Learning Activities 7.1 - 7.3: Vacuum Pump-down Curves and Vacuum Pump-down Time

This 9-page learning activity is from the Introduction to Vacuum Technology Student and Instructor Laboratory Manuals that accompany the Introduction to Vacuum Technology E-Book published by Erie Community College. The activity has students obtain pressure vs time pump-down curves during rough vacuum system operation with and without an outgassing source, determine a system's pump-down time from its pump-down curve, compare the plots on pump-down curves to identify differences in the system's pump-down behaviors.

A summary of learning activities, learning objectives, a suggested pre-lab assignment, theoretical background, the activity procedure, and more are included. Student learning outcomes include:

1. Perform a rough vacuum system sequence of operations for pump-down and venting cycles.
2. Collect pressure measurement data at prescribed time intervals over a specified period of time.
3. Create pump-down curves using pressure vs time measurement data.
4. Determine the vacuum system's pump-down time from the pump-down curve.
5. Identify changes in the pump-down curve due to the presence of an outgassing source.
6. Identify changes in the pump-down time due to the presence of an outgassing source.

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