From semiconductor fabrication to pharmaceuticals, quantum technologies, and materials research, Thyracont’s vacuum instruments are at the heart of some of the world’s most advanced vacuum systems. So let’s have a look at how the Germany-based company’s vacuum technology is being used in a wide range of applications
Life sciences: reliable conditions for pharmaceutical freeze drying
Freeze drying (lyophilization) plays an important role in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals extending shelf life by removing water via sublimation under vacuum conditions. Because these processes run over long cycles, stable and contamination-resistant vacuum measurement is essential.
Thyracont’s VCP transducer is designed for such applications. Its platinum-rhodium filament provides high resistance against corrosion and contamination, supports sterilization and reliable operation under thermal stress. Operating in the fine vacuum range (1000 to 5 × 10−⁴ mbar), it ensures stable process control in freeze-drying systems.
“Long-term stability and resistance against corrosive process media are decisive factors in freeze-drying processes. The VCP was specifically engineered to maintain reliable performance even withstanding steam sterilizations.” Explains Frank P Salzberger, CEO of Thyracont.
High-tech and research: enabling analytical precision
Many of the cutting-edge instruments used in analytics and R&D operate under vacuum – including those used for mass spectrometry and materials testing. In applications such as beverage gas analysis, the VSP63MV Pirani transducer enables precise monitoring in the 1000 to 10−4 mbar range, supporting zero adjustment of the mass spectrometer, which is essential for the reliable detection of trace contaminants at very low concentrations.
The analysis of the thermomechanical properties of materials is necessary for the development of cryogenic technologies including those used in quantum technologies. This involves cooling materials and devices to very low temperatures and measuring how their physical properties change. Thyracont vacuum gauges such as the VSP63DL and VSM77D cover fine and high vacuum ranges down to ultra-high vacuum conditions, enabling stable thermomechanical characterization of materials at extreme temperatures.
Semiconductor and coating processes: stability in complex systems
In semiconductor manufacturing, wafer bonding requires tightly controlled vacuum conditions to ensure contamination-free and uniform layer formation. During initial evacuation, Thyracont’s VSC43MA4 is used to monitor roughing and bypass pumping stages.
In subsequent high-vacuum stages, Smartline VSM transducers provide reliable measurement from atmospheric pressure to ultra-high vacuum, combining Pirani and cold cathode technologies with optimized range switching for stable operation.
“In semiconductor wafer bonding, it is essential to maintain stable measurement across the full pressure range—from roughing to ultra-high vacuum. Our Smartline VSM series ensures exactly this seamless transition,” says Salzberger.
In optical coating applications, this approach ensures continuous monitoring while protecting sensitive sensor components.
Industrial vacuum processes: distillation and thermal treatment
Short-path distillation relies on precise vacuum control (typically 1 × 10−³ to 1 mbar) to enable gentle separation of heat-sensitive substances such as fragrances. A thin film is formed inside the chamber, and evaporation occurs at reduced temperatures, preserving delicate compounds.
Stable pressure control is essential to ensure consistent product quality. Devices such as the VD64P and VD850 support monitoring and control functions including switching outputs, leak detection, and integrated data logging for process documentation.
Peter Gerlesberger, development manager at Thyracont explains, “Reliable leak testing ensures that vacuum chambers and systems meet the required process conditions. With the VD850 users can quickly and reliably determine the magnitude of the leak rate”.
Vacuum furnaces face similar requirements under high-temperature and contamination conditions. The VD850, as well as VSH transducers (Pirani/hot cathode), enable reliable pressure measurement across furnace inlet and outlet zones.
Packaging applications: quality control in food safety
Vacuum packaging plays a crucial role in in the food industry, extending shelf life and reducing food waste. Ensuring consistent vacuum levels is critical for product safety and quality.
Testing is performed by replacing the food with a vacuum gauge and monitoring the pressure after sealing. The compact VD810 can be temporarily integrated directly into packaging, thereby simulating real-world process conditions.
The built-in piezo-ceramic sensor measures absolute and relative pressure in a rough vacuum and records pressure curves with timestamps. The recorded measurement data can be downloaded via USB or, optionally, via Bluetooth LE and used for process analysis and quality documentation.
The common thread
Across industries, from life sciences to semiconductor manufacturing, Thyracont vacuum measurement technology enables precise, stable, and reliable process control under demanding conditions. By combining robust sensor design with wide measurement ranges and intelligent system integration, these instruments contribute to the performance and quality of modern industrial and research applications.
