Vacuum applications are continuously expanding today as a wide range of industries learn they can rely on increasingly potent and efficient vacuum pumps and structures. 

The constant advancement of vacuum technology responds to the ever-evolving technical research in this field. Learn about this progress and the current possibilities in the application of vacuum technology through this short guide.

How vacuum technology works

A vacuum space is one that presents a lower atmospheric pressure in order to remove all gasses from its interior. 

As different gasses present diverse pressure values, these will determine the need for achieving different degrees of vacuum, from standard to ultra-high vacuum, where pressure values are below  10-7 mbar.

However, a general rule dictates that the lower the atmospheric pressure within the vacuum space, the higher the vacuum degree that is obtained. 

As we describe further down the article, vacuum technology has been key to developing certain sectors and industries. Two common types of equipment in vacuum technology include: 

  • Vacuum insulated pipes: devised to transport cryogenic substances in a safe and efficient manner, the vacuum technology guarantees heat losses are minimized. 
  • Vacuum insulated vessels: vacuum technology is used to generate storage tanks for cryogenic substances. 
  • And Vacuum pumps: these devices are in charge of extracting gasses or liquids. Depending on the specific application of the vacuum pump, there are many different types of vacuum pumps, including the most advanced and capable of creating ultra-high vacuum such as turbomolecular pumps and cryo pumps, among others.

Vacuum applications for different industries

Nuclear industry and the study of particles

Vacuum applications in the nuclear industry allow for the creation of safe environments in which to handle sensible materials.

Research around particle acceleration, at the world-famous Hadron Collider, also relies on vacuum technology (ultra-high vacuum).

Related content: How is cryogenic energy storage used in nuclear power plants?

Metallurgy

The production of metals is also one of the main vacuum applications today. As such, it’s used in a number of processes: 

  • Impregnation, providing a reliable solution to porosity in castings
  • Sintering of cutting edges
  • Thermal applications
  • Achieving a higher density of metals by degassing them
  • Eliminating particulates that can endanger working spaces 

Space technology

Vacuum applications in space research have opened the door to two important advancements: the detection of gravitational waves related to exploding stars or a number of collisions and the observation of black holes, as well as their photography.

As such, the  application of vacuum technology has enabled researchers to eliminate surrounding sound and vibrations, thus facilitating the processes mentioned above. 

Vacuum has also provided the means for obtaining the first photographs of black holes.

Hyperspeed trains

Research into developing hyperspeed trains is also the result of vacuum applications.  This future possibility would be based on generating the so-called “hyperloop”: a sealed-tube vacuum that reduces air resistance and can send a capsule at ultra-high speed. 

Food industry

Vacuum applications in the food industry have facilitated the generation of food packaging that pushes product preservation and shelf life further.

Find out more: What are food gases and which are the main ones?

Medical field

The medical and pharmaceutical sectors also benefit from the application of vacuum technology in a number of ways. Among these, two of the most exciting vacuum applications in this field include: 

  • Obtaining images following magnetic resonance (MRI) processes, which is aimed at observing soft tissues 
  • Proton therapy represents an advancement from radiation therapy, directly targeting cancerous tissue in a precise and less invasive manner. This vacuum application is in need of applying a cyclotron, a high-speed accelerator for protons.

Removal of carbon or other particles

The application of vacuum technology in charge of carbon removal is key to minimize corrosion issues in a number of fields. 

Additionally, vacuum can help dispose of hazardous particles, including asbestos, lead or contaminated soil.

Keep reading: Why you should choose vacuum insulated pipes

Cryospain, experts in vacuum applications

At Cryospain, we are industry leaders in cryogenic engineering and can provide adequate vacuum technologies for cryogenic insulation, particularly in high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum scenarios.

As such, we provide high-quality super-insulated pipes using high-vacuum for the transportation of cryogenic substances, which have served companies across a wide range of industries (including bunkering projects LNG, cryobiology, aerospace, food, and transport, among others). 

We’ve also facilitated the generation of vacuum-insulated vessels for cryogenic storage thus presenting an efficient and tailor-made solution for those sectors looking for making the most of the current vacuum applications.

At Cryospain we provide our clients with design, installation and extensive after-sales and maintenance programs, so that our cryogenic equipment remains efficient and safe to use throughout its life cycle. 

Additionally, we  design and manufacture all our vacuum-related equipment in accordance with the European Directive 2014/68/EU and the design code ASME VIII, div 1

Want to learn more about vacuum applications and the type of equipment your company needs to access the possibilities of these technologies? Get in touch with us and speak to our team.

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