Most mechanical pumps and systems are powered by an electric motor; however, a variety of other power sources are also available. Common AC single-phase voltages are 110-115 V (60 Hz), 208- 230 V (50/60 Hz), 380 [50 Hz], 440-480 [60 Hz]. Common AC three-phase voltages are 208 V, 377 V and 440 V. Engine-powered mechanical vacuum pumps and systems use gasoline or diesel engines.  Some smaller vacuum pumps can operate on compressed air or inert gas.  Special applications can require explosion proof motors, and non-reactive oils. DC powered devices use battery power and inputs from power supplies.

Several types of piston-based pumps are commonly available. Reciprocating pistons reduce the air volume inside a cylinder and produce vacuum levels that are higher than those produced by other types of mechanical pumps. Rocking pistons are similar to reciprocating pistons, but are not articulated.  These are commonly called “piston pumps” and can be one or two stages [each stage providing a higher vacuum level.

Rotary vane pumps evacuate air vi rotaing a vane and comprssing the gas through a check valve.

Turbomolecular devices increase vacuum pressure by molecular absorption instead of mechanically moving parts. Magnetic drives use a rotating magnetic field to drive the pump impeller and feature a seal-free construction. Some mechanical vacuum pumps and systems are portable or small enough to sit atop a table or workbench. Others are designed for permanent installations or rest on the floor on vibration pads..  

There are many mechanical pump technologies. Axial blowers convert axial velocity to pressure. By contrast, centrifugal blowers convert radial velocity to pressure. Both types of devices provide very high flow rates. Regenerative blowers are similar to centrifugal blowers, but produce several stages of compression. Diaphragm pumps have a much lower compression ratio than piston pumps, but are quieter and more economical. Gear pumps are positive displacement devices that use the meshing of gear teeth to reduce the volume, move the air, and evacuate the vacuum chamber. Linear pumps use electromagnetic oscillation to compress the stroke of a sliding piston. Rotary vane systems consist of an eccentrically-mounted rotor and sliding vanes. Rotary screw mechanical pumps and systems consist of two or more spindles with intermeshing screws that rotate in opposite directions. Scroll pumps that compress air between the surfaces of mating spirals are also available.  

Selecting mechanical vacuum pumps and systems requires an analysis of performance requirements and features. Vacuum levels can be expressed in “Torr”, a unit of measure equal to that exerted by a 1 mm high column of mercury (Hg) at 0° C and standard gravity.  Another common unit of vacuum measurement is “microns” [ 1 Torr = 1000 microns].  Units such as Pascals, and Millitorr are also used, as well as, for very rough vacuum “inches”, or “pounds/squre inch”.

Pumping speed or displacement is the air volume capacity being evacuated per unit of time [cubic feet per minute {cfm}, liters per second {l/s}, or liters per minute {l/m}  Typically, vacuum pumps are flow-rated according to the volume of air exhausted without a pressure differential across the pump. Motor power is a reference value used to characterize vacuum pump size.

In terms of features, a large mechanical pump may require a motor starter panel. Complete mechanical vacuum pumping systems include a control panel or valve sequencing control, vacuum display instruments, and vacuum valves and piping.

Gas Ballast can remove entrained water vapor in the pump. Gas ballasts allow atmospheric air into the compression chamber, minimizing condensate and prevent corrosion

High Vacuum Diffusion Pumps may included Integral traps to prevent back streaming and contamination in sanitary or high vacuum applications..

Lubrication options include positive pressure and splash lubrication. Oil-flooded and dry or oil-less devices are also available. Mechanical vacuum pumps and systems can include one or more stages.

Blowers can be used in conjunction with the mechanical pump to rapidly increase the pumping speeds at lower overall system cost.

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