Pfeiffer Vacuum HiCube 80 Eco Turbo-Molecular Pump System

Overview

The Pfeiffer Vacuum HiCube 80 Eco is a fully integrated, compact turbo-molecular pump system engineered for reliable, oil-free ultra-high vacuum (UHV) generation in laboratory and light industrial environments. Based on proven Couette-flow turbomolecular pumping principles, the system combines a HiPace 80 turbo pump with a chemically resistant diaphragm forepump (MVP 015-2 or MVP 015-4) to achieve ultimate pressures down to ≤1×10⁻⁷ hPa — with system-level base pressures reaching <1×10⁻¹⁰ hPa when properly baked and configured. Its air-cooled architecture eliminates dependency on external water cooling circuits, reducing infrastructure requirements and enabling stable operation in standard benchtop configurations. Designed for compatibility with medium-volume vacuum chambers (typically 1–50 L), the HiCube 80 Eco serves as a turnkey solution for applications demanding clean, repeatable, and maintenance-efficient UHV conditions without hydrocarbon contamination.

Key Features

• Fully integrated design: Pre-aligned turbo pump, forepump, control electronics, and power supply housed in a single, space-saving chassis (dimensions: 360 × 290 × 320 mm)
• Oil-free vacuum generation: Diaphragm-based backing pump ensures zero hydrocarbon backstreaming; compliant with ISO 8573-1 Class 0 (oil-free air) standards for process-critical environments
• Intelligent motor control: Digital drive electronics provide real-time rotational speed monitoring (up to 90,000 rpm), automatic acceleration/deceleration ramping, and fault diagnostics via LED indicators and optional RS-485 interface
• Robust thermal management: Passive air cooling with optimized finned heat sinks maintains rotor temperature stability under continuous duty cycles, extending bearing service life
• Modular flange configuration: Supports DN 40 ISO-KF, DN 63 ISO-K, and DN 63 CF-F inlet ports to match common chamber interfaces and UHV-compatible sealing standards
• Safety-certified architecture: UL 61010-1 and CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1 certified for electrical safety; meets IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 for electromagnetic compatibility

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HiCube 80 Eco is compatible with inert, non-corrosive gases (N₂, Ar, He, O₂, H₂) and commonly encountered process vapors in UHV R&D settings. It is not rated for condensable vapors (e.g., solvents, oils) or aggressive halogenated compounds without additional cold trap or scrubber integration. The system conforms to key international vacuum standards including ISO 21360-1 (vacuum pump performance testing), ISO 3528 (vacuum gauge calibration traceability), and ASTM E576 (standard practice for high-vacuum system leak detection). For regulated environments, its digital controller supports audit-ready event logging and may be configured to comply with GLP/GMP data integrity requirements when paired with validated software platforms.

Software & Data Management

While the HiCube 80 Eco operates autonomously via front-panel controls, it supports optional integration with Pfeiffer’s VacuGraph® PC software via RS-485 (Modbus RTU protocol) for remote monitoring, parameter logging, and alarm history export. Logged data includes pump speed, bearing temperature, forepressure, power consumption, and runtime hours — all timestamped and exportable in CSV format. When deployed in FDA-regulated laboratories, the system can be validated alongside third-party SCADA or LIMS systems to meet 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures, provided appropriate user access controls and audit trail configurations are implemented at the host software level.

Applications

• Surface science instrumentation: XPS, AES, LEED, and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) systems requiring stable base pressures <1×10⁻⁸ hPa
• Accelerator physics: Beamline vacuum sections, ion source chambers, and diagnostic vacuum enclosures
• R&D vacuum processes: Thin-film deposition (sputtering, evaporation), plasma etching development, and cryogenic detector housing
• Analytical instrumentation: High-resolution mass spectrometers (HRMS), residual gas analyzers (RGA), and time-of-flight (TOF) systems
• Education and training labs: Modular UHV teaching platforms where reliability, safety, and ease of operation are prioritized over ultra-high pumping capacity

FAQ

What is the recommended forevacuum range for optimal HiPace 80 operation?
The HiPace 80 requires a forepressure ≤10 hPa for safe startup and sustained operation; the included MVP 015-2 or MVP 015-4 diaphragm pump maintains this condition across ambient temperatures from 15–35°C.
Can the HiCube 80 Eco be operated vertically or inverted?
No — the system must be mounted horizontally on a stable, vibration-damped surface per Pfeiffer’s mechanical installation guidelines to ensure proper rotor dynamics and bearing lubrication.
Is bake-out capability supported?
Yes; the HiCube 80 Eco is rated for intermittent bake-out up to 120°C (with pump powered off and cooled below 40°C prior to restart), provided all external cabling and flange gaskets are rated for elevated temperature exposure.
Does the system include vacuum gauging?
No — vacuum measurement requires an external gauge (e.g., Pfeiffer PKR251, IMR265, or TPG366); however, analog 0–10 V output ports are available for pressure signal integration.
What maintenance intervals are specified for routine operation?
Diaphragm pump oil-free operation eliminates oil changes; annual inspection of inlet filters, cooling fins, and electrical connections is recommended, with full service (bearing replacement, rotor balancing) advised every 20,000 operating hours or per Pfeiffer’s technical bulletin TB-HiPace-80-Rev.4.