Oil-Seal, Rotary Vane vacuum pumps pull millitorr-level vacuum (‘high vacuum”) by sweeping intake air and vapors from the intake port around to the exhaust port. Note in the diagram above how the rotor is offset in the chamber, or “stator”. The rotor is set with only 1/1000” clearance from the top of the stator. Vacuum pump oil seals this tiny gap and prevents regurgitation of the airflow. For this reason, this technology is referred to as “oil seal, rotary vane” vacuum pumps. Vacuum pump oil also lubricates the vanes, which are spring-loaded so they always push to the inside wall of the stator, allowing for very efficient sweeping action.
Properly maintained vacuum pumps, such as rotary vane pumps, etc, will provide many years of reliable, maximized performance. Below are some simple ways to maintain such rotary vane vacuum pumps as well as options for what to do when pump performance is compromised due to oil contamination and degradation.Principles of OperationOil-Seal, Rotary Vane vacuum pumps … Read more
