Oilless Vacuum Pump
Oilless vacuum pumps are one of many types of vacuum pumps, which are devices that create partial vacuums within an enclosed space. Oilless vacuum pumps are named as such because they function without the use of oil of any kind or any reason. These contrast with those vacuum pumps that use oil to either seal vacuums and/or create lubrication.
Quick links to Oilless Vacuum Pump Information
Features of Oilless Pumps
Oilless pumps have some semi-uniform features. For instance, typically, oilless vacuum pumps are manufactured using heavy duty stainless steel. This is because stainless steel, especially stainless steel, is very strong and highly resistant to contamination, rust, corrosion and other compromising conditions.
In addition, all oilless vacuum pumps are a type of positive displacement pump, and can be placed into one of three subcategories: helical screw, rotary lobe and claw. All three of these configuration designs feature two gear-synchronized rotors, which trap and compress gases as they enter. Helical screw pumps use two screw-like rotors with threads that fit together in order to trap the gas. Once the gas is trapped in between the flights of the screws, the gas is axially moved and then discharged. Rotary lobe vacuum pumps, on the other hand, are more like rotary vane pumps; they use two rolling rotors, which separate the chamber, in order to compress gas and convey it out.
Finally, claw dry vacuum pumps, as their name suggests, feature two claw-shaped rotors with which they compress gas. From here, the design of oilless vacuum pumps varies quite a bit. For example, depending on the requirements of the application and the nature of the environment in which they are placed, dry oilless vacuum pumps may be outfitted with vibration isolators and silencers. Also, some oilless vacuums are equipped with a cooling water jacket that offers a buffer as a means of counteracting the high internal temperatures that go along with the lack of an oil sealant.
Types of Oilless Vacuum Pumps
Most types of oilless vacuum pumps are dry vacuum pumps meaning they function without any fluid at all. Some, however, are not. These include most notably liquid ring pumps, which, while making no use of oil, do use a ring of water to create a seal. While vacuum pumps that use oil do create a tighter seal than those vacuum pumps that use either an alternative fluid or no fluid at all, they are generally more expensive than their oilless counterparts. Not only do oilless vacuum pumps have lower initial costs, but they have lower ongoing and maintenance costs as well.
For example, the amount of money it costs to recover after a dry pump failure is typically lower than the amount of money it costs to recover after an oil-seal pump failure, because the contamination of a vacuum enclosure by oil causes a great amount of damage. They also eliminate the need for the expensive process of contaminant disposal, as well as the need for oil checks.
Applications of Oilless Vacuum Pumps
Oilless vacuum pumps are important because they offer an alternative to those customers who need to create a vacuum, but cannot use oil, as their application is in a position where accidental exposure of people or products to the oil could cause injury or damage. They additionally offer an alternative to the traditionally used oil used in pumps, which contain polychlorinated biphenyls, which are less often used now that it is known that they are carcinogenic and toxic to both humans and the environment.
One major example of an industry in which oilless vacuum pumps are used is the medical industry, where medical professionals use them to avoid exposing their patients or medical instruments to oil. Similarly, oilless pumps are used in settings where oil, even in small amounts, could cause damage or contamination to sensitive instruments. An example of a setting such as this is a high-tech electronic fabrication plant. Oilless vacuum pumps are of equal value in a variety of industrial and commercial applications as well, including petrochemical processing, solvent recovery, material handling, dry etching, finishing, distilling and food manufacturing.
Things to Consider When Purchasing Oilless Vacuum Pumps
Find out more about how oilless vacuum pumps can be used and if they are right for your application by discussing your specifications and requirements with a qualified and reputable vacuum pump manufacturer. For your convenience and to help you find the best manufacturer possible, IQS has placed the respective descriptions, contact information and website links of those vacuum manufacturers with whom we partner near the top of this page. Begin your journey by browsing their websites and then reach out to one or more of them today.