Customer stories
The durable diaphragm vacuum pump MZ 2C has earned its name as the "Best Lab Assistant."
© Ruhr-Universität Bochum
We were looking for durable vacuum pumps from VACUUBRAND – and found a real treasure: Katarzyna Schulz is Technical Director of the practical lab course for biology and medical students at Ruhr University Bochum. Her diaphragm vacuum pump MZ 2C has been in service since 1992 and has accompanied virtually all students. In this interview, we talk about durability, everyday lab life, and the special relationship with the "best lab assistant."
Katarzyna Schulz
© Ruhr-Universität Bochum
The person behind the lab – what does your workday look like?
Katarzyna Schulz: I've been working as a chemical-technical assistant since 2002 and have been responsible for organizing and supervising practical courses for biology and medical students for eleven years. It's a very diverse job: I prepare all chemicals and equipment, train the teaching assistants, and supervise students during their practical work. I'm also continuously present as support staff in the main organic chemistry lab course.
In my private life, I'm passionate about salsa dancing – it's the perfect balance. I'm also currently learning to ride horses and spend a lot of time cycling.
Is the MZ 2C really 33 years old and still in use?
Katarzyna Schulz: Exactly – it was already here before I even came to the university. The diaphragm vacuum pump MZ 2C has been in use in our laboratories since 1992 and has proven to be an extremely reliable "best lab assistant" over the years. Our two practical course rooms each have seven workstations. We're equipped with a total of six pumps: four MZ 2C units and two newer pumps from VACUUBRAND.
The evolution of the MZ 2C
The MZ 2C is a predecessor model of today's MZ 2C NT. It was developed as the first chemically resistant diaphragm vacuum pump for laboratory use. The fact that it's still in daily operation after more than three decades underscores its quality and durability.
→ Read the history of the MZ 2C
→ Discover current models
What do you particularly appreciate about the MZ 2C?
Katarzyna Schulz: Its robust construction. The vacuum pump is easy to disassemble, and replacing wear parts is straightforward. That's worth its weight in gold in practical course operations. Thanks to its simple design, I can also explain how it works to students in a very hands-on way – that has real educational value.
What are the vacuum pumps used for?
Katarzyna Schulz: Primarily for vacuum distillations and vacuum filtrations – these are standard procedures. The pumps are used continuously in both the biology and medical student labs as well as in the main organic chemistry practical course. During the main practical courses from January to July, the units run almost daily. In the minor subject practical courses from August to December, we use them at longer intervals, about every few weeks. Overall, virtually all students work with these pumps at some point during their studies.
What makes a good practical course pump?
Katarzyna Schulz: In university operations, three things are of central importance: easy operation, high reliability, and manageable maintenance requirements. Vacuum pumps like the MZ 2C meet all these requirements, which is why they have been established as standard equipment in our laboratories for decades.
We thank Katarzyna Schulz and Ruhr University Bochum for the interview.
The "Oldie but a goodie" challenge: Katarzyna Schulz participated with the MZ 2C from the 1990s. Do you also have an "oldie" in operation?
