A rotary vane vacuum pump is a type of positive displacement pump that operates by using a set of vanes mounted on a rotor. As the rotor turns, the vanes slide in and out of the rotor's slots, creating expanding and contracting volumes of air within the pump chamber. This action draws air in and expels it, creating a vacuum. Rotary vane vacuum pumps are commonly used in applications requiring a high level of vacuum, such as in industrial, laboratory, and automotive systems. They are known for their reliability, simplicity, and efficiency in maintaining consistent vacuum levels.