VACUUBRAND MD 12 NT Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The VACUUBRAND MD 12 NT is a high-performance, oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump engineered for demanding laboratory and pilot-scale applications requiring clean, reliable, and maintenance-free vacuum generation. Based on VACUUBRAND’s proven multi-stage diaphragm architecture, the MD 12 NT integrates eight pump heads across three compression stages to achieve both high volumetric flow rates and deep ultimate vacuum—down to 2 mbar (absolute)—without compromising chemical inertness or operational stability. Its gas path is constructed entirely from aluminum, stainless steel (AISI 304), and chemically resistant engineering plastics, ensuring compatibility with non-corrosive gases and vapors. The dual-layer diaphragms are reinforced with high-tensile synthetic fibers and fabricated from fluorocarbon elastomer (FPM/Viton®), delivering exceptional elasticity, thermal resilience, and long-term dimensional stability under cyclic stress. Unlike rotary vane or scroll pumps, the MD 12 NT contains no lubricants, sliding seals, or oil-wetted components—eliminating risk of hydrocarbon contamination, particulate shedding, or vacuum degradation due to oil backstreaming. This makes it particularly suitable for applications governed by ISO 8573-1 Class 0 air purity requirements and GLP-compliant environments where trace contamination must be rigorously excluded.

Key Features

• Oil-free, particle-free operation: No lubricants in the gas path; zero risk of oil vapor carryover or mechanical wear debris
• Triple-stage, eight-head configuration: Optimized for simultaneous high pumping speed (up to 13.3 m³/h at 60 Hz) and low ultimate pressure (2 mbar abs.)
• FPM-reinforced diaphragms: Fiber-enhanced dual-layer membranes ensure >10,000 hours of service life under continuous duty cycles
• Low-noise design: Acoustic emission limited to 50 dBA (50 Hz, 1 m distance), enabling integration into shared lab spaces without acoustic shielding
• Robust drive system: Brushless AC motor with integrated thermal protection; maintenance-free for the full service interval
• Compact footprint and modular interface: KF DN 25 inlet flange and G1/2″ outlet port with integrated muffler simplify vacuum line integration
• ATEX-certified variant available (230 V only): Complies with Directive 2014/34/EU for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (Zone 2, Group IIC, T3)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MD 12 NT is rated exclusively for non-corrosive, dry, and condensable-free gases—including ambient air, nitrogen, argon, helium, and inert process vapors. It is not intended for solvents, acidic or halogenated compounds, or reactive gases such as Cl₂, NH₃, or H₂S. All wetted materials comply with USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR §177.2600 for indirect food contact. The pump meets EN 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) and EN 61000-6-2 (immunity), and its electrical safety conforms to EN 61010-1 for laboratory equipment. For regulated quality systems, audit-ready documentation—including factory calibration certificates, material declarations (RoHS/REACH), and ATEX EU-type examination certificates—is provided upon request. The unit supports GLP/GMP workflows via optional analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA vacuum feedback interfaces (available via external transducer integration).

Software & Data Management

While the MD 12 NT operates as a standalone analog device, it is fully compatible with third-party vacuum control platforms via its standardized electrical interface (230 V~ ±10%, 50–60 Hz). When paired with VACUUBRAND’s optional VARIO CONTROL digital controller (sold separately), users gain access to real-time vacuum monitoring, programmable ramp profiles, automatic duty-cycle optimization, and event-logged operation history compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements (electronic signatures, audit trails, and data integrity controls). All firmware updates and configuration backups are performed via USB-C connection using VACUUBRAND’s certified PC software suite, which exports timestamped CSV logs for traceability in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.

Applications

• Rotary evaporation and short-path distillation under controlled vacuum
• Freeze-drying (lyophilization) pre-vacuum and secondary drying phases
• Vacuum filtration of aqueous and organic solutions in analytical chemistry
• Gas sampling and purge-and-trap systems for GC and GC-MS sample preparation
• Encapsulation and degassing of composite resins and adhesives
• Environmental chamber evacuation and leak testing of sealed enclosures
• Support vacuum for mass spectrometry ion sources and surface analysis instrumentation

FAQ

Is the MD 12 NT suitable for solvent vapor handling?
No. It is designed exclusively for non-corrosive, non-condensable, and chemically inert gases. Solvent vapors may swell or degrade FPM diaphragms and compromise vacuum integrity.
Can this pump be mounted vertically or inverted?
Yes—its diaphragm-based architecture allows any orientation, including inverted mounting, provided adequate ventilation and ambient temperature remain within 10–40 °C.
Does the pump require periodic oil changes or filter replacements?
No. It is fully oil-free and filter-free; only routine visual inspection of inlet/outlet connections and diaphragm housing seals is recommended annually.
What is the expected service life of the diaphragms under continuous operation?
Under nominal load (≤80% max speed, 20–25 °C ambient), FPM diaphragms typically exceed 10,000 operating hours before replacement is advised.
Is remote monitoring or automation integration possible?
Yes—via optional VARIO CONTROL module or external vacuum transducers with 0–10 V / 4–20 mA output, enabling integration into LabVantage, DeltaV, or custom SCADA environments.