into each company’s track record, warranty, and price point, as these are indicators of the quality (or lack of quality) of the product.
3. Pumps to Choose From
- Oil Filled Rotary Vane (Recommended)
- Diaphragm
- Vacuum Generators
- Liquid Ring
- Scroll
- Turbomolecular
4. CFM
CFM (cubic feet per minute) can be a factor for the effectiveness of the pump. Make sure you have the right CFM for the size and needs of your system.
5. Vacuum Level
- Rough vacuum (from 10 3 mbar to 1 mbar)
- Medium vacuum (1 mbar to 10 -3 mbar)
- High vacuum (10 -3 mbar to 10 -7 mbar)
- Ultra-high vacuum(10 -7 mbar to 10 -12 mbar)
- Extreme high vacuum (less than 10 -12 mbar)
6. Chemical Resistance
Whichever pump you choose, you need to make sure that the pump itself is resistant to the chemicals you’ll be using. If you don’t, corrosion can occur and the pump won’t last as long. Even though in theory chemicals won’t make it back to the pump, they can and often do.