Vacuum pump FAQ

[floshey]

Hi guys, it is me again ( :D )

I really appreciate your help, and so far i have ordered the basic tools (found a retailer in Denmark) and are waiting for the parts to arrive.

Now i have to order the vacuum pump, but i really do not know anything on this area, so i would be really glad if you could explain me on what to get and not to, i have made a few simple questions which i belive have a wide interest so others can find the information useful aswell.

1. How big are the difference between a vacuum pump and a normal compressor

2. The vacuum pumps i have seen are rated in 'microns' and i assume this is a definition on how deep a vacuum they can pull/their effectiveness.

3. I was looking through some models when i read a text under a certain model which stated "For use with flammable gases", does this mean you have to use a special vacuum pump for systems containing R290, R170, R1150 and so on.

I believe that was all the questions i have for now, if others have any questions regarding the subject vacuum pumps, then please feel free to post so we can all get smarter on them :)

Thanks mates :toast:

[Pandrone]

1: The difference is quite big, if you can afford a real vacuumpump get one!

2: I bought a cheap vacuumpump (Robinair 15150 IIRC) and it goes down to 50microns. (i believe these vacuumpumps are called Rotary Vane Vacuumpumps)

The one i use is not rated for flammable refrigerants, but i have vacuumed my r290 chiller with it once, nothing special.

This is the one i use (though mine is 230v version): http://www.otctools.com/newcatalog/detail.php3?id=623