What Is a Vacuum Tank?
A vacuum tank is a container designed to maintain a vacuum inside it.
Also known as a vacuum chamber, it is constructed from thick-walled stainless steel to withstand external atmospheric pressure, given the reduced internal pressure. These tanks are effective in minimizing heat transfer, thereby reducing heat ingress from outside and preventing heat escape from within. They are commonly used as refrigerators or insulated containers, providing excellent thermal insulation.
Vacuum tanks also isolate internal gases and liquids from the external environment, preserving them from evaporation and oxidation. This feature is beneficial for storing cooling materials and special chemicals like liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen.
Maintaining airtightness is crucial for vacuum tanks, requiring regular maintenance and monitoring to preserve the vacuum. Timely detection and repair of any airtightness degradation or leakage are essential.
Uses of Vacuum Tanks
Vacuum tanks have diverse applications, including:
1. Semiconductors
In electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, vacuum conditions are essential for creating a contaminant-free environment. Vacuum tanks are instrumental in these processes for separating and removing gases and liquids, thus enhancing process efficiency and product quality.
2. Medical Field
Vacuum tanks are widely used in the medical industry, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing and storage, where certain drugs are sensitive to oxygen and moisture. They are also used in medical devices and surgical procedures for draining blood and body fluids and wound treatment.
3. Space Exploration
In space exploration, vacuum tanks are critical for safeguarding spacecraft and satellite interiors from external heat and radiation. They also serve as storage for fuel and coolant in space.
Principle of Vacuum Tanks
Vacuum tanks, designed to maintain reduced internal pressure, are typically made of thick-walled stainless steel and often equipped with exhaust and leak detection lines, sometimes including observation windows.
These tanks create a vacuum by maintaining an internal pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure outside. Airtight construction using appropriate materials and joints is essential to minimize gas leakage.
How to Select a Vacuum Tank
Key considerations when selecting a vacuum tank include its vacuum level and capacity.
1. Degree of Vacuum
For applications requiring ultra-high vacuum, check the tank’s maximum vacuum and leakage rate specifications before selection.
2. Capacity
Choose a tank based on the volume of material or liquid to be stored. Ensure the tank’s capacity is sufficient for your requirements.
Other Information About Vacuum Tanks
How to Use a Vacuum Tank
Before using a vacuum tank, inspect it for any cracks or leaks that could compromise vacuum maintenance or result in equipment damage. Ensure airtight closure of the tank, using clamps if necessary, to maintain the vacuum.
In environments where moisture and gases could adhere to the tank’s inner surface, consider pre-use procedures like heating and vacuum drying to remove these substances, as they might not desorb under vacuum conditions alone.