Pfeiffer Vacuum HiScroll Series Dry Scroll Vacuum Pump
| Brand | Pfeiffer Vacuum |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Product Type | Oil-Free Dry Scroll Pump |
| Model | HiScroll 18 |
| Pumping Speed | 18.1 m³/h |
| Ultimate Pressure (Gas Ballast Off) | 6 × 10⁻³ hPa |
| Noise Level | 47 dB(A) |
| Power Consumption | 210–280 W |
| Motor | Brushless DC |
| Interface | RS-485 / ProfiNet |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 419 × 265 × 304 mm |
| Weight | 23 kg |
| Water Vapor Tolerance | ≤24 hPa (with gas ballast) |
Overview
The Pfeiffer Vacuum HiScroll 18 is a high-performance, oil-free dry scroll vacuum pump engineered for demanding laboratory and industrial applications requiring clean, reliable, and maintenance-efficient roughing vacuum generation. Based on proven scroll compression technology, the HiScroll 18 operates without lubricating oil—eliminating hydrocarbon backstreaming, contamination risk, and associated cleaning or oil disposal procedures. Its dual-stage scroll mechanism achieves stable, pulsation-free pumping action with minimal vibration and acoustic emission—critical for sensitive instrumentation such as mass spectrometers, residual gas analyzers, and leak detection systems. Designed and manufactured in Germany to ISO 9001-certified quality standards, the HiScroll 18 delivers a nominal pumping speed of 18.1 m³/h and an ultimate pressure of 6 × 10⁻³ hPa (gas ballast closed), with enhanced water vapor handling capability up to 24 hPa when gas ballast is engaged. The integrated brushless DC motor enables precise speed control, energy efficiency, and extended service life—validated by over 15,500 hours of continuous endurance testing under representative load conditions.
Key Features
- Oil-free operation ensures hydrocarbon-free vacuum environments—essential for analytical instrumentation, semiconductor processing, and GLP/GMP-compliant laboratories.
- Ultra-low noise emission (47 dB(A)) and mechanical vibration—optimized for integration into benchtop systems and shared lab spaces.
- Intelligent thermal management via demand-controlled air cooling reduces power consumption and eliminates need for external water cooling.
- Integrated non-return valve and sealed scroll chamber prevent back-diffusion and protect downstream vacuum components during shutdown.
- Digital communication interfaces (RS-485 and optional ProfiNet) enable seamless integration into Industry 4.0-ready vacuum networks and centralized monitoring platforms.
- Extended maintenance intervals—up to 15,500 operating hours between major service events—lower total cost of ownership and minimize system downtime.
- Energy-efficient brushless DC motor delivers 15% higher power density than conventional AC motors, reducing heat generation and cooling demands.
- Automatic pressure control mode (optional) allows real-time regulation of inlet pressure via variable-speed operation—ideal for dynamic process applications.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HiScroll 18 is compatible with a broad range of process gases—including air, nitrogen, argon, helium, and moderate concentrations of water vapor and solvents—making it suitable for vacuum drying, degassing, sputtering, and plasma etching environments. Its robust scroll geometry tolerates transient exposure to condensable vapors without performance degradation, provided gas ballast is activated where appropriate. The pump complies with CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. All electrical and safety documentation conforms to IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emissions). While not intrinsically rated for ATEX zones, it may be deployed in Zone 2 environments when installed per manufacturer-specified venting and grounding protocols. For regulated pharmaceutical or biotech applications, the pump supports audit-ready operation when paired with compliant vacuum controllers logging runtime, temperature, pressure, and fault events per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines.
Software & Data Management
The HiScroll 18 supports native integration with Pfeiffer Vacuum’s VACUU·VIEW and VACUU·BUS software suites via RS-485 Modbus RTU or ProfiNet. These tools provide real-time monitoring of operational parameters—including rotational speed, motor current, bearing temperature, inlet pressure, and cumulative runtime—as well as configurable alarm thresholds and event logging. Data export in CSV or XML format facilitates traceability and trend analysis across multi-pump installations. When deployed in conjunction with HiPace turbomolecular pumps, the system enables fully automated pressure cascade control, optimizing pump staging and minimizing energy use across the full vacuum range from atmosphere to <10⁻⁹ hPa. Firmware updates are performed remotely via secure USB or network interface, ensuring long-term compatibility with evolving laboratory automation frameworks.
Applications
- Mass spectrometry (MS) and residual gas analysis (RGA) systems requiring ultra-clean roughing vacuum.
- Leak detection systems using helium or hydrogen tracer gases—benefiting from low base pressure and rapid pump-down.
- R&D laboratories performing vacuum deposition, thin-film coating, and electron microscopy sample preparation.
- Accelerator beamlines and synchrotron facilities where hydrocarbon-free vacuum integrity is mandatory.
- Vacuum drying and freeze-drying processes in pharmaceutical and food science applications.
- Gas recovery and purification loops in semiconductor manufacturing and specialty gas production.
- Education and teaching labs requiring durable, quiet, and intuitive vacuum sources for undergraduate and graduate instruction.
FAQ
Is the HiScroll 18 suitable for continuous duty operation?
Yes—the HiScroll 18 is rated for 24/7 operation under specified ambient and inlet conditions, with validated endurance exceeding 15,500 hours.
Can it be used as a standalone roughing pump for turbomolecular pumps?
Yes—it is specifically designed to serve as a primary backing pump for Pfeiffer HiPace series turbomolecular pumps, providing optimal compression ratio and thermal stability.
Does it require periodic oil changes or filter replacements?
No—being a dry scroll pump, it contains no oil; only the intake filter (if installed) requires periodic inspection and replacement based on particulate load.
What is the recommended ambient temperature range for installation?
The pump is certified for continuous operation between +10 °C and +40 °C, with adequate ventilation and unrestricted airflow around the cooling fins.
How is compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 addressed?
While the pump itself is not a data-generating device, its digital interface supports time-stamped operational logs when connected to compliant supervisory software—enabling electronic records and signature workflows required for regulated environments.
