The Concept and Classification of Vacuum Technology
Concept of Vacuum Technology
Vacuum technology refers to the science and engineering methods used to create, measure, and maintain environments with air pressure lower than the atmosphere. In such conditions, the number of gas molecules is greatly reduced, which allows processes and experiments that cannot be performed under normal pressure. Vacuum technology is essential in many modern industries, including electronics, aerospace, materials science, medical devices, and scientific research.
Classification of Vacuum Technology
Vacuum technology is commonly classified according to the pressure range and the methods used to achieve it. The main categories include:
-
Low Vacuum Technology
-
Pressure slightly lower than atmospheric pressure.
-
Often achieved with simple pumps.
-
Applications: food packaging, vacuum molding, basic drying processes.
-
-
Medium Vacuum Technology
-
Reaches pressures much lower than low vacuum.
-
Requires more advanced pumps such as rotary pumps or mechanical boosters.
-
Applications: coating, vacuum furnaces, and general industrial use.
-
-
High Vacuum Technology
-
Achieved with turbomolecular pumps, diffusion pumps, and clean sealing systems.
-
Applications: electron microscopes, mass spectrometers, semiconductor processing.
-
-
Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) Technology
-
Requires specialized materials, metal seals, and advanced pumping systems.
-
Often involves baking the system to remove gases from surfaces.
-
Applications: surface analysis, nanotechnology, particle physics.
-
-
Extreme High Vacuum (XHV) Technology
-
The most advanced vacuum level, with extremely low pressures.
-
Applications: space simulation, high-energy physics, fundamental science experiments.
-
In summary, vacuum technology provides controlled environments free from most gas molecules, enabling precision processes in science and industry. Its classification by vacuum level helps determine the right equipment, materials, and techniques for each application.
