Types of vacuum pumps to know before purchasing

When selecting a vacuum pump, you must consider several factors in mind, so that you can choose the best model that meets your needs. Your choice directly depends on how you intend to you. There are lot of options available depending upon various aspects, such as necessary flow rate, displacement capacities, chemical resistance, vacuum level, lubrication, and many more. You need to know certain basic things, before purchasing a vacuum pump.

Types of vacuum pump

The main types of vacuum pumps used in laboratories for concentration, evaporation, and freeze drying are rotary vane, diaphragm, liquid ring, scroll, and turbo-molecular. The choice should be made as per your need, along with the technology used and your budget plan.

Rotary vane (RV): If you’re looking for a high-performance pump at a lower price, you can consider RV pump. This pump use oil to ensure a tight seal. Any solvent that’s not recovered before they it gets into RV pump can condense in the oil, thereby causing damage to pump’s interior. Hence, it’s vital to collect the evaporated vapors to protect the pump. Smaller in size compared to other types, it can reach deep vacuum levels, making it an ideal choice for freeze drying methods.

Diaphragm pump: Mainly used in food industry (for pumping liquids like syrups, chocolate, and water), this Diaphragm pump can also be used in cosmetics industry (for gels and creams). It’s highly resistant to chemicals and corrosion and can be used for any kind of corrosive, acidic, and viscous product. It operates using pulsing motion that opens and shuts valves to move air. The vacuum level of this pump is lower than RV and hence not applicable for freeze-drying. Since it is corrosion and chemical resistant, it’s a good choice for both concentration and evaporation.

Liquid ring pump: Producing a maximum flow rate of 30,000m³/h, the liquid ring pump can be best choice in industries such as sugar factories, mines, power plants, petroleum refineries, and distilleries, etc. It is not sensitive to passage of small solid particles or liquids, or vapors.

Scroll pumps: It’s mainly used for dry and clean vacuum pumping. Though it has higher up-front cost, the lifetime operation expense is much lower as it doesn’t need oil and requires a very little maintenance.

Turbo-molecular pump: It operates on the same theory as compressor and also it comes with advantage of not using oil. But its complex technology makes it expensive to buy and it also needs additional maintenance than other types of vacuum pumps.

For more information related to pump installation, maintenance, and costs, you can contact LeDab vacuum pumps. LeDab is one of the leading suppliers of vacuum pumps, drying freezers, and other laboratory equipments.