= Gas load
{title2=$Q$}
A <gas load> is the rate at which <gas> enters or is released into a <vacuum> system, expressed as pressure-volume per time at a stated <temperature>. Contributions include leaks, <outgassing> and intentional <gas> injection.
For a chamber at fixed volume $V$ and <temperature>, $V\dot p=Q-Sp$ balances a constant load against pumping. The steady <pressure> is $p=Q/S$. Reducing the load can therefore improve the <pressure> as effectively as increasing the <pumping speed>.<Vacuum Technology for Ion Sources by Paolo Chiggiato>[gas balance and pressure profiles]{ref}
Back to article page
