Performance characteristics of large scroll pumps

Abstract The pumping characteristics of commercial scroll pumps with nominal pumping speeds for nitrogen of 18, 60, and 150 m3/h were measured singly and in series with the fusion fuel cycle relevant gases hydrogen, deuterium, helium, argon, nitrogen, and some of their mixtures. The experimental parameters used were the suction pressure, the discharge pressure, the flow rate, the operation temperature of the pump, the pump combination, and the composition of the pumped gas. It was found that scroll pumps exhibit poorer performance with helium, deuterium and hydrogen at discharge pressures above 350 mbar.