Vacuum Technology
A vacuum is understood to be a space that is largely free of air. In vacuum technology, this vacuum is created by removing gas from a closed volume – for example, a vacuum chamber – using a vacuum pump. As a result, both gas pressure and gas density continuously decrease. The remaining pressure is referred to as the final vacuum and is stated as absolute pressure in mbar. This is significantly below normal atmospheric pressure.
What types of vacuum are there?
Vacuum packaging machines typically operate in the rough vacuum range, achieving a final vacuum of up to approximately 2 mbar.
Depending on the level of the remaining pressure, vacuum technology distinguishes between different vacuum ranges:
Factors Influencing Evacuation Time
Evacuation time describes the period required to reduce the pressure in the vacuum chamber to the desired level. It is influenced by several technical and product-specific factors:
Target Vacuum
The lower the desired final pressure, the longer the evacuation takes.
Volume
Larger chambers or packaging volumes require more time to reduce pressure.
Vacuum Pump
The pump’s performance is a key factor in determining evacuation speed.
Line Cross-Sections
Narrow points in the system can restrict gas flow.
Tightness
Leaks in the system significantly extend the evacuation time.
Product Properties
Moisture and trapped air in the product additionally affect the process.