Types of Vacuum Pumps Used in Laboratories and Their Benefits

Vacuum pumps are essential laboratory equipment as they create the vacuum environment required for various scientific experiments and production processes. To decide which type of vacuum pump your laboratory requires, you need to know and understand the different types and their specific benefits. This article will discuss the two major types of vacuum pumps based on functionality, advantages, and most applicable uses.

Common Types of Laboratory Vacuum Pumps and Their Applications

Laboratory Filtration can be broadly categorised as Aqueous and Solvent-Based.

Aqueous filtration setups filter water-based solutions like buffers, cell culture media, and biological samples.

Solvent-Based Filtration is used for filtering organic solvents, oils, and aggressive chemicals. For example, HPLC sample preparation & Filtration in organic synthesis solvent recovery systems and Rotary Evaporations.

Advantages of Using Vacuum Pumps in Laboratories

Using high-quality vacuum pumps like those from Borosil Scientific provides laboratories with several advantages:

• Chemical Resistance: PTFE is used to construct chemical-resistant pumps, enhancing their ability to withstand corrosive chemicals and making them highly suitable for harsh chemical environments. This feature is important for laboratories that frequently handle corrosive chemicals, ensuring the equipment remains functional and effective over long periods.

• Maintenance and Operational Efficiency: Oil-free pumps require minimal routine maintenance and are highly user-friendly, promoting a clean and efficient laboratory environment. This reduces the total cost of ownership and limits downtime during maintenance procedures.

• Enhanced Precision and Control: Several high-end vacuum pumps can provide high control over the vacuum, which may be necessary to preserve certain atmospheric conditions that a given process requires. This type of control offers the reproducibility of experiments or processes, which results in more accurate results.

• Energy Efficiency: Modern vacuum pumps are designed to consume less energy, reducing operational costs and contributing to the lab environment’s sustainability. This is very important for facilities that intend to reduce their carbon footprint and operational expenses.

Applications of Vacuum Pumps in Laboratories

Vacuum filtrations are widely used in laboratories for their efficiency and effectiveness in separating solids from liquids. They offer a faster filtration process with high efficiency and reduce operator effort. They also provide consistency and reproducibility through uniform vacuum application, ensuring sterile conditions throughout the process.

Selecting the Right Vacuum Pump for Your Lab

Choosing the right vacuum pump requires understanding your laboratory’s specific needs. Some of the most popular vacuum pumps are:

1. Chemical Resistant Vacuum Pumps

Chemical-resistant vacuum pumps, particularly those constructed with PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), are designed to withstand harsh chemical vapours from inlet to exhaust without compromise. The unique construction of these pumps offers several noteworthy benefits:

• High Chemical Resistance: The PTFE material offers excellent resistance to acid, alkaline, and solvent vapours, allowing the pump to work satisfactorily in challenging conditions.
• Vacuum Performance – 

Ultimate Vacuum Level: Choose a pump with a vacuum level suitable for your application, such as a low vacuum for filtration or a deep vacuum for rotary evaporation.

Typical range: 2–100 mbar.

Flow Rate: Match the flow rate to the system requirements (L/min or m³/h) based on the volume of gas/vapour to be handled.

• Durability: PTFE-based diaphragms are durable and often require less frequent replacement.
• Maintenance-Free Operation: Because chemical-resistant diaphragm vacuum pumps are oil-free, they maintain maintenance-free operation. There is no need for oil changes, reducing the total maintenance cost.
• Enhanced Safety and Convenience: These pumps offer quiet operation with reduced leakage and low vibration. They also include thermal protection devices to prevent overheating, enhancing operational safety.

The Borosil Scientific Chemical Resistant Vacuum Pump (Product Code: BORO CR) contains these features, making it an ideal choice for laboratories dealing with volatile chemicals and seeking reliability without the environmental burden of waste-oil disposal from traditional rotary vane pumps

2. Oil-Free Vacuum Pumps

The oil-free vacuum pump is another type designed to meet the needs of labs requiring clean and consistent vacuum performance. Key features of this type include:

• Efficient Performance: The Boro-017 Vacuum Pump operates on a piston-driven, oil-free mechanism that guarantees a clean, continuous, and reliable high-flow vacuum performance.
• Longevity and Protection: The integrated air inlet filter cartridge removes particles and moisture, effectively protecting the pump and prolonging its lifespan.
• User-Friendly Design: These pumps are compact, lightweight, and user-friendly, fitting seamlessly into any laboratory setup. Their built-in thermal protection device and vacuum regulator enhance usability and safety.
• Noise Reduction: Operating with minimal noise, the oil-free piston vacuum pump allows for a more comfortable laboratory environment.

Maintenance Tips for Laboratory Vacuum Pumps for Top Performance

Proper maintenance is essential to ensure that your laboratory vacuum pump operates at its best level and lasts longer. Here are some easy tips to keep your vacuum pumps in top condition:

• Routine Inspections: Routine checks of the vacuum pumps for wear or damage, leaks, unusual operating noises, or vibrations may indicate a problem that needs immediate attention.
• Cleaning of Filters: Your air filters must be clean to prevent blockages that may reduce the efficiency of your pump. Filters must be cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendation or more frequently if they are used in a dusty environment.
• Check for Wear and Tear: Inspect all mechanical parts, such as seals and bearings, for signs of wear. Replace worn-out parts promptly to prevent faults and maintain optimal performance.
• Lubrication: Many modern pumps are oil-free, but some still need lubrication. Lubricating fluids should be checked regularly to ensure the correct oil levels in models requiring it. For best performance, use a lubricating fluid type recommended by the pump manufacturer.
• Keep the Area Clean: Keep the area around the vacuum pump clean and debris-free. Debris could get sucked into the pump system, which would make the environment dirty and lower the efficiency of the pump.
• Monitor Performance:  The vacuum pressure and other operation parameters should be checked regularly so that the pump works within desired limits. Deviations from normal performance can sometimes indicate the need for maintenance or repairs.

Conclusion

Whether you are setting up a new lab or replacing older equipment, consider the long run: invest in a reliable, efficient, and versatile vacuum pump. From reliability and efficiency to adaptability, our range of vacuum pumps are tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern laboratories. To find out how our vacuum pumps can transform your business or to connect with us, please visit our website.