VACUU·LAN® Local vacuum networks for laboratories
- Supports multiple vacuum ports with a single compact pump
- Reduced capital and operating costs
- Modular design, simple to expand
A modular local vacuum network
VACUU·LAN vacuum networks supply multiple workstations with a single compact vacuum pump. They are an economical and space-saving solution for laboratories that require multiple points-of-use while eliminating the drawbacks of a building-wide “house” vacuum system. The modular design makes networks easy, fast, and inexpensive to install or upgrade.
Advantages compared to central vacuum systems:
- Demand-responsive, energy efficient vacuum pumps reduce power consumption by 50-90% over central pumps
- Stable vacuum prevents interference and cross-contamination with specially-designed vacuum fixtures with integral check valves
- Recover chemical vapors and keep them out of the air in the lab
- Flexibility – easy to upgrade or expand
Advantages compared to individual workstation pumps:
- Multi-user networks save valuable bench space
- Lower capital- and operating-costs per user
- Saves on equipment and operational budgets
Highly flexible, modular design
Suitable for every laboratory
The individual, laboratory specific approach makes VACUU·LAN the right solution for every laboratory.
Expandable at anytime
The system can be expanded easily. If requirements change, each vacuum port can be changed or moved separately.
Ideal for new construction, renovation, or retrofits
VACUU·LAN modules can be surface mounted, installed in furniture, or wall-mounted, as needed. Because of this flexibility, they integrate well with new laboratory furnishings, retrofit into existing laboratories, or enable easy expansion of established networks.
Low overall operating costs
- Low installation costs
- Low energy costs
- Low maintenance costs
- Low repair costs
Low maintenance, energy-efficient VACUU·LAN networks have lower total operating costs than central vacuum systems. These savings can easily be worth thousands of dollars per year.
A versatile solution
Pharmaceutical
VACUU·LAN networks are well suited to help support research and development in pharmaceutical laboratories. Each pump is selected for individual networks in order to provide the vacuum level required for the lab’s applications with vacuum levels as deep as 2 mbar (1.5 Torr) at the point of use. Each VACUUBRAND fixture is designed with a directional check valve in order to minimize cross-contamination risks and ensure vacuum stability.
VACUU·LAN vacuum networks use a single compact pump to support several inlets reducing the number of pumps needed for different applications in the lab. The network pumps can even be remotely located outside of clean rooms saving valuable lab space and helping to maintain a clean environment
Life Sciences
VACUU·LAN networks provide the best process isolation of any multi-user vacuum system helping to preserve sample purity in biological research and production. Lab-by-lab network installations provide total isolation from other networks in the same building. VACUUBRAND’s BVC liquid aspiration systems are available for use alongside VACUU·LAN networks for areas where high-intensity cell culture work will be done.
VACUU·LAN networks are ideal for laboratories with biological protection levels where vacuum is required at several workstations. With a dedicated network, cross-contamination risk is significantly reduced.
Education
VACUU·LAN local networks are an approach to lab vacuum supply that is ideal for educational institutions in both teaching and research settings. The approach to laboratory design has evolved and requires flexible spaces which accommodate multidisciplinary programs with the ability to adapt as the pedagogy evolves. Since VACUU·LAN networks are a lab-by-lab approach, adding additional points-of-use and vacuum networks to a building is simple and easy.
The vacuum demand in a teaching lab is typically high during class sessions and not needed when class is not in session. This scenario is not ideal for central vacuum systems that are continuously running regardless of demand, wasting energy and resources. In contrast, VACUU·LAN networks can be designed with a demand-responsive VARIO pumps that go into sleep mode when no demand is detected, or with a manual pump that can be turned on and off when needed without affecting other labs.
Chemistry
VACUU·LAN networks support multiple vacuum fixtures using a single chemistry-rated vacuum pump. The chemistry-rated vacuum pumps are constructed with fluoropolymers and perfluoroelastomers for all wetted parts for high corrosion resistance. In addition, chemical resistant tubing and fittings are used such as PTFE to prevent system degradation ensuring longevity of the network, even while using harsh chemicals. VACUUBRAND pumping units ensure years of trouble-free operation with typical service intervals of 15,000 hours.
Each pump is selected for individual networks in order to provide the vacuum level required for the lab’s applications. This ensures vacuum levels for chemistry applications such as evaporation.
VACUU·LAN® in four steps
1. Step - Selection of pump
First, identify the appropriate vacuum level for your lab’s applications since different lab processes require certain vacuum levels.
| Ultimate vacuum | |
| Vacuum filtration, fluid aspiration | 70 mbar |
Rotary evaporation, concentration for many common solvents | 7 mbar |
Drying of small quantities, rotary evaporation for high-boiling solvents | 2 mbar |
2. Step - Selection of fixture mounting bases
Second, determine whether modules are surface- or flush-mounted for the walls and furniture. VACUUBRAND offers suitable mounting bases for both. This makes VACUU·LAN networks suitable for installation in existing laboratories, integration in newly planned laboratory furniture, and expansion of existing older networks.
3. Step - Selection of modules and control
VACUUBRAND offers both manual and electronic control modules to give you the control you need at each point-of-use. The modules are easy to clean and the integrated check valves prevent contamination between different applications. For workstations that require independent control, a VACUU·SELECT controller provides an intuitive application-based control solution.
4. Step - PTFE networks and connection elements
VACUU·LAN networks use PTFE tubing and PVDF compression fittings, which make installation quick and simple. Our product specialists will be glad to work with you to suggest routings and the best equipment to give you the best vacuum system possible. Contact us today!
The VACUU·LAN® construction kit
VACUUBRAND offers a wide range of oil-free vacuum pumps that can be used for the VACUU·LAN local vacuum network. Choose the pump that best fits the size of your network and meets your performance, control and budget requirements.
VACUU·LAN networks use flexible PTFE tubing and PVDF compression fittings, which makes it quick and simple to install a leak-tight vacuum system.
VACUU·LAN local vacuum networks use specially designed vacuum fixtures to allow for easy application connection. Check valves protect against contamination.
We will be happy to assist you
In modern laboratory buildings, vacuum supply is one of the utilities typically designed in to the facility because it is so often needed. After all, vacuum is required for many different applications - whether evaporation, distillation, drying, or even liquid extraction and filtration. These applications are well-covered by the reliable chemistry-rated diaphragm pumps used to power VACUU·LAN networks. VACUUBRAND's VACUU·LAN local vacuum networks offer a solution optimized for the laboratory that keeps capital costs low, reduces service and maintenance costs, and saves valuable workspace. At the same time, the adaptability of the system lets VACUU·LAN networks evolve as the research evolves.
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For Lab Planners
For lab planners and other designers, we offer our comprehensive guide on VACUU·LAN network equipment selection. The guide will help you select the right pumps and fixtures, and optimize the design for your laboratory.
