Pfeiffer Vacuum HiPace 60P Turbo Molecular Pump

Overview

The Pfeiffer Vacuum HiPace 60P is a compact, high-performance oil-free turbo molecular pump engineered for demanding ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and high-vacuum (HV) applications in research laboratories, analytical instrumentation, and industrial process environments. Operating on the principle of momentum transfer—where high-speed rotating blades (up to ~90,000 rpm) impart directional kinetic energy to gas molecules—the HiPace 60P achieves efficient gas compression and exhaust against atmospheric pressure. Its robust rotor design, magnetically levitated or precision ball-bearing supported (depending on configuration), ensures long-term stability and minimal vibration. With a nominal nitrogen pumping speed of 64 L/s and an ultimate pressure below 1 × 10⁻⁶ hPa (equivalent to 1 × 10⁻⁸ mbar), the pump delivers consistent performance across a wide dynamic pressure range—from 10⁻⁸ hPa up to 10⁻¹ hPa—making it suitable as a primary high-vacuum pump in systems where hydrocarbon contamination must be strictly avoided.

Key Features

• Integrated TC 110 controller with digital interface (RS-485/USB optional), enabling real-time monitoring of rotational speed, temperature, voltage, and fault diagnostics
• IP54-rated enclosure for reliable operation in non-cleanroom industrial settings, including resistance to dust ingress and water splashing
• Multi-directional mounting capability—supports horizontal, vertical, or inverted installation without performance degradation
• Optimized blade geometry and balanced rotor assembly ensure low mechanical noise (< 55 dB(A)) and high operational reproducibility
• Gas-insensitive design: maintains stable pumping characteristics in the presence of particulates, condensable vapors, and trace hydrocarbons due to its open-stage architecture and absence of lubricants
• Flexible cooling options: air-cooled standard; optional water-cooling kit available for continuous-duty operation at elevated ambient temperatures

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HiPace 60P is compatible with inert, reactive, and corrosive gases—including N₂, O₂, Ar, He, H₂, CO, CO₂, and light hydrocarbons—provided appropriate foreline protection (e.g., cold trap or adsorption pump) is used for condensables. It meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per EN 61326-1 and safety standards per EN 61000-6-2/6-4. While not intrinsically rated for explosive atmospheres, it may be deployed in ATEX Zone 2-compliant systems when integrated with certified control logic. The pump supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through controller logging and configurable alarm thresholds; audit trails can be exported via TC 110’s data export function for regulatory review (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant documentation when paired with validated software platforms).

Software & Data Management

The TC 110 controller provides native support for Pfeiffer’s VacuGraph® PC software (Windows-based), enabling remote parameter configuration, real-time vacuum curve plotting, event logging, and firmware updates. All operational parameters—including rotational speed, bearing temperature, power consumption, and error codes—are timestamped and stored internally (up to 1,000 events). Data export is supported in CSV format for integration into LIMS or MES environments. Optional analog I/O (0–10 V / 4–20 mA) allows seamless interfacing with PLC-based vacuum system controllers. No proprietary drivers are required for USB connectivity; CDC-class enumeration ensures plug-and-play compatibility with modern OS platforms.

Applications

• Residual gas analysis (RGA) and mass spectrometry systems requiring clean, vibration-minimized UHV environments
• Surface science setups—including XPS, AES, and LEED—where hydrocarbon-free vacuum integrity is critical
• Electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) column vacuum stages and beamline components in synchrotron facilities
• Thin-film deposition systems (PVD, CVD, ALD) requiring rapid pump-down and stable base pressure
• Leak detection systems integrated with helium mass spectrometers (e.g., ASM 340 series), where fast response and low virtual leak contribution are essential
• Accelerator physics test stands and fusion-related diagnostic vacuum chambers operating under cyclic thermal loads

FAQ

What forevacuum backing pressure is required for stable operation?
The HiPace 60P requires a forepressure ≤ 15 hPa (1.5 mbar) for continuous operation; optimal performance is achieved at ≤ 5 hPa with a two-stage rotary vane or dry scroll backing pump.
Can the pump operate continuously at maximum speed?
Yes—when adequately cooled (air-cooled up to 35°C ambient; water-cooled up to 45°C)—the HiPace 60P is rated for indefinite duty cycle at full rotational speed.
Is helium pumping speed specified, and how does it compare to nitrogen?
Helium pumping speed is approximately 48 L/s (75% of N₂ speed), consistent with kinetic theory predictions for light-gas molecular flow regimes.
Does the TC 110 controller support Ethernet or Modbus communication?
No—TC 110 natively supports RS-485 and USB; Ethernet or Modbus RTU/TCP functionality requires an external protocol converter or integration via Pfeiffer’s VACUU·BUS gateway.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine operation?
Under normal laboratory conditions, no scheduled maintenance is required for the first 15,000 operating hours; annual visual inspection of inlet filter and cooling fins is advised. Rotor balancing verification is recommended every 30,000 hours or after mechanical shock events.