Vacuum technology in the laboratory – frequently asked questions and answers
FAQ
In laboratories across the fields of chemistry, biopharmaceuticals, analytics, and physics, precise vacuum technology plays a central role. From filtration and rotary evaporation to Schlenk lines, many processes depend on stable and reproducible vacuum conditions.
In this FAQ section, VACUUBRAND answers key questions regarding the selection, technology, and operation of modern laboratory vacuum pumps.
The selection of a vacuum pump for laboratory applications depends primarily on the required ultimate vacuum and pumping speed. The experts at VACUUBRAND also recommend considering chemical resistance and the type of control system (e.g., VARIO).
Vacuum requirements: Rough or fine vacuum, depending on the application.
Media resistance: Chemical diaphragm pumps or chemical screw pumps for aggressive vapors
Control: Manual or electronic vacuum control.
Further links:
For applications down to 1 mbar (rough vacuum), you can use a diaphragm pump from VACUUBRAND, which fully covers this performance range and is also oil-free and therefore low-maintenance. For applications requiring a lower ultimate vacuum of down to 10⁻³ mbar (fine vacuum), you can use either oil-free screw pumps or oil-sealed rotary vane pumps from VACUUBRAND.
Vacuum range down to 1 mbar: Oil-free diaphragm pumps
- Filtration
- Distillation
- Rotary evaporators
- Vacuum concentrators
- Drying oven (primary drying)
- Etc.
Vacuum range down to 10⁻³ mbar: Oil-free screw pumps or oil-sealed rotary vane pumps
- Freeze drying
- Schlenk Line
- Distillation
- Drying oven (primary and residual drying)
- Etc
Further links:
For a Schlenk line, VACUUBRAND vacuum pumps with a low ultimate vacuum in the fine vacuum range of 10⁻³ mbar are ideal. Chemically resistant screw pumps, chemistry HYBRID pumps, or two-stage rotary vane pumps are particularly well-suited for efficiently evacuating air and moisture from the apparatus and safely handling air-sensitive substances under inert gas.
High ultimate vacuum: Reliably achieves the required fine vacuum range down to 10⁻³ mbar.
High resistance to condensate: Ideal for evaporating solvent residues without loss of performance.
Chemically resistant materials: Protect the pump from aggressive media—often enabling continuous operation without a cooling trap.
Further links:
Chemically resistant diaphragm pumps from VACUUBRAND with an ultimate vacuum below 10 mbar and integrated VARIO® vacuum control are ideal for rotary evaporation. These are available in various models with suitable pumping speeds for volumes up to 5 L or up to 20 L.
VARIO® control: Precise vacuum control for optimal evaporation rates – without foaming or sample loss.
Chemistry compatibility: Maximum resistance of all parts in contact with the medium to aggressive gases and vapors.
Sustainability: Longer service life of diaphragms and valves, reduced energy consumption.
Further links:
Optimal vacuum control ensures exact pressure values throughout the entire process without unwanted fluctuations (hysteresis)—the prerequisite for reproducible and efficient results. The more precise the control, the more reliable and faster laboratory processes run.
Precise VARIO® control:
- Control tailored to the desired vacuum profile
- Achieved through automatic adjustment of motor speed
- Includes automatic boiling point detection and continuous vapor pressure tracking
Further links:
Aggressive media can cause corrosion on the vacuum pump, leading to more frequent service calls. Chemical-resistant diaphragm pumps from VACUUBRAND have proven themselves in the rough vacuum range up to approx. 1 mbar because they reliably handle aggressive gases and vapors.
Chemically resistant materials:
- Protect all components in contact with the medium.
- Enable consistently reliable processes.
- Ensure a long service life.
Further links:
Various fluoropolymers (PTFE, ETFE, ECTFE) and perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) are characterized by excellent chemical resistance. That is why VACUUBRAND uses these materials, depending on the pump type, for all parts of diaphragm pumps and screw pumps that come into contact with the medium.
Protection against aggressive gases and vapors:
- Materials with high long-term stability and tightness
- Materials with low surface energy for minimal material adhesion
Further links:
VACUUBRAND offers numerous vacuum pumps with an integrated emission condenser (EK). This condenser condenses solvents that enter the pump in the vapor phase at the outlet under atmospheric pressure and collects them for safe disposal or reuse. This enables nearly 100% recovery—economical and environmentally friendly.
Peltronic electronic emission condenser: Condenses solvent vapors without an external cooling medium such as water or dry ice.
Further links:
Thanks to their dry and completely oil-free operation, VACUUBRAND diaphragm pumps are ideal for clean processes and the production of pure products down to approx. 1 mbar. There is no need for oil changes or disposal of used oil — making them easy to maintain and environmentally friendly.
Chemistry diaphragm pumps:
- An alternative to rotary vane pumps for the vacuum range down to 1 mbar.
- High chemistry resistance without the need for a cold trap.
- Excellent condensate compatibility.
Chemical screw pump:
- Alternative to rotary vane pumps for vacuum ranges down to 10⁻³ mbar.
- Oil-free and chemically resistant.
- No wear parts.
Further links:
Modern diaphragm pumps from VACUUBRAND require very little maintenance because they do not use oil for lubrication or sealing. Chemistry diaphragm pumps also operate without a cold trap (liquid nitrogen or dry ice). They are reliable companions in the laboratory that can withstand even aggressive gases and vapors over long periods of time.
Maintenance and service life:
- Depending on the application, maintenance intervals range from 15,000 operating hours or more
- Total service life spanning many years
VARIO® vacuum control:
- Diaphragm pumps with demand-based control
- Reduced energy consumption
- Significantly extended maintenance intervals
Further links:
Laboratory vacuum pumps from VACUUBRAND stand for reliable performance, durability, and user-friendliness — developed and manufactured in Germany. Our experts assist in selecting the right pump and provide advice on optimal operation.
High-quality materials:
- Carefully selected components for durability
- Long service life even in demanding laboratory use
Modern production:
- Precise manufacturing processes and strict testing criteria
- Ensuring consistently high quality for every pump
User-friendliness:
- Intuitive operation and well-thought-out design
- Support for daily use in the laboratory
Further links:
When operating a VACUUBRAND vacuum pump, there are various tips and tricks depending on the pump technology. These ensure reliable results and a long service life for the equipment.
Specific actions:
- Gas ballast to protect against condensation
- Separator for protection against particles
- Emission condenser to protect the environment and health
- Proper connection of laboratory equipment
- Maintenance and care
Key benefits:
- Optimal vacuum and maximum pumping speed
- Protection of the environment and health
- Protection of the pump mechanism
- Maintenance of pump performance during operation
- Maintenance and Care
Further links:
The energy consumption of vacuum pumps in the laboratory depends largely on the control system. Uncontrolled pumps run constantly at full power — regardless of actual process requirements — and thus consume an unnecessary amount of energy.
Demand-based VARIO® control:
- The pump automatically adjusts its motor speed to the process and never runs faster than necessary.
- This enables significant energy savings compared to unregulated systems.
Further links:
The PCF (Product Carbon Footprint) provides information on greenhouse gas emissions throughout a product’s entire life cycle. The entire Brand Group has introduced a systematic approach in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14067:2018 to make the CO₂e footprint of products transparent.
First VACUUBRAND vacuum pumps with a CO₂e balance:
- PC 3001 VARIO select
- MZ 2C NT
Further links:
Pump manufacturers such as VACUUBRAND refer to the range between atmospheric pressure (~1000 mbar) and 1 mbar as rough vacuum, and the range between 1 and 10⁻³ mbar as fine vacuum. Even lower pressures are referred to as high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum.
Chemistry and life science laboratories: pressure ranges down to approximately 10⁻³ mbar are often required (rough vacuum and fine vacuum).
Physics and analytical laboratories: pressure ranges below 10⁻³ mbar are often required (high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum).
Further links:
Diaphragm pumps for rough vacuum
Vacuum Pump
Selection Guide
Sie haben
Fragen?