All about vacuum cleaners

The vacuum cleaner might be an example of this, since although we can have a good idea of how it works, there are some internal processes it goes through which we might not be aware of and it could be interesting to know.

Basically, a vacuum cleaner works by creating pressure in the same way as when we would sip soda. But, in order for this to happen, there are several mechanisms and process going through inside the vacuum cleaner. To start with, it is important to know that most vacuum cleaners have some main components in common: a fan, an electric motor, an exhaust port, an intake port, a housing mechanism for some other smaller components, and a porous bag.

The fan has blades and it starts turning when we turn the vacuum on and its motor starts working. This fan causes air to move toward the exhaust port, decreasing the air pressure behind it and increasing it in front. As the air decreases behind the fan and pressure goes down, it causes a suction effect outside it causing the ambient air to go into it.

The stream of air (which moves through the intake port and then out of it) causes air particles to rub against debris or dust as they move. This creates a friction which, along with the suction process, causes the dust and debris collected to go into the vacuum cleaner. Once it goes into the vacuum cleaner, and while it is on its way to the exhaust port, the air and dust pass through the bag.

The vacuum cleaner bag acts as an air filter and is made of paper, cloth, or any other porous material which allows dust staying in while air goes out. As long as it is before the exhaust port, this bag can be placed at different parts of the vacuum cleaner, such as for example before the fan, or at the last spot before the exhaust.