The Geissler pump, named after its inventor Heinrich Geissler, is a device used in high vacuum applications to remove gas molecules from a sealed chamber. The word "Geissler" is pronounced [ˈɡaɪslər] in IPA phonetic transcription, with the "ei" sound representing the long "i" vowel sound. The word "pump" is pronounced [pʌmp], with the "u" sound representing the "uh" or "schwa" sound. The spelling of "Geissler" may be tricky for non-native English speakers, but its unique pronunciation sets it apart from other words in the field of vacuum technology.
A Geissler pump, also known as a mercury pump, is a device used to create a vacuum by using mercury to displace atmospheric gases. It operates on the principle of the reduction of pressure as a result of mercury flowing in a closed loop system.
In a Geissler pump, a glass tube partially filled with mercury is connected to a vacuum chamber. The tube is sealed and bent into a U-shape, with one arm immersed in a mercury reservoir while the other leads into the chamber. As the pump is turned on, mercury flows from the reservoir arm, through the tube, and into the vacuum chamber, displacing the air or gas present. This continuous flow traps the gas and gradually reduces the pressure within the chamber, creating a partial vacuum.
The functioning of a Geissler pump relies on the high density and adhesive properties of mercury. It effectively prevents backflow of gases and ensures the creation of a vacuum. However, the pump is limited by the vapor pressure of mercury, which must be maintained at a low level to avoid reintroduction of gas into the chamber. For this reason, it may be necessary to cool the mercury, typically using a water jacket, to decrease its vapor pressure.
Geissler pumps are commonly used in laboratories and scientific research to create low-pressure environments for various experiments, electron tube production, or to remove unwanted gases from certain devices.
The word "Geissler pump" is named after the German glassblower and physicist Julius Heinrich Geissler. Geissler pumps are vacuum pumps that were invented by Geissler in the mid-19th century. They use a mechanism based on the principle of the mercury displacement pump and are primarily designed to create low-pressure environments by removing gases and air from a sealed container. The term "Geissler pump" was coined to honor Geissler's pioneering work in vacuum technology.