Apparatus and method for connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply in a vacuum pump assembly

Abstract

Apparatus 210 for connecting and disconnecting a coolant supply to and from a vacuum pump cartridge 220. A base 211 receives a vacuum pump cartridge having a cooling circuit. A first tubular manifold

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The field of the invention relates to vacuum pumps, and more specifically to apparatuses for connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply in a vacuum pump assembly. BACKGROUND Vacuum pumps are typically employed as a component of a vacuum system to evacuate working gases from the system. These pumps can be used to evacuate fabrication equipment used in, for example, the production of semiconductors. Rather than performing compression from a vacuum to atmosphere in a single stage using a single pump, it is common in such applications to provide multi-stage vacuum pumps wherein each stage performs a portion of the compression range required to transition from a vacuum to atmospheric pressure. Vacuum pumps may include dry pumps and booster pumps. In vacuum pump assemblies, components of a vacuum pump may be cooled using cooling circuits. These cooling circuits are typically arranged in thermal contact with the components of the vacuum pump that require cooling. The cooling circuits transport a coolant (i.e., water) from a coolant supply system (i.e., a water supply system) that extracts excess heat from the vacuum pump components. The cooling circuit itself is often provided with the pump cartridge that contains the vacuum pump in the vacuum pump assembly. A vacuum pump assembly typically requires frequent servicing. Indeed, a typical servicing frequency may see a vacuum pump assembly serviced ten times across its lifetime. A significant time and cost saving can therefore be achieved if servicing can be performed efficiently. To perform servicing of a vacuum pump assembly, the pipes supplying and returning coolant (i.e., the water) to and from the vacuum pump / pump cartridges need to be removed in order to physically remove the vacuum pump / pump cartridges (i.e., lift the 300kg cartridges) from their chassis. Historically, this procedure has taken a relatively long time to complete owing to poor physical access (i.e., the pipes and their connections may be located above or between pumps / pump cartridges). Furthermore, pipework connections often comprise compression fittings that must be accessed and loosened manually. As a result, there is a difficulty in targeting improvements in servicing efficiency with the current implementations of pipework providing coolant to cooling circuits of vacuum pumps. Indeed, it is common for target times for the complete pump / pump cartridge removal to end up being fully utilized solely for the removal of cooling pipework. Hence, it is desirable to provide an apparatus for connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply in a vacuum pump assembly, that mitigates these issues. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In an aspect, there is provided an apparatus for connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply to / from a vacuum pump cartridge in a vacuum pump assembly, comprising: a base for receiving a vacuum pump cartridge, the vacuum pump cartridge having a cooling circuit; a first tubular manifold defining a first concentric axis and comprising a first end for connecting to a coolant supply, and an opposing second end that is closed; one or more first pipes having a third and fourth end, the third end being in fluid connection with the first tubular manifold, the fourth end for connecting to a first port of the cooling circuit, wherein the one or more first pipes extend from the first tubular manifold in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first concentric axis, such that a coolant from the coolant supply can flow between the coolant supply and the cooling circuit via the first tubular manifold and one or more first pipes; wherein, the first tubular manifold is rotatably attached to the base such that, in-use, the one or more first pipes can be pivoted about the first concentric axis between a first position, in which the fourth end is connected to the first port of the cooling circuit, and a second position in which the fourth end is disconnected from the first port. Some embodiments, further comprise: a second tubular manifold defining a second concentric axis and comprising a fifth end for connecting to the coolant supply, and an opposing sixth end that is closed; one or more second pipes having a seventh and eighth end, the seventh end being in fluid connection with the second tubular manifold, the eighth end for connecting to a second port of the cooling circuit, wherein the one or more second pipes extend from the second tubular manifold in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the second concentric axis, such that a coolant from the coolant supply can flow between the coolant supply and the cooling circuit via the second tubular manifold and the one or more second pipes; wherein, the second tubular manifold is rotatably attached to the base such that, in-use, the one or more second pipes can be pivoted about the second concentric axis between a third position, in which the eighth end is connected to the second port of the cooling circuit, and a fourth position in which the eighth end is disconnected from the second port. By providing the tubular manifold / s rotatably attached to the base, the first / second pipes are able to be pivoted between their respective positions in which they are connected and disconnected (via the ports) to the cooling circuit. Hence, pump cartridges (i.e., drypump and mechanical booster cartridges) can be removed from their chassis in a vacuum pump assembly more easily and quickly for servicing. Indeed, the first / second pipes are able to remain connected to the rest of the coolant supply (i.e., water supply) system and the cartridges lifted out unconstrained by them. This can result in significant cost savings when servicing a vacuum pump assembly owing to the reduced time required in cartridge removal. Furthermore, the first / second pipes can be assembled more quickly during manufacture of the vacuum pump assembly, improving operating efficiency and capacity. The first tubular manifold and first pipe / s may receive coolant from the coolant supply (i.e., represent the ‘flow’ side), with the second tubular manifold and second pipe / s returning the coolant to the coolant supply (i.e., represent the ‘return’ side), for instance. In some embodiments, the first and second tubular manifolds are attached to the base adjacent each other such that the first and second concentric axes are parallel each other. This can provide a more compact design during manufacture but also during installation and use. This is because the pivoting of the first / second pipes occurs from the same side of the vacuum pump assembly. Alternatively, the tubular manifolds may be located parallel each other but spaced apart, or even in some embodiments, spaced apart from each other and arranged non-parallel, depending on application. In some embodiments, the first and second tubular manifolds are attached to an underside of the base; and the base comprises one or more first slots and one or more second slots through which the one or more first pipes and one or more second pipes extend, wherein: the one or more first slots are sized to accommodate the pivoting of the one or more first pipes between the first position and second position; and the one or more second slots are sized to accommodate the pivoting of the one or more second pipes between the third position and fourth position. In alternative embodiments, the manifolds can be attached to the upper-side of the base using circular clamps, with the first / second pipe / s being connected to the manifolds using saddle clamps. By providing the manifolds on the underside of the base, the upper-side of the base is kept free for mounting other vacuum pump equipment. Hence, the manifolds are kept away from interfering with other equipment. This provides a more compact design. The slots provide clearance in the base, allowing the first / second pipes to rotate / pivot. In some embodiments, the base comprises clamps for rotatably clamping the respective first and second tubular manifolds to the base. The clamps may be substantially circular clamps / brackets (i.e., ‘C’ or 'll’ shaped) accommodating the tubular manifolds. The circular clamps / brackets retain the tubular manifolds whilst still allowing them to be rotated / pivoted. If the manifolds are to be located adjacent each other, the same clamps may accommodate both manifolds. This is achieved, in some embodiments, by using a circular clamp / bracket with a ‘kink’ or ‘protrusion’ to space the manifolds apart. In some embodiments, at least one of the first end, third end, fourth end, fifth end, seventh end, eighth end, comprises a quick-release coupling. This allows the respective connections between manifolds and coolant supply, first / second pipes and manifolds, first / second pipes and cooling circuit, to be quickly released when required, again improving servicing times. Furthermore, individual components of the apparatus can be removed quickly and easily for replacement, if required. In some embodiments, the coolant supply is a water supply, and the coolant is water. Whilst any coolant may be utilised, water is a readily available coolant for use in vacuum pump assemblies. According to a further aspect, there is provided a vacuum pump assembly comprising: the apparatus of any one of claims 1-7; and a vacuum pump cartridge comprising a cooling circuit, the vacuum pump cartridge being arranged on the base. It will be understood that the vacuum pump assembly has the same or similar technical effects as the embodiments of the apparatus hereinbefore described. Conventional cooling circuits attempt to cool oil contained in Aluminium covers (i.e., gear covers and end covers) of a vacuum pump. This is achieved by bolting separate cooling plates to the covers with heat conducting gaskets inbetween. Cooling pipework of the cooling circuit is then connected / attached to the cooling plates. This can, however, be inefficient as there are thermal barriers between the cooling pipework itself and the oil which is being cooled. Furthermore, the cooling plates and associated fastenings add additional parts to the part count of the cooling circuit (in some instances, up to 28 additional parts). All of these additional parts need to be purchased, stocked and managed. Furthermore, cooling plates can be difficult to remove owing to the gaskets sticking and needing to be manually scraped off, adding time and cost to servicing of a vacuum pump cartridge. Therefore, in some embodiments, the cooling circuit comprises one or more embedded pipes integrated into one or more covers for a vacuum pump. By embedding / integrating the pipes of the cooling circuit into the covers, the oil being cooled is in closer proximity to the coolant (i.e., water) in the cooling circuit. Hence the cooling procedure is made more efficient, coolant usage can be reduced, and costs improved. This is in addition to the benefits of a reduction in part count, quicker and easier assembly and disassembly. In some embodiments, the one or more covers comprise Aluminium and the one or more embedded pipes comprise Steel (i.e., stainless steel). Aluminium has good thermal conductivity which assists, for instance, in the cooling of oil contained within the covers. In addition, Aluminium is relatively lighter than other materials. Steel pipes (i.e., Stainless Steel) offer corrosion resistance. In some embodiments, the embedded pipes are cast into the one or more covers. This provides a convenient means of manufacture, whilst achieving direct thermal contact between the embedded pipes and the covers. The first / second pipes can furthermore be directly connected to the embedded pipes via the first / second ports. In a further aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing an apparatus for connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply to / from a vacuum pump cartridge in a vacuum pump assembly, comprising: providing a base for receiving a vacuum pump cartridge, the vacuum pump cartridge having a cooling circuit; attaching, to the base, a first tubular manifold defining a first concentric axis and comprising a first end for connecting to the coolant supply, and an opposing second end that is closed; attaching, to the first tubular manifold, one or more first pipes having a third and fourth end, the third end being in fluid connection with the first tubular manifold, the fourth end for connecting to a first port of the cooling circuit, wherein the one or more first pipes are attached to extend from the first tubular manifold in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first concentric axis, such that a coolant from the coolant supply can flow between the coolant supply and the cooling circuit via the first tubular manifold and the one or more first pipes; wherein, the attaching, to the base, the first tubular manifold comprises rotatably attaching the first tubular manifold to the base such that the one or more first pipes can be pivoted about the first concentric axis between a first position, in which the fourth end is connected to the first port of the cooling circuit, and a second position in which the fourth end is disconnected from the first port. In a further aspect, there is provided a method of connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply to / from a cooling circuit of a vacuum pump cartridge of a vacuum pump assembly, comprising: providing the vacuum pump assembly of any one of claims 8-11; and then pivoting at least the one or more first pipes about the first concentric axis to the first position or second position to respectively connect or disconnect the coolant supply to / from the cooling circuit of the vacuum pump assembly. It will be appreciated that particular features of different aspects of the invention tend to share the technical effects and benefits of corresponding features of other aspects of the invention. More specifically, the methods described herein share the same technical benefits as the apparatus and vacuum pump assembly described herein. It will also be appreciated that the use of the terms “first” and “second”, and the like, are merely intended to help distinguish between similar features and are not intended to indicate a relative importance of one feature over another, unless otherwise specified. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows, in perspective view, a prior art network of pipework for providing coolant to a vacuum pump cartridge; Figure 2A shows, in perspective view, an embodiment of a vacuum pump assembly with coolant supply connected; Figure 2B shows, in perspective view, an embodiment of a vacuum pump assembly with coolant supply disconnected; Figure 2C shows, in perspective view, the tubular manifolds, pipework and cooling circuits of Figures 2A-2B; Figure 3 shows, in perspective view, an embodiment comprising the mounting of tubular manifolds to an underside of a base; Figure 4A shows, in perspective view, an embodiment of the underside of a base with manifolds adjacent each other; Figure 4B shows, in perspective, an example of a clamp as used in the embodiment of Figure 4A; Figure 5 shows, in perspective view, an embodiment of the underside of a base with manifolds spaced apart; Figure 6 shows, in perspective view, an embodiment of the upper-side of a base with manifolds mounted; Figure 7 shows, in perspective view, an embodiment comprising an apparatus connected to a cooling circuit that is mounted to covers of a vacuum pump; Figure 8A shows, in perspective view, an embodiment comprising an apparatus connected to a cooling circuit that is integrated into covers of a vacuum pump; Figure 8B shows, in perspective view, a gear cover with integrated cooling circuit; Figure 8C shows, in perspective view, a motor adaptor cover with integrated cooling circuit; Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a method; and Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of a method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows, in perspective view, a prior art network 100 of pipework for providing coolant to a vacuum pump cartridge. A manifold 110 distributes a coolant from a coolant supply (not visible) from an inlet 111 to a plurality of pipes 120 feeding various cooling circuits 130a, 130b, 130c. The plurality of pipes 120 and cooling circuits 130a, 130b, 130c comprise a plurality of connections 140a, 140b, 140c of the compression fitting type. Coolant circulates through the plurality of pipes 120, cooling circuits 130a, 130b, 130c and connections 140a, 140b, 140c, before being returned to the coolant supply via an outlet 150. In-use, the pipes 120, cooling circuits 130a, 130b, 130c, connections 140a, 140b, 140c surround and weave between vacuum pump cartridges (not visible). Hence, to remove vacuum pump cartridges from the network 100 of pipework can be time consuming and practically challenging, contributing significantly the servicing time and costs. Figure 2A shows, in perspective view, an embodiment of a vacuum pump assembly 200 with coolant supply (not visible) connected using apparatus 210 for connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply to / from a vacuum pump cartridge. The apparatus 210 of the vacuum pump assembly 200 comprises a substantially planar base 211. Onto the substantially planar base 211 a first vacuum pump cartridge 220 and a second vacuum pump cartridge 230 is received. In this context, the first vacuum pump cartridge 220 is mounted directly to the base 211 with the second vacuum pump cartridge 230 mounted atop the first vacuum pump cartridge 220 using appropriate additional chassis components (i.e., a support manifold, optionally made of cast iron, that takes the weight of the cartridges 220, 230, and facilitates the transfer of pumped gases from the output of the pump cartridge 230 into the inlet of the pump cartridge 220. The support manifold is not visible in the figure). The vacuum pump cartridges 220, 230 comprise vacuum pumps 221, 231, covers 222, 232 and cooling circuits 223, 233. The base 211 of the apparatus may be formed from a metal such as Mild Steel. The apparatus 210 of the vacuum pump assembly 200 also comprises a first tubular manifold 212 defining a first concentric axis and comprising a first end 212a for connecting to the coolant supply (not visible), and an opposing second end (not visible) that is closed. The first tubular manifold 212 has a circular cross section and is elongate, extending beneath the base 211. The first tubular manifold 212 may be formed from a material such as Stainless Steel. The apparatus 210 of the vacuum pump assembly 200 also comprises one or more first pipes 213 having a third end (not visible) and fourth end 213b, the third end being in fluid connection with the first tubular manifold 212, the fourth end 213b for connecting to a first port 223a, 233a of the cooling circuits 223, 233. In the present embodiment the fourth end 213b may be considered to be either of that which interfaces with the first port 223a or first port 233a. The one or more first pipes 213 extend from the first tubular manifold 212 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first concentric axis, such that a coolant from the coolant supply can flow between the coolant supply and the cooling circuit 223, 233 of the vacuum pump assembly 200 via the first tubular manifold 212 and the one or more first pipes 213. The one or more first pipes 213 are shown as being substantially elongate and extending substantially vertically. The one or more first pipes 213 may be formed from a material such as Stainless Steel. The first tubular manifold 212 is rotatably attached to the base 211 such that, in-use, the one or more first pipes 213 can be pivoted about the first concentric axis between a first position (as illustrated), in which the fourth end 213b is connected to the first port 223a, 233a of the cooling circuit 223, 233, and a second position (as illustrated in Figure 2B) in which the fourth end 213b is disconnected from the first port 223a, 233a. Also shown as part of the apparatus 210 is a second tubular manifold 214 defining a second concentric axis and comprising a fifth end 214a for connecting to the coolant supply, and an opposing sixth end (not visible) that is closed. One or more second pipes 215 having a seventh end (not visible) and eighth end 215b are also shown. The seventh end is in fluid connection with the second tubular manifold 214. The eighth end 215b is for connecting to a second port 223b, 233b of the cooling circuits 223, 233. The eight end 215b may be considered either of the ends that interface with second port 223b or second port 233b. The one or more second pipes 215 extend from the second tubular manifold 214 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the second concentric axis, such that a coolant from the coolant supply can flow between the coolant supply and the cooling circuit 223, 233 of the vacuum pump assembly 200 via the second tubular manifold 214 and the one or more second pipes 215. The second tubular manifold 214 is also rotatably attached to the base 211 such that, in-use, the one or more second pipes 215 can be pivoted about the second concentric axis between a third position (as illustrated), in which the eighth end 215b is connected to the second port 223b, 233b of the cooling circuit 223, 233, and a fourth position (as shown in Figure 2B) in which the eighth end 215b is disconnected from the second port 223b, 233b. The second manifold 214 and second pipes 215 have the same construction as the first manifold 212 and first pipes 213. During use, water from a water supply enters the first manifold 212 at the first end 212a and flows into first pipes 213. The water is then able to flow into cooling circuits 223 and 233 through the first ports 223a and 233a. The water, circulating through the cooling circuits 223, 233, extracts heat from the vacuum pump 221, 231 before returning via second ports 223b, 233b into second pipes 215 and second manifold 214 to the supply system. Figure 2B shows, in perspective view, the vacuum pump assembly 200 with coolant supply disconnected. The first manifold 212 and second manifold 214 have been rotated about their respective first and second concentric axes such that the first pipes 213 and second pipes 215 have been pivoted away from the cooling circuits 223, 233 of the cartridges 220, 230. In the embodiment shown, the first pipes 213 are in the second position and the second pipes 215 are in the fourth position. As is evident from the Figure, the cartridges 220, 230 can now be relatively easily removed from the assembly 200. In addition, the pipes 213, 215 and manifolds 212, 214 can be left connected avoiding unnecessary dismantling of the assembly when performing servicing. Figure 2C shows, in perspective view, the tubular manifolds 212, 214, pipework 213, 215 and cooling circuits 223, 233 of Figures 2A-2B. The first tubular manifold 212 is elongate with a concentric axis ‘A’. The first end 212a and second end 212b are shown. The second tubular manifold 214 is also elongate with a concentric axis ‘B’. The fifth end 214a and sixth end 214b are also shown. The first tubular manifold 212 and second tubular manifold 214 are arranged adjacent each other with their respective axes A, B parallel. Extending from the first tubular manifold 212 are first pipes 213. A third end 213a connects first pipes 213 to manifold 212. A fourth end 213b connects first pipes 213 to first ports 223a, 233a of the cooling circuits 223, 233. Extending from the second tubular manifold 214 are second pipes 215. A seventh end 215a connects second pipes 215 to manifold 214. An eighth end 215b connects second pipes 215 to second ports 223b, 233b of the cooling circuits 223, 233. The connections between the manifolds 212, 214, the pipes 213, 215, and the ports 223a, 223b, 233a, 233b, are shown as being of the quick release type. Figure 3 shows, in perspective view, an embodiment 300 showing the mounting of tubular manifolds to an underside of a base, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiment 300 shows a base 311 which may be the base 211 of Figures 2A-2C. First and second tubular manifolds 312, 314 are also shown, which may be the manifolds 212, 214 of Figures 2A-2C. The manifolds 312, 314 are attached to an underside 311 a of the base 311, not the upper-side 311 b of the base 311. The base 311 comprises one or more first slots 311c and one or more second slots 311 d through which one or more first pipes 313 and one or more second pipes 315 extend. The one or more first pipes 313 may be the first pipes 213 of Figures 2A-2C. The one or more second pipes 315 may be the second 215 of Figures 2A-2C. The one or more first slots 311c are sized to accommodate the pivoting of the one or more first pipes 313 between the first position and second position. The one or more second slots 311d are sized to accommodate the pivoting of the one or more second pipes 315 between the third position and fourth position. Figure 4A shows, in perspective view, an embodiment 400 of the underside 411a of a base 411 with manifolds 412, 414 adjacent each other. The underside 411a of base 411 may be the underside 311a of base 311, for instance. The rotatable attachment of the adjacent manifolds 412,414 to base 411 is shown within region 440. As shown, the rotatable attachment comprises a circular clamp 441. The circular clamp 441 is shown in Figure 4B. Figure 4B shows, in perspective view, an example of clamp 441 as used in the embodiment 400 of Figure 4A. The clamp 441 comprises a substantially circular cross section part 441a for retaining the manifolds 412, 414 of Figure 4A. Holes 441b are provided in the clamp 441 for bolting, screwing or fastening the clamp 441 to the base 411 of Figure 4A. The clamp 441 is made of materials such as Stainless Steel. The circular cross section part 441a may comprise a protruding part to separate the manifolds 412, 414 from each other. Figure 5 shows, in perspective view, an alternative embodiment 500 showing the underside 511a of a base 511 with manifolds 512, 514 spaced apart. In this embodiment 500 the manifolds 512, 514 are rotatably attached to the underside 511a of the base 511 at opposing sides of the base 511. Hence the first and second pipes attached to the manifolds 512, 514 can pivot outwards from their respective sides of base 511. Figure 6 shows, in perspective view, an embodiment 600 showing the upper-side 611b of a base 611 with manifolds 612, 614 mounted using clamps 641. First and second pipes 613, 615 are shown connected to respective manifolds 612, 614, using saddle clamps 642. Figure 7 shows, in perspective view, an embodiment 700 comprising an apparatus 710 connected to a cooling circuit 723, 733 that is mounted to covers 724a, 724b, 734a, 734b of a vacuum pump. The apparatus 710 may be the apparatus for connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply to / from a vacuum pump cartridge in a vacuum pump assembly, as described herein. For instance the apparatus 710 may be apparatus 210 of Figures 2A-2C. The cooling circuits 723, 733 are shown as comprising cooling pipework that is surface mounted to the exterior of the covers 724a, 724b, 734a, 734b. Figure 8A shows, in perspective view, an embodiment 800 comprising an apparatus 810 connected to a cooling circuit 823, 833 that is integrated into covers 824a, 824b, 834a, 834b of a vacuum pump. The apparatus 810 may be the apparatus for connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply to / from a vacuum pump cartridge in a vacuum pump assembly, as described herein. For instance the apparatus 810 may be apparatus 210 of Figures 2A-2C. The integration of the cooling circuit 823, 833 with covers 824a, 824b, 834a, 834b, will now be described with respect to Figures 8B and 8C. Figures 8B-8C show, respectively, in perspective view, a gear cover 834a and a motor adaptor cover 834b with integrated cooling circuit 833. The cooling circuit 833 has been cast into the covers 834a, 834b during manufacture, such that only the first and second ports 833a, 833b protrude from the exterior of the covers 834a, 834b. The cooling circuit 833 pipework may be formed from Stainless steel. The covers 834a, 834b may be formed from Aluminium. The ports 833a, 833b may be of the quick release type. By casting the cooling circuit 833 into the covers 834a, 834b during manufacture, the associated pipework is in closer thermal proximity to the components of a vacuum pump being cooled (i.e., the oil). This improves efficiency of cooling. Furthermore, the number of components comprising the cooling circuit 833 are significantly reduced. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a method 900 of manufacturing an apparatus for connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply to / from a vacuum pump cartridge in a vacuum pump assembly. A first step 910 comprises providing a base for receiving a vacuum pump cartridge, the vacuum pump cartridge having a cooling circuit. A further step 920 comprises attaching, to the base, a first tubular manifold defining a first concentric axis and comprising a first end for connecting to the coolant supply, and an opposing second end that is closed. A further step 930 comprises attaching, to the first tubular manifold, one or more first pipes having a third and fourth end, the third end being in fluid connection with the first tubular manifold, the fourth end for connecting to a first port of the cooling circuit, wherein the one or more first pipes are attached to extend from the first tubular manifold in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first concentric axis, such that a coolant from the coolant supply can flow between the coolant supply and the cooling circuit via the first tubular manifold and the one or more first pipes. In the method 900, the step 920 comprises rotatably attaching the first tubular manifold to the base such that the one or more first pipes can be pivoted about the first concentric axis between a first position, in which the fourth end is connected to the first port of the cooling circuit, and a second position in which the fourth end is disconnected from the first port. Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of a method 1000 of connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply to / from a cooling circuit of a vacuum pump cartridge of a vacuum pump assembly. A first step 1010 comprises providing the vacuum pump assembly of any one of claims 8-11. A further step 1020 comprises pivoting at least the one or more first pipes about the first concentric axis to the first position or second position to respectively connect or disconnect the coolant supply to / from the cooling circuit of the vacuum pump assembly. Whilst specific embodiments described herein may show certain vacuum pump assemblies comprising two vacuum pump cartridges, this is not intended to be limiting. Assemblies with single vacuum pump cartridges may for instance also utilise the apparatuses described herein. Whilst the specific embodiments described herein may show a particular bracket or clamp rotatably attaching the manifolds to a base of a vacuum pump assembly or chassis, the specific clamp is not intended to be limiting. Other types of clamp, bracket or attachment means may be utilised provided that the ability to rotate the manifolds and thereby pivot the first and second pipes, is maintained. It will be appreciated that there may be variations of the embodiments described herein that take account of differing thermal requirements and physical sizing of individual pumping systems. For instance the first and second tubular manifolds may have greater or lesser diameters and lengths, and the first and second pipes may have greater or lesser diameters and lengths. Additionally the first and second pipes whilst shown extending linearly in a vertical direction may in fact extend substantially linearly depending on application. It will be appreciated that common interfaces may be employed between components of vacuum pump assemblies to promote modularity. Reference numeral list 100 network of pipework 110 manifold 111 inlet 120 plurality of pipes 130a cooling circuit 130b cooling circuit 130c cooling circuit 140a connections 140b connections 140c connections 150 outlet 200 vacuum pump assembly 210 apparatus 211 base 212 first tubular manifold 212a first end 212b second end 213 first pipe / s 213a third end 213b fourth end 214 second tubular manifold 214a fifth end 214b sixth end 215 second pipe / s 215a seventh end 215b eighth end 220 first vacuum pump cartridge 221 vacuum pump 222 cover 223 cooling circuit 223a first port 223b second port 230 second vacuum pump cartridge 231 vacuum pump 232 cover 233 cooling circuit 233a first port 233b second port A first concentric axis B second concentric axis 300 embodiment 311 base 311 a underside of base 311 b upper-side of base 311c first slots 311d second slots 312 first tubular manifold 313 first pipe / s 314 second tubular manifold 315 second pipe / s 5 400 embodiment 411 base 411a underside of base 412 first tubular manifold 414 second tubular manifold 10 440 region 441 clamp 441a circular cross section part of clamp 441b holes 500 embodiment 15 511 base 511a underside of base 512 first tubular manifold 514 second tubular manifold 600 embodiment 20 611 base 611b upper-side of base 612 first tubular manifold 613 first pipe / s 614 second tubular manifold 25 615 second pipe / s 641 clamp 642 saddle clamp embodiment 700 710 apparatus 723 cooling circuit 5 724a cover 724b cover 733 cooling circuit 734a cover 734b cover 10 800 embodiment 810 apparatus 823 cooling circuit 833 cooling circuit 833a first port 15 833b second port 834a cover 834b cover 900 method 910 providing step 20 920 attaching step 930 attaching step 1000 method 1010 providing step 1020 pivoting step

Claims

1. Apparatus for connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply to / from a vacuum pump cartridge in a vacuum pump assembly, comprising:a base for receiving a vacuum pump cartridge, the vacuum pump cartridge having a cooling circuit;a first tubular manifold defining a first concentric axis and comprising a first end for connecting to the coolant supply, and an opposing second end that is closed;one or more first pipes having a third and fourth end, the third end being in fluid connection with the first tubular manifold, the fourth end for connecting to a first port of the cooling circuit, wherein the one or more first pipes extend from the first tubular manifold in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first concentric axis, such that a coolant from the coolant supply can flow between the coolant supply and the cooling circuit via the first tubular manifold and the one or more first pipes;wherein, the first tubular manifold is rotatably attached to the base such that, in-use, the one or more first pipes can be pivoted about the first concentric axis between a first position, in which the fourth end is connected to the first port of the cooling circuit, and a second position in which the fourth end is disconnected from the first port.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:a second tubular manifold defining a second concentric axis and comprising a fifth end for connecting to the coolant supply, and an opposing sixth end that is closed;one or more second pipes having a seventh and eighth end, the seventh end being in fluid connection with the second tubular manifold, the eighth end for connecting to a second port of the cooling circuit, wherein the one or more second pipes extend from the second tubular manifold in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the second concentric axis, such that a coolant from the coolant supply can flow between the coolant supply and the cooling circuit via the second tubular manifold and the one or more second pipes;wherein, the second tubular manifold is rotatably attached to the base such that, in-use, the one or more second pipes can be pivoted about the second concentric axis between a third position, in which the eighth end is connected to the second port of the cooling circuit, and a fourth position in which the eighth end is disconnected from the second port.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second tubular manifolds are attached to the base such that the first and second concentric axes are parallel each other.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 2-3, wherein:the first and second tubular manifolds are attached to an underside of the base; andthe base comprises one or more first slots and one or more second slots through which the one or more first pipes and one or more second pipes extend, wherein:the one or more first slots are sized to accommodate the pivoting of the one or more first pipes between the first position and second position; andthe one or more second slots are sized to accommodate the pivoting of the one or more second pipes between the third position and fourth position.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the base comprises clamps for rotatably clamping the respective first and second tubular manifolds to the base.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 2-5, wherein at least one of the first end, third end, fourth end, fifth end, seventh end, eighth end, comprises a quick-release coupling.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the coolant supply is a water supply, and the coolant is water.

8. A vacuum pump assembly comprising:the apparatus of any preceding claim; anda vacuum pump cartridge comprising a cooling circuit, the vacuum pump cartridge being arranged on the base.

9. The vacuum pump assembly of claim 8, wherein the cooling circuit comprises one or more embedded pipes integrated into one or more covers for a vacuum pump.

10. The vacuum pump assembly of claim 9, wherein the one or more covers comprise Aluminium and the one or more embedded pipes comprise Stainless Steel.

11. The vacuum pump assembly of any one of claims 9-10, wherein the embedded pipes are cast into the one or more covers.

12. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply to / from a vacuum pump cartridge in a vacuum pump assembly, comprising:providing a base for receiving a vacuum pump cartridge, the vacuum pump cartridge having a cooling circuit;attaching, to the base, a first tubular manifold defining a first concentric axis and comprising a first end for connecting to the coolant supply, and an opposing second end that is closed;attaching, to the first tubular manifold, one or more first pipes having a third and fourth end, the third end being in fluid connection with the first tubular manifold, the fourth end for connecting to a first port of the cooling circuit, wherein the one or more first pipes are attached to extend from the first tubular manifold in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first concentric axis, such that a coolant from the coolant supply can flow between the coolant supply and the cooling circuit via the first tubular manifold and the one or more first pipes;wherein, the attaching, to the base, the first tubular manifold, comprises rotatably attaching the first tubular manifold to the base such that the one or more first pipes can be pivoted about the first concentric axis between a first position, in which the fourth end is connected to the first port of the coolingcircuit, and a second position in which the fourth end is disconnected from the first port.

13. A method of connecting / disconnecting a coolant supply to / from a cooling circuit of a vacuum pump cartridge of a vacuum pump assembly, comprising:providing the vacuum pump assembly of any one of claims 8-11; and thenpivoting at least the one or more first pipes about the first concentric axis to the first position or second position to respectively connect or disconnect the coolant supply to / from the cooling circuit of the vacuum pump assembly.

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