VACUUBRAND ME 4 NT Single-Stage Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The VACUUBRAND ME 4 NT is a single-stage, oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump engineered for continuous, contamination-free operation in laboratory and light industrial environments. Utilizing a positive-displacement mechanism based on oscillating elastomeric diaphragms, the ME 4 NT generates vacuum through cyclic expansion and contraction of the sealed pumping chamber—eliminating lubricants, hydrocarbon vapors, and particulate carryover. Its design prioritizes reliability under sustained duty cycles, making it ideal for applications requiring clean, dry vacuum without risk of backstreaming or sample contamination. The pump operates efficiently across a broad working range—from atmospheric pressure down to an ultimate absolute vacuum of 70 mbar—while maintaining high volumetric throughput even near endpoint conditions. Constructed entirely from chemically inert materials—including anodized aluminum housing and FKM (fluoroelastomer) reinforced dual-layer diaphragms—the ME 4 NT ensures long-term compatibility with non-corrosive gases such as air, nitrogen, argon, and inert process atmospheres.

Key Features

• Oil-free, maintenance-free drive system with brushless AC motor and integrated thermal protection
• FKM-reinforced double-diaphragm assembly offering extended service life (>10,000 hours typical under rated load)
• Low-vibration mechanical architecture with precision-balanced crankshaft and rubber-isolated mounting feet
• Dual outlet mufflers (G1/4″ threaded) reducing airborne noise to ≤45 dBA at 50 Hz—suitable for shared lab spaces
• Robust IP 40 enclosure protecting internal components against dust ingress and accidental contact
• Integrated power supply compatible with 230 V~, 50–60 Hz; certified to NRTL standards for North America and ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (Category II 3G, IIC T3 X) for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (230 V variant only)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ME 4 NT is explicitly designed for non-aggressive, non-condensable, and non-corrosive gases. It is not suitable for solvents, acidic vapors, halogenated compounds, or reactive gases such as Cl₂, NH₃, or H₂S. All wetted parts—including diaphragms, valves, and chamber surfaces—are fabricated from FKM, PTFE, EPDM, and anodized aluminum to resist oxidation and aging under ambient laboratory conditions. The pump complies with ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 0 for oil-free air quality and meets essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. For regulated environments, its traceable manufacturing origin (Germany), CE marking, and NRTL listing support adherence to GLP documentation protocols and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned validation workflows where vacuum integrity logs are required.

Software & Data Management

While the ME 4 NT operates as a standalone analog device without embedded digital control, it is fully compatible with external vacuum monitoring and automation systems via standard mechanical interfaces. The DN 10 mm inlet port accepts industry-standard vacuum gauges (e.g., Pirani or capacitance manometers) and proportional control valves—such as the optional VACUUBRAND vacuum regulator with integrated gauge (Cat. No. 696840). When deployed within a VACUU·LAN® network (Cat. No. 2614455), multiple ME 4 NT units can be centrally monitored and scheduled using VACUUBRAND’s LAN-based software suite, enabling audit-ready logging of runtime, thermal status, and operational cycles—critical for laboratories operating under ISO/IEC 17025 or GMP Annex 11 frameworks.

Applications

• Rotary evaporation and solvent recovery under mild vacuum (50–100 mbar)
• Gas sampling and blanketing in analytical instrumentation (e.g., GC carrier gas purge, headspace analysis)
• Vacuum filtration and degassing of aqueous or organic solutions
• Enclosure evacuation for glove boxes, desiccators, and vacuum ovens
• Supporting vacuum-driven liquid handling systems in automated assay platforms
• Backing pumps for secondary vacuum stages in hybrid systems (e.g., turbomolecular or diffusion pump arrays)

FAQ

Is the ME 4 NT suitable for pumping corrosive or condensable vapors?
No. The pump is strictly intended for non-corrosive, non-condensable gases. Exposure to solvents, acids, or steam will degrade FKM diaphragms and compromise sealing integrity.
What is the expected service life of the diaphragm under normal laboratory use?
Under continuous operation at ≤70% of maximum speed and ambient temperatures between 15–25°C, the FKM-reinforced diaphragm typically exceeds 10,000 operating hours before replacement is advised.
Can the ME 4 NT be used in explosion-hazard areas?
Only the 230 V version carries ATEX II 3G IIC T3 X certification for use in Zone 2/22 environments with internal atmospheric conditions—external venting into hazardous zones is prohibited.
Does the pump require periodic oil changes or lubrication?
No. As a fully oil-free diaphragm pump, it contains no lubricants; the motor and drive train are sealed and maintenance-free for the product’s service life.
How is thermal overload protection implemented?
An embedded bimetallic thermal switch interrupts power to the motor if housing temperature exceeds 85°C, automatically resetting upon cooldown—ensuring safe operation during extended duty cycles.