Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a vacuum system. The vacuum system includes a vacuum pump; and a heat exchanger for receiving a heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid comprising a gas. The heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the vacuum pump and is operable to absorb thermal energy from the vacuum pump. Aspects of the present invention also relate to a method of operating a vacuum system; and a controller for controlling operation of a vacuum system.

Abstract: Cooling element for vacuum pump comprising a base element wherein by the base element an internal void is defined. Further, an inlet is connected to the base element and is in fluent connection with the void. Further, an outlet is connected to the base element and in fluent connection with the void such that a coolant can flow from the inlet through the void to the outlet to dissipated heat. Therein, the base element is connected to a housing of a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A vacuum system non-return valve has a baffle for extending across a flow path The baffle has an aperture, a perimeter of the aperture having a valve seat. The valve also has a valve member having a protrusion extending from a surface configured to mate with the valve seat, the protrusion extending through the aperture; wherein the protrusion includes a retaining portion extending outwardly from the protrusion and configured such that the retaining portion cannot pass through the aperture. The valve member and aperture are configured such that the valve member obscures the aperture and seals with the valve seat to impede a flow of fluid from an outlet end to an inlet end in a closed position and is displaceable in use to move away from the valve seat and allow a fluid flow from the inlet end to the outlet end in an open position.

Abstract: A multi-stage vacuum pump may include first and second half-shell stator components defining a plurality of pumping chambers and for assembly together along respective longitudinally extending faces; first and second end stator components for assembly at respective longitudinal end faces of the first and second half-shell stator components; longitudinal seals for sealing between the first and second half-shell stator components when assembled together at the longitudinally extending faces; and annular seals for sealing between the first and second end stator components and the first and second half-shell stator components when assembled; the annular sealing members and the longitudinal sealing members forming a planar sealing interface therebetween.

Abstract: A multi-stage vacuum pump comprising: first and second half-shell stator components defining a plurality of pumping chambers and for assembly together along respective longitudinally extending faces; first and second end stator components for assembly at respective longitudinal end faces of the first and second half-shell stator components; gaskets for sealing between the first and second half-shell stator components when assembled together at the longitudinally extending faces; and O-rings for sealing between the first and second end stator components and the first and second half-shell stator components when assembled; wherein annular channels intersect longitudinal recesses and each longitudinal recess comprises a stop fixed relative to the intersection, and the gasket and the longitudinal recess are configured that when the gasket is located in the recess during assembly the gasket is biased against the stop for locating an end portion of the gasket relative to the intersection.

Abstract: A multi-stage vacuum pump may include a sealing arrangement for sealing between the stator components of the pump. The end seals of the arrangement comprise an annular portion for sealing between end stator components and shell components and axial portions which extend from the annular portion and together with separate axial seals seal between the shell components.

Abstract: A multi-stage vacuum pump may include first and second half-shell components defining a plurality of pumping chambers and for assembly together along respective longitudinal extending faces; first and second end stator components for assembly at respective longitudinal seals for sealing between the first and second half-shell stator components when assembled together at the longitudinally extending faces; and annular seals for sealing between the first and second end stator components and the first and second half-shell stator components when assembled; wherein the longitudinal seals have end portions which abut against the annular seals for sealing therebetween and the first and second half-shell stator components have formations for resisting movement of the end portions away from the annular seals when the end portions are compressed between the first and second half-shell stator components.

Abstract: A multi-stage vacuum pump comprising: first and second half-shell stator components defining a plurality of pumping chambers and for assembly together along respective longitudinally extending faces; first and second end stator components for assembly at respective longitudinal end faces of the first and second half-shell stator components; gaskets for sealing between the first and second half-shell stator components when assembled together at the longitudinally extending faces; and O-rings for sealing between the first and second end stator components and the first and second half-shell stator components when assembled; wherein annular channels intersect longitudinal recesses and each longitudinal recess comprises a stop fixed relative to the intersection, and the gasket and the longitudinal recess are configured that when the gasket is located in the recess during assembly the gasket is biased against the stop for locating an end portion of the gasket relative to the intersection.

Abstract: A multi-stage vacuum pump may include a sealing arrangement for sealing between the stator components of the pump. The end seals of the arrangement comprise an annular portion for sealing between end stator components and shell components and axial portions which extend from the annular portion and together with separate axial seals seal between the shell components.

Abstract: A multi-stage vacuum pump may include first and second half-shell components defining a plurality of pumping chambers and for assembly together along respective longitudinal extending faces; first and second end stator components for assembly at respective longitudinal seals for sealing between the first and second half-shell stator components when assembled together at the longitudinally extending faces; and annular seals for sealing between the first and second end stator components and the first and second half-shell stator components when assembled; wherein the longitudinal seals have end portions which abut against the annular seals for sealing therebetween and the first and second half-shell stator components have formations for resisting movement of the end portions away from the annular seals when the end portions are compressed between the first and second half-shell stator components.