VACUUM SCIENCE BLOG

After a 2-year break due to Covid, the 11th Vacuum Symposium was held

After a 2-year break due to Covid, the 11th Vacuum Symposium was held on 12th & 13th July 2022 at Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington, UK.  The response to an in-person meeting exceeded expectations, and despite some Covid no-shows on the day, 141 people attended the event.

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VSW Founding Editor Dr Andrew Chew Awarded the Harry Leck Memorial Medal

From leading scientists and engineers to celebrated business managers — at Vacuum Science World, we’re proud to have many expert contributors within our ranks. Today we highlight the achievements of Dr Andrew Chew, Vacuum Science World Founding Editor.

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What is Nuclear Fusion? And How Does it Work?

Aligning with recent breakthroughs in the field, nuclear fusion is being increasingly discussed in the media. But what is nuclear fusion and how does it differ from nuclear fission? And why are so many companies and states investing in fusion research and development? 

We answer these questions here before highlighting the enabling role that vacuum plays in achieving nuclear fusion.

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Highlights from the 16th European Vacuum Conference (EVC16)

The European Vacuum Conference convenes every three years in Europe to discuss the latest developments in vacuum science and technologies. The 16th edition of the European Vacuum Conference (EVC-16) was recently held in Marseille — and the event ran from the 22nd to the 26th of November. The conference was jointly organised by the French Vacuum Society (SFV) and Aix Marseille University (AMU) and A3TS, with the endorsement of ITER. 

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Ultra-high Vacuum Fittings: What Are Flanges Used For?

Despite how commonplace vacuum technology is, it can be difficult to know what fittings and parts are needed to create ideal vacuum environments. Here, we explore what vacuum flanges are and what they may be used for. Let’s start by looking at how flanges are used to create vacuum systems.

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What Are the 5 Signs of Vacuum Pump Failure?

Even the most well-constructed vacuum pump can fail after extended use. In industrial applications, for instance, the downtime resulting from pump failures can be prohibitively expensive — especially if it forces production to grind to a halt. 

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Detecting Leaks: Should You Use a Residual Gas Analyser (RGA)?

Across many industries, leak detection technology is crucial to project success. In the space industry, for example, detection tools help pinpoint dangerous leaks that may cause rapid temperature changes and a loss of oxygen in spacecraft. 

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Do You Need an Onsite or Offsite Backup Vacuum Pump?

From small-scale experiments to large industrial production lines, vacuum pump failure can force your project into downtime — leading to missed deadlines and revenue loss. For many organisations, sourcing an onsite or offsite backup pump is crucial to safeguarding projects. 

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A Guide to Preparing your Vacuum System for Thruster Testing Chambers

With the near-constant advances in smart technology and science, there is an increased demand on satellites. To improve satellite capabilities and meet the needs of the market, organisations are commercialising multimillion-dollar equipment and developing more efficient testing techniques for space technology.

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Four basic rules for working under HV and UHV conditions

When working with high vacuum (HV) and ultra-high vacuum (UHV), there are specific aspects to consider to ensure an efficient and safe system.

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