VACUUM SCIENCE BLOG

Measuring vacuum pressure is a fundamental element of all vacuum applications, but there’s no such thing as a universal vacuum gauge.

When it comes to measuring vacuum pressure, no single gauge will respond accurately throughout the entire vacuum range (from atmospheric pressure to 10^-12 mbar). That’s why a clear understanding of the differences between the types of gauges is essential to match them to the right operational contexts. 

Screw pumps belong to the family of dry compressing gas transfer pumps. (Learn more about the origins of dry pumps here) They are positive-displacement pumps that use two screw shaped intermeshing rotors to move gas along the screw’s axis. They are frequently used in industrial vacuum applications, often in combination with roots blowers and as oil-free roughing pumps in high and ultrahigh vacuum systems.

In terms of engineering and science, it is hard to over emphasise the importance of measurements. They are the very essence of these two disciplines, which we use to explain the otherwise unexplainable with equations, tables, graphs and figures. In turn, this allows us to compare, contrast, repeat and define the apparent chaos which defines our world.

When it comes to choosing a vacuum gauge, understanding the application and vacuum pressure measurement required is crucial to making the right choice.

But while pressure measurement plays an important role in all vacuum applications, there’s no universal vacuum gauge that will respond accurately throughout the range from atmospheric pressure to 10^-12 mbar.