A New Era of Vacuum Technology: Breaking Barriers with Non-Evaporable Getters (NEG) Pumps

Are you tired of constantly battling gas leaks and impurities in your vacuum system? Picture this: You're running a cutting-edge research experiment, and just when you think everything is going smoothly, a tiny gas leak compromises your results. Frustrating, isn't it? Well, worry no more, because non-evaporable getters (NEG) pumps are here to save the day!

Based on an extensive analysis by Kings Research, the Non-Evaporable Getters (NEG) Pumps Market is projected to achieve a valuation of USD 107.2 million by the year 2030, progressing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.43% between 2023 and 2030.

So, let’s dive into the different applications where NEG pumps excel, from particle accelerators to semiconductor manufacturing.

Non-Evaporable Getter (NEG) Pumps: The Ultimate Tool for Ultra-High Vacuum

Non-evaporable getters (NEG) pumps are a type of vacuum pump that uses NEG technology to achieve ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions in vacuum systems. Non-evaporable getter pumps work by using special materials that absorb and eliminate gas molecules from the vacuum environment, creating a cleaner and more stable vacuum condition.

These pumps have been developed and used in a variety of vacuum applications, including in particle accelerators, fusion reactors, and laboratory settings. NEG pumps are considered to be a powerful and effective tool for achieving UHV conditions in vacuum systems.

Widespread Adoption of NEG Pumps Across Various Industries

The versatility of non-evaporable getters (NEG) pumps makes them ideal for various applications across industries. Some common applications include:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing

NEG pumps play a crucial role in creating and maintaining ultra-high vacuum environments required for semiconductor fabrication processes.

• Research and Development

Non-evaporable getters (NEG) pumps are widely used in laboratories and research facilities where a clean and stable vacuum is essential for experiments and analyses.

• Vacuum Coating

These pumps efficiently remove gas contaminants, ensuring excellent coating quality and uniformity in various vacuum coating processes.

• Particle Accelerators

NEG pumps contribute to the creation and maintenance of vacuum environments in particle accelerators, enabling optimal research and particle collision experiments.

Revolutionizing Vacuum Systems: Non-Evaporable Getters (NEG) Pumps Lead the Way

Here are the innovations in non-evaporable getter (NEG) pumps that are paving the way for vacuum systems:

1. SAES NEG Pumps

Non-evaporable getter Pumps from SAES Getters, one of the leading manufacturers in the industry, offer a range of key features that make them highly reliable and efficient. Some of these features include:

• High pumping speed: SAES NEG pumps provide exceptional pumping speeds, ranging from 50-3500 l/s (H2), making them suitable for demanding vacuum applications.
• Extended pumping periods: These pumps offer extended pumping periods without the need for regeneration, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
• Standalone or in combination: SAES NEG pumps can be used as standalone units or in combination with other vacuum pump technologies, such as turbomolecular pumps, to achieve enhanced pumping performance.

SAES Getters has also developed ZAO non-evaporable getters (NEG) pumps by leveraging the NEG technology and Zr-V-Ti-Al (ZAO®) getter alloys. This offers high pumping speed for H2 and high capacity, making it an attractive option for fusion research facilities.

The ZAO non-evaporable getter (NEG) pumps are easy to integrate, have low power consumption, and can maintain adequate performance in conditions far from UHV. The material's intrinsic robustness allows for repeated H2 adsorption/desorption cycles with stable performances and recovers most of the original pumping speed, promising future use in real fusion facilities.

The SAES NEXTorr is a pristine generation of pumps, combining a NEG element and a small ion pump in a single, very compact - light package. The getter element provides a high pumping speed and acts as the main pump for the active gasses, leaving to the ion pump the task of removing noble gasses and CH4, not pumped by the NEG. To reduce backstreaming effects, gasses released from ion pumps during various procedures are blocked and removed by the getter element.

2. Use of Non-Evaporable Getters (NEG) Pumps in Coolant Purification Systems

One potential solution to address the problem of tritium impurities in the manufacturing industry is the implementation of a coolant purification system based on non-evaporable getters (NEGs). NEGs are advanced materials that can selectively capture and trap impurities, including tritium.

By incorporating NEGs into the helium primary coolant loop, tritium impurities can be effectively removed, ensuring a cleaner coolant and minimizing the risk of tritium releases. The NEGs act as a barrier, adsorbing the tritium molecules and preventing their circulation within the coolant loop.

This coolant purification system based on NEGs offers several advantages viz.,

• It provides an efficient and reliable method for tritium removal, complementing other safety measures in place.
• It enables the helium primary coolant to maintain its purity, ensuring optimal heat transfer and overall system performance.
• The use of NEGs in this context aligns with the goal of achieving a high level of E-A-T (experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness), as it demonstrates a depth of knowledge and technical expertise in addressing the challenges associated with tritium impurities.

3. Ergonomic Gamma Vacuum NEG Series

By leveraging the functional and ergonomic advantages of NEG pumps, Gamma Vacuum developed its new NEG series, which has increased pumping performance and superior hydrogen capacity compared to conventional non-evaporable getters (NEG) pumps. The NEG series is suitable for various scientific and medical applications, including electron microscopes, research accelerators, and surface science. They are energy-efficient, non-vibrating, and noiseless, which makes them suitable for ultra-high vacuum ranges where hydrogen is the dominant gas species.

Non-evaporable getter (NEG) pumps can be installed and operated in any orientation, even in confined spaces, providing a practical way to maintain ultra-high vacuum pressures over a long period.

A Glimpse into the Future of NEG Pumps

As vacuum technology continues to advance, the importance of achieving ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions becomes increasingly vital. New applications for vacuum systems are constantly emerging, and non-evaporable getters (NEG) pumps are likely to play a significant role in meeting the needs of these applications.

In the future, these pumps may become more compact, powerful, and versatile, allowing them to be used in different settings. Additionally, the increased adoption of NEG pumps could lead to significant advances in various fields, including materials science, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.