Abstract: A food processing and/or packaging device comprises at least one food chamber. Via a conduit system, the at least one food chamber is connected to a vacuum pump for generating vacuum in the at least one food chamber. For sterilizing the conduit system and/or the food chamber, a sterilization device is provided. The sterilization device comprises e.g. spray nozzles for introducing cleaning liquid into the conduit system. The cleaning liquid is separated by a liquid separator arranged upstream of the vacuum pump in flow direction.

Abstract: A dry vacuum pump, comprising a pump housing, which forms a plurality of suction chambers, wherein rotor elements are arranged in the suction chambers, in order to convey a pump medium from a high-vacuum-side inlet to an outlet. At least one rotor element is arranged in each suction chamber. The rotor elements are connected to a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft is supported by bearings, wherein a high-vacuum-side bearing is arranged in a cut-out. A sealing device is arranged between the high-vacuum-side bearing and at least one suction chamber adjacent to the high-vacuum-side bearing. The cut-out is connected, by means of a first channel, to a region of the dry vacuum pump in which there is a higher pressure than in at least one suction chamber adjacent to the high-vacuum-side bearing.

Abstract: A dry vacuum pump, comprising a pump housing, which forms a plurality of suction chambers, wherein rotor elements are arranged in the suction chambers, in order to convey a pump medium from a high-vacuum-side inlet to an outlet. At least one rotor element is arranged in each suction chamber. The rotor elements are connected to a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft is supported by bearings, wherein a high-vacuum-side bearing is arranged in a cut-out. A sealing device is arranged between the high-vacuum-side bearing and at least one suction chamber adjacent to the high-vacuum-side bearing. The cut-out is connected, by means of a first channel, to a region of the dry vacuum pump in which there is a higher pressure than in at least one suction chamber adjacent to the high-vacuum-side bearing.

Abstract: A Roots pump comprises a plurality of multi-toothed rotary pumps, each forming a pump stage, and connection channels connecting respective adjacent pump stages. The invention provides that the connection channels are arranged in partitioning walls separating the adjacent pump stages.

Abstract: A Roots pump comprises a plurality of multi-toothed rotary pumps, each forming a pump stage, and connection channels connecting respective adjacent pump stages. The invention provides that the connection channels are arranged in partitioning walls separating the adjacent pump stages.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting combustion within a vacuum pump is provided. The method steps include monitoring and composition of a fluid within the pump and supplying purge gas to the pump to inhibit the onset of a combustion of the fluid. There is also provided a pumping arrangement comprising a vacuum pump (1) together with means (8) for supplying purge gas to the pump. Sensor means (21a, 21b, 21c) are provided for outputting a signal indicative of the onset of a combustion condition within the pump. Control means (22) receive the signal and, in turn, actuate the supply means (9) dependant on the signal received.