Agilent MS40+ Single-Stage Oil-Sealed Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump

Overview

The Agilent MS40+ is a single-stage, oil-sealed rotary vane vacuum pump engineered specifically as a high-performance forepump for mass spectrometry systems—including LC/MS and ICP-MS platforms—where stable, clean, and reliable rough vacuum generation is critical. Operating on the principle of positive displacement via rotating vanes within an eccentrically mounted rotor chamber, the MS40+ achieves consistent volumetric flow rates across its operational pressure range while maintaining mechanical robustness under continuous duty cycles. Its compact footprint (298 × 419 × 266 mm) and 33 kg mass enable seamless integration into instrument cabinets and analytical workstations without compromising structural stability or thermal management. Designed and manufactured in the United States by Agilent Technologies, the MS40+ meets stringent OEM requirements for vacuum integrity, hydrocarbon-free exhaust profiles, and long-term operational reproducibility in regulated laboratory environments.

Key Features

• Single-stage rotary vane architecture optimized for rapid pump-down and sustained operation at pressures between 10⁻¹ and 10⁻² mbar
• Variable-frequency drive (VFD) motor enabling precise control of rotational speed (rpm), allowing dynamic adjustment of pumping speed and inlet pressure to match system demand
• Integrated exhaust and pump oil filtration system featuring a replaceable filter element—reducing oil mist carryover, minimizing maintenance intervals, and extending oil service life
• Ultimate pressure performance rated at < 5 × 10⁻² mbar under standard conditions (23 °C, dry air, ISO 21360-1 compliant test protocol)
• Compatibility with Agilent’s AVF Gold and AVF Platinum synthetic hydrocarbon-based pump oils—formulated for low vapor pressure, oxidation resistance, and compatibility with high-vacuum downstream components
• Robust cast-aluminum housing with precision-machined internal components ensuring dimensional stability and reduced vibration transmission

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MS40+ is intended exclusively for use as a forepump in high-vacuum applications where hydrocarbon contamination must be minimized—including but not limited to quadrupole and time-of-flight mass spectrometers, residual gas analyzers, and electron microscopy support systems. It is not designed for corrosive, condensable, or reactive gas handling without external trapping or scrubbing. The pump complies with CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. While not intrinsically safe, its design supports integration into instruments certified under IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment safety. Routine operation aligns with GLP and GMP environmental monitoring expectations when paired with appropriate audit-trail-capable control interfaces.

Software & Data Management

The MS40+ operates as a standalone mechanical device without embedded firmware or digital communication ports. However, its variable-frequency motor is compatible with externally supplied 0–10 V analog or Modbus RTU signals for remote speed regulation—enabling integration into centralized vacuum management systems used in multi-instrument laboratories. When deployed with Agilent MassHunter or OpenLab CDS platforms, pump status (e.g., run time, thermal load trends) may be logged indirectly via auxiliary sensors or PLC-linked I/O modules. No onboard data storage or FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records are provided; full traceability requires third-party SCADA or LIMS interfacing.

Applications

• Rough vacuum supply for turbomolecular pumps in LC/MS and ICP-MS instrumentation
• Backing pump for cryogenic and ion getter pumps in ultra-high vacuum research setups
• Vacuum generation in surface science chambers requiring stable base pressure below 10⁻¹ mbar
• Gas evacuation in sample introduction systems, including desolvation and nebulization stages
• Support vacuum for plasma etching and thin-film deposition pre-chamber conditioning (when equipped with appropriate gas ballast and filtration)

FAQ

Is the MS40+ suitable for pumping corrosive gases such as HCl or Cl₂?
No. The MS40+ uses standard elastomeric seals and hydrocarbon-based lubricants incompatible with aggressive halogenated or acidic vapors. Dedicated chemically resistant pumps or cold traps are required.
What is the recommended oil change interval under continuous operation?
With AVF Platinum oil and typical LC/MS duty cycles (8–12 hrs/day), oil replacement is advised every 6 months or 3,000 operating hours—whichever occurs first—as per Agilent Technical Bulletin TB-MS-007.
Can the MS40+ be operated vertically or inverted?
No. It must be installed in the orientation specified in the operator’s manual (base-mounted, level position) to ensure proper oil distribution and vane lubrication.
Does the MS40+ include a gas ballast valve?
Yes. A manually adjustable gas ballast valve is integrated to facilitate removal of condensable vapors during initial pump-down or moisture-laden operations.
Is remote monitoring of motor temperature or oil level supported?
Not natively. These parameters require external thermocouples or capacitive oil-level sensors connected to a supervisory control system.