Leybold develops new oil diffusion pumps for research and industry

Diffusion pump technology was developed over hundred years ago. It is still used today in many areas of research and industry to generate high and ultra-high vacuum. This is not least due to the efficient operating principle: the robust "workhorses" form hot oil vapours to transport the gas molecules out of the pump chamber and pump them out via the fore-vacuum port.

With no moving wearing parts, the vacuum pumps can be operated very reliably and with low maintenance.

The new DIFFVAC DP series from Leybold stands for sustainability: the three model sizes DP 12 K, DP 20 K, DP 30 K and DP 50 K are fully geared towards energy efficiency, robustness and uninterrupted operating times. The heating system in particular minimises power consumption and enables rapid operational readiness.

The longer maintenance cycles and easy maintenance are a major plus for users. For example, the heating cartridges can be replaced by the user, partly because they are individually fused. Pumps are equipped with robust monitoring systems, safeguarding the pump in all conditions.

"Up to 30 percent energy savings can be achieved with an energy efficiency controller and a further 20 percent through the improved insulation of the DIFFVAC DP," explains Product Manager Tanvi Hulawale from Leybold. The energy efficiency controller (EEC) can be easily retrofitted by the customer and can be wired in the terminal box without any changes to the pump. "An additional extension to the process control of the DIFFVAC DP consists of improved monitoring options for the oil and heating temperature," adds Tanvi. Reliable thermostat sensors with an automatic switch-off device also ensure greater safety and better pump protection.

Like the DP series, the new OB series from Leybold is also operated in conjunction with backing pumps. Water-cooled and based on the oil diffusion principle, the two DIFFVAC models OB 400 and OB 630 are particularly suitable for industrial high vacuum applications. Thanks to the high component quality and long operating time as well as the high pumping speed in the pressure range from 10-2 to 10-3 mbar, they are ideal for special metallurgy applications, among other things. In these processes, for example, the deposited dust can be easily removed without having to change the oil.

Another positive feature for users is that the electrical terminal box supplies the power centrally and has individual fuses to protect the heaters. As with the DIFFVAC DP series, the pump with the terminal box of the OB series are also prepared for the installation of the energy efficiency controller - so that operating cost reductions of up to 30 percent can be easily achieved.