Will adding an additional vacuum pump in parallel improve system vacuum?

[guyfromabqaiq]

We have flash tank that uses a vacuum pump (it’s a slurry evaporator). Currently the flash tank vacuum is 22.0 inHgV, we want this vacuum to be closer to 24 inHgV. There is another vacuum line near this flash tank that is a part of another process. The pressure in this line is usually around 24inHgV.

I am thinking about connecting the vacuum line to the inlet of the flash tank vacuum pump in the hopes that the vacuum will be “boosted”. Will this work?

 

[LittleInch]

Maybe but not easy to tell from a distance.

Depends what is limiting the vacuum in your evaporator. If it's the capacity of the vacuum pump then yes it could lower the vacuum, but by how much depends on a whole set of variables you have chosen not to share with us like capacities of the vacuum units, volume of vapour being released at 22in mercury vs 24 in hg, size of the system etc

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[EdStainless]

What is the blank off pressure of your pump?
What is the flow through your pump?
This could be a pump issue, a piping issue, or simply too much flow.
Adding a second pump will likely help, but be careful that you don't just mask and existing problem that can come back to bite you.

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[IRstuff]

Or, the most likely answer, beyond pumping capacity, is LEAKS and adsorbed moisture, etc. Hypothetically, adding pumping capacity would increase the clearance rate of whatever is hanging around, so you should get a better vacuum. That said, maintenance of seals and ensuring surfaces are clean are also things that can, and should, be done.

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[ChemicalsProcessEng]

I agree with LittleInch.

When I think of "boosting" I think of another piece of equipment inline (i.e. for a vacuum system , maybe an inert gas or steam ejector and liquid ring pump to allow vacuums levels to exceed the vapor pressure of the seal liquid for a given temperature, for example).

 

[georgeverghese]

Work with the vacuum pump vendor's technical rep - they would know their pumps best.