Course: Vacuum Science and Technology

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Course title Vacuum Science and Technology
Course code UFY/425
Organizational form of instruction Lecture
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Frequency of the course In each academic year, in the winter semester.
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 3
Language of instruction Czech, English
Status of course Compulsory-optional, Optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Straňák Vítězslav, prof. RNDr. Ph.D.
Course content
1. Introduction Introduction to vacuum, history, pressure units, basic thermodynamics, equation of state, kinetic theory of gases, pressure vs. particle concentration in volume, ideal and real gas, gas vapours and vapour tension. Vacuum in nature, science and industry. 2. Processes in gas volume Thermal transpiration, diffusion, heat transfer, momentum transfer, molecular processes in gases. 3. Gas-surface interaction Particle binding, adsorption, physical and chemical adsorption, cosine law, movement of adsorbed molecules, migration of molecules on the wall, evaporation, saturation vapour pressure. 4. Processes in the walls of vacuum systems Gas flow through leaks, capillary condensation, absorption, diffusion and gas permeation by compact substances. 5. Gas flow Definitions and types of flow, Knudsen and Reynolds number, viscous and laminar flow, conductivity of pipes, flow relationships and calculations (tube, diaphragm, elbow, complex geometry), conductivity measurements. 6. Methods of obtaining low pressures - physics of pumping Vacuum system, pressure drop over time, pumping rate, effective pumping rate, reverse flow, back pressure, compression ratio, pressure distribution in vacuum systems, analogy with electrical circuit. 7. Transport vacuum pumps Working chamber pumps (piston, diaphragm, rotary and oil pumps, dry scroll pumps), impulse transfer pumps (molecular, turbomolecular, Roots, oil diffusion) 8. Sorption pumps Pumps based on molecular binding (adsorption, cryosorption, chemisorption), condensation pumps, sorption and cryosorption pumps, gettering methods, ion pumps. 9. Pressure measurements Absolute measuring methods, liquid manometers, membrane manometers (baratron), molecular manometers, indirect measuring methods, thermal manometers (Pirani gauges), ionization manometers, Pennig gauges, sorption measuring methods. 10. Measurement of partial pressures, vapour tension, leak detection Leakage, leak detection, mass spectrometry for leak detection, mass spectrometers, vapour tension measurement, gas flow measurement, virtual leakage. 11. Vacuum systems + laboratory excursion Design of vacuum systems, vacuum chambers, components, design, rules, vacuum-tight connections, vacuum components (pumps, manometers, flanges, pipes and gas distribution, valves, feedthroughs pumping process, etc.). Lab tour. 12. Vacuum technology in praxes Vacuum technology manufacturers - overview, vacuum materials (oils, ceramics, metallic materials, plastics, vacuum compatibility). Technological processes using vacuum and low pressures - overview.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Demonstration, Laboratory
  • Class attendance - 26 hours per semester
  • Preparation for classes - 30 hours per semester
  • Preparation for exam - 25 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The course aims to introduce the student to the fundamentals of low-pressure physics and vacuum technology. Therefore, about half of the course is devoted to molecular physics in a gaseous environment, including elementary processes in the gas volume and processes onto/into walls of vacuum systems. The fundamental physics of gas pumping is also a part of the lecture. The second half of the course aims to introduce vacuum technology systems (pumps, gauges), the design of vacuum systems and their use in technological applications.
Graduates of the course will have knowledge in the field of low-pressure physics. They will also be proficient in vacuum technology, understand the types and classifications of vacuum pumping systems, and have an overview of pressure measurement methods.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of mechanics and molecular physics

Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination

Knowledge and overview in the frame of lectured topics.
Recommended literature
  • A. Roth, Vacuum Technology, Elsevier, (1990).
  • B. Suurmeijer, T. Mulder, J. Verhoeven, Vacuum Science and Technology, High Tech Institute, (2016)..
  • J. Groszowski, Technika vysokého vakua, SNTL, Praha, (1981).
  • J. Král, Cvičení z vakuové techniky, skriptum ČVUT, Praha, (1996).
  • K. Jousten, Handbook of Vacuum Technology, Wiley-Vch (2008).
  • L. Pátý, Fyzika nízkých tlaků, Academia, Praha, (1968).
  • The Vacuum Technology Book - příručka vydávaná společností Pfeiffer Vacuum, (2015)..


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester