Vacuum pump selection

[aerospace2013]

Hello everyone

I'm willing to purchase a vacuum pump to use it for manufacturing composite panels using both resin infusion and vacuum bagging processes.

1. I have used a vacuum pump before from GAST and it gave me around 28inHg maximum vacuum. I don't know the model number or other specifications because I don't have it right now..etc

What should I look for in the vacuum pump? horse power? maximum vacuum? the flow rate cfm? the pressure? suitable flow rate ( delivery rate) at the maximum vacuum?
Can you please guide me how to select the appropriate vacuum pump ( with reasonable price)

for example is GAST 1023-101Q-SG608X a good option (please check attached file)

2. Also, I'm confused about few terms, for example the relationship between the pressure and the vacuum in the vacuum pump ( for example a certain vacuum pump - diaphrgam vacuum pump KF manufacturing - N035AN.18 has the following specifications 4 bar pressure, 100mbar ultimate vacuum and 30l/m delivery rate)..is there any relation between the pressure and the vacuum ?

Appreciate your prompt response

 

[berkshire]

For what you are doing you need a fairly high flow rate ( CFM ) and the ability to pull at least 24" of mercury. The pump you have selected has carbon vanes and it is imperative that you keep any incoming vapor or resin mist out of the pump. Gast also offers pumps with intake filters.
When you start the bag you will need high flow to seal the perimeter, and compact your layers. Then the higher Vacuum to finish compacting.
Resin infusion is often done at reduced bag vacuums so the ability to throttle the pump intake is useful.
Shop around for Gast pumps from different jobbers, the suggested retail price from Gast is high, and distributors will often have the same pumps in stock for 2/3rds of Gast's price.


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