| AVS 56th International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| Vacuum Technology | Monday Sessions |
| Session VT-MoM |
| Session: | Vacuum Contamination and Pumping |
| Presenter: | S. Ormrod, Edwards Ltd, UK |
| Authors: | S. Ormrod, Edwards Ltd, UK N. Schofield, Edwards Ltd, UK |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
On the 90th anniversary of the foundation of Edwards by FD Edwards, the origins of industrial vacuum processing are examined. They are then compared with progress at the time of FD Edwards’ death in 1966 and finally, possible developments are examined in the light of vacuum processing technology in 2009.
Proliferation of vacuum processes are shown to drive the evolution from mercury based vacuum technology through oil sealed pumping to dry pumping in the primary and secondary pumping pressure region resulting in a significant market for vacuum processing equipment.
Looking ahead, likely commercial influences are identified, such as electronic, environmental, and safety applications.
To meet that demand, trends and limitations in vacuum engineering are highlighted, particularly capacity, power and rotational speed. The benefits of applying electronics to vacuum processing become apparent - the very products vacuum processing equipment has helped to manufacture so successfully.