How does a liquid ring vacuum pump work and what are its applications?

A liquid ring pump uses an eccentric rotor in a cylindrical housing partially filled with sealing liquid (usually water). Rotation creates a liquid ring against the casing, with varying gas volume between impeller blades acting as compressing chambers. Gas is drawn in, compressed, and discharged as the ring expands and contracts. Applications: vacuum systems handling condensable vapors, wet gases, or explosive mixtures (isothermal compression). Advantages: handles liquid slugs, simple design, seals gas, and no oil contamination.