Vacuum pumps are rated by their volumetric capacity, typically expressed in what unit?

Vacuum pumps are rated by their volumetric capacity, which is an important factor in determining how effectively a pump can remove air and other gases from a system. The unit CFM, or cubic feet per minute, is commonly used to express the volumetric flow rate of a vacuum pump. This measurement indicates the volume of air that the pump can move in one minute under specific conditions, making it a critical metric for understanding the performance capabilities of the pump in applications such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and industrial processes.

While LPM, or liters per minute, is another unit that can be used to express flow rates, CFM is more prevalent in the context of vacuum pumps in the United States. PSI measures pressure, not volumetric capacity, and HP refers to horsepower, which can relate to the power output of the pump rather than its flow capacity. Therefore, CFM is the appropriate choice for representing the volumetric capacity of vacuum pumps.