Vacuum metallurgical processes find wide application in the production of many important metals and alloys as well as in important fabrication processes. The production of many high strength and high purity alloys, processing of highly reactive metals and production of ingots and forgings of high soundness ,etc., are carried out in vacuum environment. Some other important applications include vacuum degassing of steel, vacuum distillation and vacuum heat treatment of metals. Vacuum produces an environment of low chemical activity because of low gas constituents. Vacuum also plays a vital role in the fabrication processes like electron beam welding, vacuum brazing providing joints of high mechanical strength and integrity. This paper discusses vacuum systems employed in metallurgical processes and important pumps and components employed in these systems.
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