Abstract: A dry pump apparatus comprises; a pumping mechanism, a controller for controlling the operation of the pumping mechanism, and a sensor for sensing the operating temperature of the pumping mechanism. The controller is configured to carry out an automated shutdown sequence involving the following steps; a) ceasing operation of the pumping mechanism b) monitoring the temperature of the pumping mechanism by means of the temperature sensor c) at least one pre-selected temperature interval, initiating operation of the pumping mechanism for a fixed time period so as to purge a proportion of contaminant particulate matter present until a predefined temperature is reached or a predefined time limit has passed. By carrying out these steps the incidence of powder compaction between component parts of the apparatus which may contract during shutdown, and consequential restart failure and down time, can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A pump having a rotor, a stator, a housing enclosing the rotor and the stator, the housing having an inlet for a fluid, and a port for receiving a fluid which acts on deposits on a surface of the rotor and on a surface of the stator positioned downstream from the inlet.

Abstract: A trap device (18) is described for removing species from a gas stream drawn from an enclosure by a vacuum pump. The trap comprises a casing (28) having an inlet (16) connectable to the enclosure for receiving the gas stream therefrom and an outlet (20) connectable to the vacuum pump for exhausting the gas stream from the casing. A plurality of cartridges are each removably insertable into the casing through a respective aperture (36) of the casing (28) and provide a respective flow passage between an inlet and an outlet thereof for gas passing through the casing, each cartridge housing means for removing species from the gas passing therethrough as solid material collecting within the cartridge.