VACUUBRAND MZ 2C EX+AK+EK ATEX-Certified Explosion-Proof Chemical Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The VACUUBRAND MZ 2C EX+AK+EK is a certified ATEX explosion-proof diaphragm vacuum pump engineered for safe, continuous operation in hazardous environments where flammable vapors—such as those generated during rotary evaporation, vacuum drying, or solvent distillation—may accumulate. Its dual-stage, oil-free diaphragm architecture eliminates lubricant contamination risks while delivering robust chemical resistance and high tolerance to condensable vapors. The pump operates on standard 230 V~ / 50 Hz single-phase supply and integrates an intrinsically safe motor conforming to ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU for Group II (non-mining) applications. Critical safety features—including integrated thermal and overload protection, pressure-relief valves at the exhaust, and fail-safe diaphragm rupture detection—ensure compliance with IEC 60079-0 and EN 60079-1 standards. Designed specifically for laboratories handling Class IIC gases (e.g., hydrogen, acetylene) and dusts in Zone 1/21 environments, it meets the stringent temperature class T3 (surface temp ≤ 200 °C) for the pumping chamber and T4 (≤ 135 °C) for the motor housing.

Key Features

• ATEX-certified explosion protection for both pump chamber (II 2G IIC T3 X) and motor (II 2G Ex d IIB T4), validated per EN 60079-1 and EN 60079-7
• Dual-stage diaphragm design enabling stable vacuum down to 12 mbar (9 torr) absolute, with gas ballast functionality extending operational range for volatile solvent recovery
• Integrated AK inlet separator bottle prevents liquid droplets and particulates from entering the pump head—critical for protecting diaphragms during rotary evaporation
• Exhaust-side EK cold trap (supplied) achieves >95% solvent condensation efficiency; compact geometry allows direct mounting without external plumbing
• Gas ballast port pre-installed for inert gas purging (e.g., nitrogen), enabling operation in non-purged Zone 2/22 environments (II 3G IIB T4 X) or enhanced safety in Zone 1
• IP52-rated enclosure with reinforced polymer housing and chemically resistant PTFE/NBR diaphragms compatible with common organic solvents, acids, and bases
• Self-monitoring safety system includes automatic shutdown on thermal overload, current surge detection (max. 5.5 A for ≤125 ms), and mechanical diaphragm breach sensing

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MZ 2C EX+AK+EK is validated for use with vapor loads typical of laboratory-scale concentration and drying processes—including acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and toluene—without performance degradation or seal failure. Its materials of construction comply with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH) and are free of SVHC substances above threshold limits. The pump meets essential health and safety requirements under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and carries CE marking with Declaration of Conformity. For regulated pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing settings, its design supports GLP-compliant documentation workflows and can be integrated into systems subject to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated data acquisition software.

Software & Data Management

While the MZ 2C EX+AK+EK operates as a standalone analog device, its electrical interface (2 m un-terminated cable) permits integration with third-party process controllers or SCADA systems via optional analog signal modules (e.g., 0–10 V vacuum feedback). VACUUBRAND provides calibration certificates traceable to national standards (DKD/DAkkS) upon request. All firmware updates—though infrequent due to the pump’s fixed-function architecture—are distributed through authorized service partners and documented per ISO 9001:2015 change control protocols. Audit trails for maintenance events (e.g., diaphragm replacement, valve servicing) are maintained using VACUUBRAND’s standardized service log templates, supporting ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation requirements.

Applications

• Rotary evaporation under explosive atmosphere conditions (e.g., cannabis extraction, fine chemical synthesis)
• Vacuum drying of heat-sensitive APIs in GMP-compliant pilot plants
• Distillation and fractional crystallization of halogenated solvents in research labs
• Inert-gas-purged glovebox vacuum interlocks requiring intrinsically safe components
• Environmental testing chambers simulating low-pressure flammable gas exposure
• Chemical education labs requiring demonstrable ATEX compliance for undergraduate instruction

FAQ

Is the MZ 2C EX+AK+EK suitable for continuous duty in Zone 1 classified areas?
Yes—it is certified for continuous operation in Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust) per ATEX Category 2G, provided ambient temperature remains within 10–40 °C and installation follows EN 60079-14 guidelines.
Can the EK cold trap be retrofitted to non-EX variants of the MZ series?
No—the EK condenser is mechanically and thermally optimized for the EX+AK+EK configuration and requires the dedicated exhaust manifold and mounting bracket supplied only with this model.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for diaphragm replacement?
Under typical solvent-laden operation (e.g., 6 h/day, 5 days/week), diaphragms should be inspected every 6 months and replaced every 12–18 months, depending on vapor load and temperature profile.
Does the pump include a built-in vacuum gauge?
No—vacuum measurement must be performed externally using a calibrated Pirani or capacitance manometer installed upstream of the AK separator.
Is the 2 m power cable compliant with IEC 60320 C13 standards?
The cable is supplied as un-terminated flexible H05RN-F 3G1.5 mm²; end-user termination must comply with local electrical codes and IEC 61241-14 for hazardous locations.