How do Vacuum Systems Work?

All vacuum systems work by creating a difference in air pressure. The initial suction is created by the reduction of pressure inside the vacuum tube, either with the use of a pump or a motor. Atmospheric pressure sucks the air into the vacuum system to return the pressure levels to normal.

To understand how vacuum systems work, follow the steps below. Stand upright and place the palm of your hands on your stomach. Feel your stomach move as your breath in and out. Breathe out as much air as you can and observe what happens next. As soon as you stop pushing the air out, your lungs will force you to inhale -- exactly how vacuum systems work. In order to equalize the air pressure in your lungs, the air is sucked in with no effort by you.

Vacuum systems are used in households as well as manufacturing. There are five different types of vacuum cleaners available for household usage. Each of these models offers slightly different features, but all vacuum systems work on the same basic principles.

Upright vacuum cleaners use a brush roll or beater bar to agitate the dirt and then pick it up through the use of fans. There are two types of fan designs: dirty fan or clean fan. The dirty fan design places the fan close to the suction opening and the clean fan design placed the fan behind the dirt collection bag.

A canister vacuum cleaner has a motorized canister housed separately from the vacuum beater head. Wet vacuums use the same principles as canister vacuum cleaners, but are designed for use with wet and dry materials. Pneumatic vacuums are connected to compressed air and are common in industrial facilities.

Central, or built-in, vacuum cleaners have a powerful motor permanently installed in the building. Ductwork and vacuum inlets are located throughout the facility. The user needs to carry just the hose and pickup head in order to vacuum the space. The power provided by this type of system is typically must stronger than other types of vacuums, as significant pressure must be generated to create the appropriate level of suction in a system with multiple outlets.

Vacuum systems are very common in manufacturing and robotics installations. Ongoing research and development work is underway to promote better measurement and analysis of vacuums and pumping. These mechanical functions have an impact on the future development of vacuum systems and are in great demand for use with space exploration projects.