Heat treaters know that the heart of a vacuum furnace system is the pumping system. As broad as the variety of furnaces is, so is the selection of pump types.

A roots blower, which also goes by the name “booster pump” and “intermediate stage vacuum pump,” is a dry, gas transfer pump that boosts the performance of the primary pump, providing an increase in pumping speed and pressure. This article from VAC AERO International’s Vacuum Pump Technology: Education and Training page provides an exhaustive analysis of the heart of a vacuum furnace system: the pump.

“Roots blowers have the reputation of being virtually indestructible and run for years seemingly unattended while the primary (mechanical) and high vacuum (diffusion pumps seem to receive all the attention. While they need little day-to-day maintenance, monitoring of the oil level in the pump is required. The main function of these booster pumps is to improve pump-down rates and ultimate vacuum levels.” ~ VAC AERO International