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Purchasing Guide

Lab Manager's Guide to Buying a Vacuum Pump

Laboratory Vacuum Pump Buyer's Guide: 2021

There are many different types of vacuum pumps to choose from, including rotary vane, dry diaphragm, hybrid, dry scroll, and turbomolecular pumps

by Lab Manager
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7 Questions to Ask When Buying a Vacuum Pump

Vacuum pumps are suitable for a wide range of applications, including aspiration, freeze drying, rotary evaporation, solvent degassing, tissue culture, and numerous others. There are many different types of vacuum pumps to choose from, including rotary vane, dry diaphragm, hybrid, dry scroll, and turbomolecular pumps. Vacuum pump technology is also becoming more environmentally friendly, with many oil-free and energy efficient options.

  1. What depth of vacuum is required for the intended applications? There are many options for low, medium, high, and even ultra-high vacuum.
  2. What is the pumping capacity at the intended vacuum level?
  3. Is a dry (oil-free) pump suitable? They do not require oil changes and have lower overall maintenance costs.
  4. What types of solvents will be used? Will the pump require a corrosion-resistant flow path?
  5. Are any other supplies or accessories required?
  6. How much noise does the vacuum pump generate?
  7. What are the ongoing costs of operation (maintenance costs, energy consumption)?

Resource Guide

Over the past 25 years, it has become apparent that vendors have made significant innovative improvements to vacuum pumps. Download this resource to learn more about advances in vacuum pump technology, as well as the benefits of automated vacuum pumps.

LabManager.com/ PRG-2021-vacuum-pumps



Maintenance Tip

Vacuum pumps may be exposed to organic solvents, water vapors, acids, and particulate matter that can cause damage. Using a vacuum pump inlet trap can capture these and other contaminants before they enter the pump. A vacuum inlet trap with replaceable media can absorb organic solvent vapors, neutralize acids, or remove particulates or oils, and some vendors offer transparent trap housing so users can visually inspect the media.