Operation under vacuum is fundamental for many scientific instruments, especially those which use electron or ion beams as the core of their analytical or imaging techniques. Low pressures allow charged particles to travel and interact with samples unhindered by collisions with air molecules. Vacuum also provides the highest levels of chemical, thermal and electrical isolation and (for ultra high speed centrifuges) eliminates air friction.

 Vacuum-based instruments include:

•  Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, TOF-MS etc)
• Electron Microscopy (TEM, SEM, STEM, EDX etc)
• Surface Analysis (Auger, ESCA, SIMS etc)
• Gas analysis (process gas monitoring, residual gas analysis, respiratory gas analysis)
• Optical emission spectroscopy
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) / Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
• Leak detection
• Thermo-gravimetric analysis
• Porosimetry
• Sample preparation (ultracentrifuges, concentrators, evaporators etc)

Edwards is a technology leader in the manufacture of vacuum pumps, gauging and systems with products specifically designed to meet the evolving challenges of new techniques and more cost effective instruments. With more than thirty years of experience in scientific applications, we have a deep understanding of the role that vacuum plays at every step. This experience, coupled with innovative technologies and collaborative engineering, enables us to offer a broad range of vacuum solutions that reduce cost while enhancing performance.

 Examples:

•  Mass specs: high gas throughput to handle all output from chromatograph and maximise sensitivity, split flow pumps, highest levels of integration within the system
• Electron microscopes: Integration for close-coupled, fast pumping without interfering with the imaging processes (noise, vibration and magnetic footprint below discernable levels).

Edwards has been a leader in moving this market to drypumps as an environmentally superior alternative to the standard oil-sealed rotary vane pumps. Being oil-free, and with the pump bearings isolated from the pump swept volume, the risk of vacuum contamination is eliminated and ease of maintenance is improved, especially with regards to the need for compliance with environmental regulations when disposing of used oil.