Common Questions for Vacuum Traps
In vacuum applications, vacuum traps are implemented to safeguard vacuum systems by reducing the presence of oil or moisture.
In vacuum processes using oil-vane rotary pumps, vapors that can contaminate a system are often a result of the system pump’s oils backstreaming. By placing a vacuum trap between your pump and system, you can protect your system’s process from these oils. Processes which utilize dry-scroll pumps would benefit from the use of cold traps, which help protect the dry-scroll pump via reducing the moisture present to preserve seal integrity.
Can a trap remove specific chemicals/compounds from a system?
It is important to note that a trap does not primarily serve as a filtrate. If you are looking for a filtrate product, a few items come to mind: particulate separators, exhaust filters, and particulate filters. Additionally, while a trap may contribute to vapor collection, this function does not serve its tested purpose and vapor collection efficacy will vary.
How do I find which media is best for my application?
The answer: It depends. We know - - this isn't the answer you wanted to hear. There's a variety of guides online from our partners that can assist in choosing the proper material: copper, activated charcoal, stainless steel, or activated alumina. Or, you can reach out to us here at IES - we are experts in all things vacuum, and we can give a thorough analysis of your application.
At what point should you change your media in your pump?
Both sealed and rechargeable media traps have an industry use range between 3 and 6 months. It's important to assess the condition of media and outlet sides regularly to determine media saturation and when you may need to change your media.
Is there an impact on pump-down time with certain traps?
Adding a trap or cold trap to any vacuum system will increase pump-down time as the total volume of your system is expanding. Pump-down time also increases with the size of the trap but will ultimately be determined by system specific configurations including system geometry, component conditions, desired pressure, etc.
Is there a best way to install vacuum traps?
If a marker indicating the pump side is not visible, look inside the trap through the flange for the baffle, which is a circular disk in the center of a metal mesh. The side with this baffle should face the pump, as the baffle is intended to be the first line of defense against backstreaming pump oil.
What is the frequency for refilling LN2 cold traps?
Depending on the volume of your LN2 Trap, holding times can range from approximately 14 to 24 hours. Holding times are calculated at 10^-2 Torr and vary based on process temperature and ambient temperature. Smaller bodies can hold 1L of LN2 for ~14 hours while larger bodies can hold 2-5L of LN2 for ~20-24 hours.
For more information about vacuum applications, or for quotes, contact IES Technical Sales today.