How to select lab vacuum pumps
How to select lab vacuum pumps
- Vacuum Depth and Pumping Capacity:Determine the minimum pressure (vacuum depth) needed for your application and the volume of gas the pump needs to handle (pumping capacity).
- Oil-Free vs. Oil-Lubricated:Oil-free pumps are generally preferred for lab use due to lower maintenance and reduced contamination risk, but they may not achieve the same vacuum depth as oil-lubricated pumps.
- Chemical Compatibility:If working with corrosive solvents, ensure the pump has a corrosion-resistant flow path to prevent damage and avoid the need for cold traps.
- Noise Level:Consider the noise generated by the pump, especially in a lab environment where quiet conditions are desired.
- Cost:Factor in the initial purchase price, energy consumption, and ongoing maintenance costs (e.g., oil changes, filter replacements).
- Application Specifics:Different applications (rotary evaporation, filtration, vacuum ovens, etc.) may require different pump types and performance characteristics.
- Control System:Consider the level of control needed. Manual control offers simplicity, while two-point control allows for unattended operation.
- Additional Features:Some pumps offer features like regulators, gauges, and compatibility with specific chemicals.
- Diaphragm pumps:Affordable, oil-free, and suitable for many lab applications, especially with a corrosion-resistant flow path.
- Rotary vane pumps:Can achieve deeper vacuum levels, but may require more maintenance and can be noisier.
- Scroll pumps:Offer higher pumping speeds and deeper vacuum levels than diaphragm pumps, but may be more expensive.