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Technical Information
Pump used in Presence of Magnetic Fields
Pump used in Presence of Magnetic Fields
Magnetic fields induce eddy currents in the rotor of a
turbomolecular pump that tend to oppose to its rotation.
The result is increased electrical power consumption by the motor,
most of which is dissipated in the rotor.
Since the rotor is not in contact with the stator the above power can
leave the rotor mainly by radiation and hence the rotor may be
overheated while static parts of the pump remain cool.
This effect is strongly dependant from the intensity, time function
and distribution of the magnetic field.
In general, therefore, an increase in pump current can be expected.
If this increase is lower than 50% of the current value drawn by the
motor in high vacuum operation, no particular problem should be
expected.
However, if the effect is grater, than the case should be carefully
reviewed by Agilent specialist. As a matter of fact, in case of high
magnetic fields, also important forces might be generated and applied
to the rotor.
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TV 303 User Manual / 87-901-019-01
(A)