Learning Activities 9.1 – 9.2: Pressure Rate-of-Rise Curves

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 learning activity has students measure pump-down time and pressure changes during the rough vacuum system pump-down process to plot rate-of-rise curves. Students will then analyze the rate-of-rise curves to identify real and virtual leaks. 

A summary of learning activities, learning objectives, theoretical background, the activity procedure, and more are included. Student learning outcomes include:

1. Practice system pump down.
2. Collect data and plot pressure rate-of-rise curves.
3. Differentiate between the presence of a real leak and a source of outgassing present in the vacuum system based on the pressure rate-of-rise curve.

The E-book, laboratory manuals, other learning activities, and related videos are available to view separately.