Snap-on getter pump assembly and its use

A snap-on getter pumping element, comprising a getter module subassembly, and a heater module subassembly that are firmly but reversibly joined through coupling elements, and a closed cable module that has electrical connectors, wherein:

• the getter module subassembly comprises one or more getter stacks and has a case with a side wall on its external surface and two metallic case bases fixed to the side wall, with a base to be coupled to the heater module subassembly being holed in its center, the one or more getter stacks being disposed around a central empty space inscribable in a circle with diameter D within the getter module subassembly case;
• the heater module subassembly comprises one or more heaters mounted in a central position of a first surface of a heater module subassembly base, the one or more heaters being insertable in the central empty space of the getter module subassembly case via the holed getter subassembly base;
• the side wall is grid-like;
• the closed cable module is mounted on a second surface of the heater module subassembly base, opposite to the first surface, and the electrical connectors are located on its surface opposite with respect to the one in contact with the heater module subassembly;
• at least two floating threaded rods project from the second surface of the heater subassembly base;
• and
• the coupling elements do not project beyond the closed cable module, whereas the floating threaded rods project beyond the closed cable module by a sufficient amount to provide a firm screwing connection to an external support while allowing the electrical connectors to connect with matching plug-and-socket electrical connections present on the external support.