KNF N820.3FT.18 Chemically Resistant PTFE-Lined Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The KNF N820.3FT.18 is a high-integrity, chemically resistant diaphragm vacuum pump engineered for demanding laboratory applications where exposure to aggressive vapors—such as concentrated hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sodium hydroxide aerosols, or organic solvents—is routine. Unlike conventional diaphragm pumps with partial fluoropolymer protection, the N820.3FT.18 features full PTFE lining of all wetted surfaces—including pump head cavity, gas path, inlet/outlet manifolds—and employs PTFE-coated diaphragms and FFPM (perfluoroelastomer) seals to ensure long-term stability under corrosive duty cycles. Its oil-free, dry-running architecture eliminates lubricant degradation, vapor backstreaming, and cross-contamination risks—making it compliant with ISO 8573-1 Class 0 (oil-free air) requirements. Designed for continuous 24/7 operation without thermal cut-out interruption, the pump delivers stable vacuum performance down to 8 mbar absolute while maintaining low vibration (<1.2 mm/s RMS) and acoustic emission (<52 dB(A) at 1 m), critical for integration with sensitive analytical instrumentation such as rotary evaporators, vacuum ovens, and gel dryers.

Key Features

• Full PTFE wetted-path construction: housing, valve plates, diaphragms, and internal gas channels are either molded from solid PTFE or precision-coated to resist hydrolysis, oxidation, and halogen-induced swelling.
• FFPM (Kalrez®-equivalent) elastomeric seals: provide exceptional chemical resistance across pH 0–14 and elevated temperature ranges up to 150 °C short-term exposure.
• Dual-head configuration: enhances volumetric efficiency and extends service life by distributing mechanical load and reducing diaphragm fatigue per cycle.
• Brushless DC motor with integrated thermal monitoring: enables precise speed control (fixed-speed operation at nominal 220 V AC), suppresses electromagnetic interference, and supports uninterrupted duty cycles in GLP-compliant environments.
• No oil, no filters, no scheduled maintenance: eliminates consumables, reduces total cost of ownership, and complies with ISO 14001 environmental management protocols.
• Compact footprint (312 × 207 × 154 mm) and low mass (9.3 kg): facilitates benchtop integration and minimizes structural transmission in vibration-sensitive setups.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The N820.3FT.18 is validated for use with volatile, condensable, and reactive process gases encountered in academic, pharmaceutical, and fine chemical laboratories. It meets the material compatibility requirements specified in ASTM D471 (rubber property changes in liquids) and DIN 53521 (chemical resistance testing of plastics). Its design conforms to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity), and its electrical safety complies with EN 61010-1 for Laboratory Equipment. When deployed in regulated environments—such as those operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11—the pump’s deterministic operational behavior (no firmware-based logic, no data logging) ensures auditability and simplifies qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) documentation.

Software & Data Management

As a stand-alone, analog-operated vacuum source, the N820.3FT.18 does not incorporate embedded software, digital interfaces, or data output ports. This intentional design eliminates cybersecurity vulnerabilities, firmware obsolescence, and validation overhead associated with smart pumps. Vacuum delivery is controlled externally via manual valves or third-party pressure controllers (e.g., MKS 647B or VAT 110 series). For laboratories requiring traceable vacuum profiles, integration with external pressure transducers (e.g., Validyne DP15 or Setra 230) and data acquisition systems (LabVIEW, MATLAB, or SCADA platforms) is fully supported through standard 0–10 V or 4–20 mA analog signal paths.

Applications

• Rotary evaporation of acid-labile or base-sensitive compounds (≤2 L flask capacity)
• Vacuum drying of catalysts, MOFs, and hygroscopic salts in forced-convection ovens
• Reduced-pressure distillation of halogenated solvents (e.g., CH₂Cl₂, CCl₄) and sulfonic acid derivatives
• Gel electrophoresis apparatus evacuation and blotting manifold support
• Gas sampling and purge-and-trap systems handling H₂S, Cl₂, NH₃, or SO₂
• Replacement for water aspirators and oil-sealed rotary vane pumps in green chemistry workflows

FAQ

Is the N820.3FT.18 suitable for vacuum filtration with strong oxidizers like hydrogen peroxide solutions?

Yes—its fully PTFE-wetted path and FFPM seals exhibit negligible weight change (<0.5%) after 72-hour immersion in 30% H₂O₂ at 23 °C per ASTM D471.
Can this pump be mounted vertically or on its side?

It is certified for horizontal operation only; vertical orientation may compromise diaphragm alignment and seal compression integrity.
Does KNF provide calibration certificates or factory test reports?

Upon request, KNF issues a Factory Performance Test Report (FPTR) verifying ultimate vacuum (≤8 mbar), flow rate (≥20 L/min at 50 mbar), and leak rate (<5 × 10⁻³ mbar·L/s) per ISO 21809.
What is the expected service life under continuous corrosive duty?

With proper inlet filtration and avoidance of particulate-laden streams, mean time between failures (MTBF) exceeds 20,000 hours based on KNF field reliability data (2022 Global Service Report).
Is the pump compatible with explosion-proof environments?

No—it lacks ATEX or IECEx certification; for hazardous area use, consult KNF’s N820.3FT.18-EX variant (pending regional certification).