Lyophilization (Freeze drying), Schlenk-Line, Molecular Destillation

These applications are beyond the vacuum range of diaphragm pumps. They call for vacuum systems with ultimate vacuums of 10^-1 to 10^-3 mbar; single- and two-stage rotary vane pumps provide these pressures at various volume flow rates. A convenient option is our chemistry-HYBRID^TM pump RC 6 (a combination of a rotary vane and a chemistry diaphragm pump). The integrated diaphragm pump enhances condensate compatibility, reducing service needs as much as 90 percent, and results in longer lifetime. The lower service demands greatly reduce lifetime costs of the RC 6 pump compared with a conventional rotary vane pump.

Process requirements

• low ultimate vacuum, depending upon the process conditions
• volume flow rate appropriate to system size (laboratory, pilot or production plant)
• depending upon material to be dried regulation of material temperature and vacuum level

Demands made of the vacuum pump

• ultimate vacuum to 10^-3 mbar
• depending upon process conditions, excellent pump condensate compatibility may be important to protect the pump's service life
• low ultimate vacuum even with opened gas ballast valve
• chemical resistance is an important consideration when drying substances containing solvents
• chemistry-HYBRID^TM pump RC 6 is recommended for maximum vapor tolerance and low service demands

Recommended systems

Ultimate vacuum down to 10^-3 mbar: Two-stage rotary vane pumps

Oil mists escaping from rotary vane pumps should be captured. We recommend ready-to-connect packages with an oil mist filter and a suction-side valve: For instance, the RZ 6 package with the FO exhaust filter and VS 16 shut-off valve.

For slightly aggressive gases and condensable vapors: Chemistry-HYBRID^TM pump RC 6

For drying of oxygen-sensitive samples in nitrogen/vacuum manifolds ("Schlenk line") under fine- to high-vacuum conditions with cold trap between application and pump

In molecular distillation (short-path distillation), processes are carried out in a vacuum range of 10^-3 to 10^-6 mbar. The HP high-vacuum pumping units called for are completely equipped combinations of rotary vane and diffusion pumps with valve switching and bypass system.