Vacuum technology specialist Leybold has developed two new online tools to help the customer with pump selection and the layout of complete vacuum systems: the Pump Finder and the LEYCALC calculation tool. To help the customer with pump selection and the layout of complete vacuum systems, vacuum technology specialist Leybold has developed two new online tools designed to be used in two different use cases: the Pump Finder and the LEYCALC calculation tool. With these new web-based tools, users will be able to select and create vacuum solutions online. Users with knowledge of vacuum can use LEYCALC to calculate the behavior and performance of vacuum systems in detail. Pump Finder will be able to direct even beginners to products with a query method.

Step by Step in the Right Direction

The Pump Finder is designed to guide users step-by-step to find the ideal pump for vacuum applications. During the use of the selector tool, the pumps can be adjusted by entering values for the bowl size, target pressure and pipe dimensions. There are two calculation options for modeling different vacuum applications: process flow and vacuum chamber pump down application. The process flow is a continuous flow of gas in which constant pressure is carried. Vacuum chamber pump down application is an application in which the chamber is pumped/emptied to a specific target pressure. The result is a series of vacuum pumps that meet the customer's requirements.

Targeted Product Selection

LEYCALC can be used for detailed engineering of vacuum systems using the same powerful algorithms as Leybold's application experts. The tool enables customers to calculate their vacuum systems completely independently and offers full expert support for complex scenarios. "Previously, we had to adjust parameters such as room size, process gases, cycle times, pipe length and pressure values during the first contact with the customer. With the help of simulation software, the user can independently calculate configurations and get an initial idea of vacuum performance. In the past, there were often long dialogues about such details." Industrial Vacuum Global Application Manager Dr. Tom Kammermeier said: "We expect LEYCALC to improve the quality of contact with our customers."

Efficient Communication and Fast Solutions

After the user of the online tool has defined the chamber of the pump and the target pressure, LEYCALC performs a pump downward curve calculation: The result is immediately displayed in a diagram. This shows exactly how long it takes to pump air from the chamber to a certain pressure, and how the pressure develops over time. Alternatively, the user can calculate the pumping speed curve of a pump system. This shows what pumping speed is achieved at a given pressure. All calculation data is stored centrally and can be called up by registered customers at any time and from any device. The results of the calculation can also be shared with the experts at Leybold. This allows for a detailed discussion of the respective vacuum application. Overall, the platform leads to much more efficient customer communication and faster solutions on complex projects. Leybold's vacuum experts will be happy to answer questions about specific calculations in a timely manner.

Conductivity Losses Appear Immediately

Hannes Kamecke, IT Manager responsible for the online configurator: "In addition to the chambers and pumps of a vacuum system, the different effects of pipelines are also taken into account. These include conductivity effects in all pressure ranges and flow regimes, blocking and, of course, the volume of the lines. However, the diagram immediately indicates that the pipe diameter needs to be increased," he said. In some cases, it is understood that a pump with higher individual performance will not improve the overall vacuum performance, since the reductions are due to an incorrectly sized pipeline.

Further Development Planned

The use of navigation through a web-based software solution is easily possible on all kinds of devices such as tablets and smartphones. The sections that need explanation are connected with more detailed information on the vacuum technique. In the future, LEYCALC will create the entire Leybold product portfolio, including high vacuum applications. Hannes Kamecke: "With the publication of new calculation tools, Leybold is making the vacuum information collected over decades available to its customers and thus laying the foundation for modern digital customer communication. The proposal therefore represents an important building block in the vacuum expert's digital customer experience strategy."