While you may use your vacuum regularly to clean up your home, you may have never thought of the suction and vacuum process. Specifically how do we create this to clean your carpets and floors. The word “vacuum” often triggers people’s memory to think about the household cleaning device. However, a vacuum doubles as a scientific term used to describe a space entirely devoid of matter. Vacuums not only help when it comes to cleaning. But they provec necessary in piping, scientific experiments, food storage, and even your lungs create a “partial” vacuum when you breathe. Below you will find more information on the background and science of how a vacuum is created.
What is a Vacuum? How a Vacuum is Created
A vacuum is a complex process that can be broken down into three steps. A vacuum is essentially defined as:
- (1) any pressure below atmospheric levels
- (2) that requires something to keep it in (some sort of receptacle or chamber)
- (3) a means of reducing the pressure via some sort of pump
Scientists have been studying the concept for a very long time and have determined that the idea of a vacuum is highly complex and almost impossible to achieve perfection.
However, the process is used in our daily life in a variety of ways. Simply put, a vacuum is a space that encloses little or no matter, including solids, liquids, and gases. This means that it is a space with gaseous pressure that is much lower than atmospheric pressure. A partial vacuum has low amounts of matter enclosed. The term vacuum comes from the Latin word “vacuus” which means empty. While the idea may still leave your scratching your head, there’s more as the suction process to create a vacuum is also highly scientific.
What Happens in a Vacuum?
To create the vacuum, a pump of some sort is necessary. A pump creates a pressure difference that can be strong enough to pump water. A pressure difference also means a suction force. The most common way to create this suction force uses a pump and chamber. The chamber before being pumped is likely filled with matter as even air is considered matter. The pump’s suction removes the matter and reduce the pressure in the chamber. Pumps can prove either manual or electronic. The process of a vacuum remains highly complex as it requires advanced knowledge of various scientific processes highly rooted in physics. However, this overview provides the basics of the process. Thinking about the process regarding your vacuum cleaner can help with visualization.
Sealing and Vacuum Pressure
Because the idea of a vacuum is void of matter, there are possible issues that can arise if the vacuum is not strong. To maintain strong vacuum pressure, it is vital to have a strong seal no matter what. Sealants can help maintain pressure and keep particles and debris from reducing the vacuum suction. Some of the best sealants include plastic and rubber-based solutions as they are flexible and can withstand the elements.
Specialty Seals
Real seal is a manufacturer and distributor of seal products and mechanical component goods. Established in 1970, the company has had decades of experience in the industry with excellent consumer satisfaction. Still, they offer a wide variety of performance-oriented plastic and rubber solutions for sealing and mechanical applications. As one of the most technologically advanced companies in the industry, Real Seal maintains a fully equipped laboratory with a full-time chemist and technical staff. The company can assist in design challenges and formulate materials to meet a specific criterion. Contact Real Seal today with any questions you have related to your vacuum seal needs.
