A compressor that takes suction at a pressure below atmospheric and discharge against atmospheric pressure is called a _ pump. Sump Volute Vacuum Submerged
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Vacuum
Explanation:
A vacuum pump is a type of compressor designed to take in gas or air at a pressure below atmospheric and discharge it at or above atmospheric pressure. In other words, it creates a partial vacuum by removing air or gas molecules from a sealed volume, lowering the pressure inside the system compared to the surrounding atmosphere.
Why “Vacuum” is the Correct Answer:
- Functionality:
- A vacuum pump reduces the pressure in a system to create a vacuum.
- It draws in air/gas from a low-pressure environment (below atmospheric) and pushes it into the atmosphere (atmospheric pressure).
- Common Applications:
- Used in refrigeration, air conditioning, laboratory equipment, vacuum packaging, and industrial processes where low pressure is required.
- Essential in processes like vacuum distillation, freeze-drying, and medical suction.
- Other Options Explained:
- Sump: Refers to a pit or reservoir that collects liquids, typically used to collect drainage or act as a reservoir in mechanical systems. It is not related to gas compression.
- Volute: A component in centrifugal pumps and compressors that helps convert velocity into pressure; it’s part of a system, not a type of pump.
- Submerged: Refers to pumps that operate while being submerged in fluid (like submersible pumps). These are not specifically designed to create vacuums or handle gases.
Summary:
A vacuum pump is the appropriate term for a compressor that takes in gas at below atmospheric pressure and discharges it at atmospheric pressure. This terminology is fundamental in mechanical and process engineering where control over pressure is critical.