Brief Overview Of Vacuum Traps

Vacuum applications are one of the most complex applications that one can ever use. There are several machine parts and some more parts that need to be understood well before operating. Be it bellows or hoses or the overall engine, one needs to understand the layout and use of each part to run the machinery properly. Vacuum applications rule our world and it is a great way to get the best out of everything. One of the most important vacuum parts is vacuum trap. There are several types of traps available for use. Out of all that is available, the transparent vacuum trap is one of the best looking traps as it shows what goes in and what comes out.

What are Traps?

In vacuum applications, a cold trap is a device that condenses all vapors except the permanent gases into a liquid or solid. The most common objective is to prevent vapors being evacuated from an experiment from entering a vacuum pump where they would condense and contaminate it. When large amounts of liquid are in consideration, large cold traps are also used to serve the purpose. Liquid nitrogen is a common compound used in traps.

Applications:

Vacuum traps are used in several applications including, but not limited to diffusion pumps, vacuum line experiments, cryopump etc.. All these vacuum applications are used to serve various purposes and using a transparent vacuum pump makes it easy for the supervisor to know. Transparent vacuum pumps are all the rage today as it makes the task of the supervisor easier. Most people like to keep an eye on the systems. With the use of transparent vacuum pumps, it is now possible.

Hazards:

Care should be taken when using a cold trap not to condense liquid oxygen (a light blue liquid) into the cold trap. Liquid oxygen is potentially explosive, and this is especially true if the trap has been used to trap solvent. Liquid oxygen can be condensed into a cold trap if a pump has sucked air through the trap when the trap is very cold, e.g. when cooled with liquid nitrogen.

Conclusion:

Generally, vacuum traps have two major primary functions: protecting vacuum pumps from contaminants in the process and protecting the vacuum process from pump oil. Contaminants like particles, liquids, and variety of condensable vapors can affect the vacuum pump. Oil vapor contamination is a common thing in pumps that use oil like the well-known rotary vane pumps or diffusion pumps. The right kind of trap is always suggested for a smooth functioning of a vacuum pump. Choosing the appropriate vacuum trap for your application needs can protect the pump and process from vapors and particles and by minimizing oil backstreaming. Look out for vacuum pump traps which provide warranty on their longevity and choose a high-quality trap every time. Most vacuum application users prefer transparent vacuum traps these days and you should choose it too.