2015 Vacuum Pumps Survey Results

Vacuum pumps are an essential piece of equipment and are used in a wide variety of processes in most laboratories. Over the past 25 years, it has become apparent that vendors have made significant innovative improvements to vacuum pumps, with important developments in high vacuum technology, corrosion resistance, vacuum control, and improvements in the efficiency and ecological impact of vacuum pumps.

Written byTrevor Henderson, PhD
| 2 min read


vacuum pumps survey saysTop 6 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Vacuum Pump

  1. What will you be using the vacuum for? Filtration needs modest vacuum. Evaporation requires deeper vacuum. Molecular distillation requires even more. Match the pump to the use.
  2. Can you use a dry (oil-free) vacuum pump? Oil-free vacuum pumps can support most lab applications. For the service advantages, choose a dry pump where possible.
  3. What is the pumping capacity at the intended vacuum level? Actual pumping speed declines from the nominal speed as depth of vacuum increases. The rate of decline differs among pumps.
  4. Do you work with corrosive media? Standard duty pumps have lower purchase costs, but corrosion-resistant pumps will have lower lifetime costs if working with corrosives.
  5. Should you invest in vacuum control? Electronics can improve reproducibility, protect samples, and shorten process times when specific vacuum conditions need to be maintained.
  6. What is the lifetime cost of operation? Include purchase cost, service intervals, servicing cost, pump protection (e.g., filters, cold traps), and staff time for operation.

Types of vacuum pump used by survey respondents:

Oil-free diaphragm pump46%
Oil-sealed direct drive pump44%
Oil-sealed belt-drive pump25%
Central vacuum to bench turrets20%
Water jet aspirator vacuum17%
Compressed air systems17%
Oil-free scroll pump13%
Other4%

Vacuum pump applications as reported by survey respondents:

Vacuum or pressure filtration62%
Degassing33%
Mass spectrometry27%
Rotary evaporator27%
Liquid aspiration23%
Freeze drying21%
Vacuum oven13%
Gel dryer8%
Other13%

Nearly 57% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new vacuum pump. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:

Replacement of aging pump
63%
 
Addition to existing systems, increase capacity
15%
Setting up a new lab
8%
First time purchase of a pump
7%
Other
7%

Top 10 Features/Factors Respondents Look for When Purchasing a Vacuum Pump:

Durability of product89%
Value for price paid72%
Ease of use72%
Leak tightness71%
High suction59%
Oil-fee/contamination-free pumping53%
Maintenance costs50%
On-site maintenance/cleaning50%
Safety and health features45%
Warranties45%

For more information on vacuum pumps, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/vacuum-pumps

See the most recent survey results

About the Author

  • Trevor Henderson headshot

    Trevor Henderson BSc (HK), MSc, PhD (c), has more than two decades of experience in the fields of scientific and technical writing, editing, and creative content creation. With academic training in the areas of human biology, physical anthropology, and community health, he has a broad skill set of both laboratory and analytical skills. Since 2013, he has been working with LabX Media Group developing content solutions that engage and inform scientists and laboratorians. He can be reached at thenderson@labmanager.com.

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