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Laboratory Vacuum Pumps

How Lab Vacuum Pumps Work & How Leasing Benefits Your Lab

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Vacuum pump diagram

Vacuum pumps are essential in many laboratory environments.

General lab equipment

A vacuum is defined as a space devoid of matter, including gas. Though outer space comes the closest, a truly perfect vacuum does not exist. Practically speaking, most manufactured vacuums are simply spaces where the pressure is significantly lower than the external atmospheric pressure. These partial vacuums have many applications in biology, chemistry, and clinical research.

Vacuum pumps, which can range from benchtop units to much larger systems, are used in experiments that involve aspirating, controlling, or inducing solvent evaporation in concentrators. Vacuum ovens, desiccators, driers, and rotary evaporators are other types of lab equipment that use vacuum pumps. Without a vacuum, rotary evaporation would not be possible. Though standalone vacuum pumps are top-rated devices, most only provide enough power for one workstation.

More sophisticated vacuum systems also exist which can service multiple workstations, providing an alternative to buying multiple pumps. Other than the number of workstations, the type of chemicals or concentrations you are using should be considered when getting a lab vacuum pump system.

Vacuum Pump Types & Vacuum Depths

A hand with an extended index finger balancing a nut and bolt

There are many different vacuum pumps, most of which comprise stainless steel hardware. Both oil and oil-less pumps exist, each with distinct advantages. Pumps sometimes use oil to help create and maintain the vacuum environment while preventing corrosion inside the pump.

However, these types of pumps require more maintenance and need to have their oil changed periodically. Another primary consideration is the vacuum’s strength, quality, or depth that you need.

  • Low: Also known as coarse or rough vacuum, used chiefly for moving liquids.
  • Medium: This can be achieved using one pump, which is appropriate for solvent recovery.
  • High: Normally requiring multi-stage pumpin

Depending on these specifications and the vacuum applications you will be performing, some pumps will make more sense than others. Below is a list of the most common types.

Rotary Vane

Rotary vane vacuum pumps, also known as RV pumps, are high-performance, oil-sealed pumps.

These are some of the most common vacuum pumps found in laboratories and, due to their use of oil, can reach deeper pressures than dry lab vacuum pumps. The oil used must be changed periodically, and maintenance is typically recommended after every 3,000 hours. An example of one includes the high vacuum pump. It is a two-stage, direct drive rotary vane pump that offers a high or ultra-high vacuum, ideal for research, development, and industrial fields.

Diaphragm

Along with piston pumps, diaphragm vacuum pumps offer an oil-free vacuum solution. Instead of using oil to create an airtight seal, these pumps use a variety of valves that open and close in a pulsing motion similar to the human heart. These pumps operate at a much lower pressure than those using oil.

Combination

Also referred to as hybrid pumps, this type of pump combines the functionality of both a diaphragm and a rotary vane pump. The diaphragm pump keeps the oil in the RV pump under vacuum pressure, reducing the need for oil changes. Combination pumps are best suited for substances with high vapor loads but also need the fine vacuum of an RV pump. Acids and freeze dryers are two examples of such applications.

Scroll

Like the piston style, scroll pumps are another dry pump type often found in labs. These pumps are called dry scrolls because they use two spiral scrolls to compress the air and vapors before they are moved to the exhaust. These can achieve much deeper vacuum levels and higher pumping speeds than other dry pumps. Scroll pumps are often used to de-gas, distill, or concentrate substances.

Vacuum Pump Leases to Fit Every Lab’s Need

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Founder-Friendly Leases

Our lease agreements are founder-friendly and flexible, helping you preserve working capital, strengthen the cash flow of your business, and keep business credit lines open for expansions, staffing, and other crucial operational expenses and business development opportunities.

2-5 Year Lease Lengths

Leases range from 2 to 5 years. Length will depend on several factors, including how long you want to use the equipment, equipment type, and your company’s financial position. These are standard factors leasing companies consider and help us tailor a lease agreement to fit your needs.

Your Choice of Manufacturer

We don’t carry an inventory. This means you’re not limited to a specific set of manufacturers. Instead, you can pick the equipment that aligns with your business goals and preferences. We’ll work with the manufacturer of your choice to get the equipment in your facility as quickly as possible.

Maintenance & Repair Coverage

Bundle preventive maintenance and repair coverage with your lease agreement. You can spread those payments over time. Easily maintain your equipment, minimize the chances something will break down, repair instrumentation quickly, and simplify your payment processes.

End-of-Lease Options

At the end of your lease, you have multiple options. You can either renew the lease at a significantly lower price, purchase the machine outright based on the fair market value of the original pricing, or call it a day and we’ll come the pick up the equipment for you free of charge.

No Loan-Like Terms

Our leases do not include loan-like terms, which can be restrictive or harmful in certain situations. We do not require debt covenants, IP pledges, collateral,  or equity participation. Our goal is to maximize your flexibility. When you lease with us, you’re collaborating with a true business partner.

In-House Underwriting Process

Our underwriting is done in-house. You can expect quicker turnaround, allowing you respond to your equipment needs as they arise. We require less documentation than traditional lenders and financiers and can get the equipment you need in operation more quickly.