Vacuum furnace users are striving to increase productivity and reduce operating costs while gaining improved control over their processes.  Process improvements that lead to less impact on the environment are paramount.  Through use of next generation dry-compressing vacuum pumps these targets can now be achieved.

The presentation will introduce next generation dry-compressing vacuum pumps and their recent improvements in leak-tightness, energy consumption and space savings.  Incorporation of modern electronics with sensor technology allows for increased pump control, on-board monitoring and energy savings.  The environmental benefits of generating less contaminated pump oils, filters and emissions will also be emphasized. 

Next generation dry-compressing vacuum pumps now feature integrated frequency converters that provide more energy-efficient motor control.  A wide operating voltage and variable frequency drive with no need for motor protection switches is the new standard.  Optional on-board PLC with touch screens offer control and monitoring via intuitive menu navigation software.  Parameters including frequency, pumping speed, exhaust overpressure, cooling water flow and temperature and pumped gas temperature are controlled and monitored with available warnings and shut-down.

Where the user must avoid hazardous gases leaking to the environment or air ingress to the furnace, improvements in leak-tightness have been made through use of a hermetically sealed motor design.  This eliminates motor through shafts, external shaft seals and motor bearings while decreasing overall physical stature of the pump. 

Dry-compressing vacuum pumps continue to offer obvious environmental benefits.  With no lubricating oils contained in the pumps' compression stage, improved operating environment with no oil emissions, no oil ingress to the furnace, reduced maintenance steps with less down-time and disposal results in lower operating costs.  In contrast to oil-sealed vacuum pumps, frequent oil and filter changes and replacement of internal shaft-seals results in higher operating costs and less productive time for the furnace.