Vacuubrand ME 1C Chemical-Resistant Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The Vacuubrand ME 1C is a compact, oil-free, single-stage diaphragm vacuum pump engineered for reliable and chemically inert operation in demanding laboratory environments. Utilizing a precision-machined PTFE-coated diaphragm and valve system, it delivers consistent vacuum performance while resisting aggressive solvents, acids, and bases—making it especially suitable for filtration, rotary evaporation, vacuum drying, and degassing applications involving corrosive media. Its robust, maintenance-free drive mechanism eliminates the need for lubrication or periodic oil changes, significantly reducing operational downtime and total cost of ownership. Designed and manufactured in Germany to stringent quality standards, the ME 1C achieves an ultimate vacuum of 100 mbar (abs.) and a maximum flow rate of 0.85 m³/h at 60 Hz—sufficient for routine low-vacuum tasks without compromising chemical compatibility or long-term stability.

Key Features

• Top-mounted, clearly visible power switch for intuitive, one-touch operation—optimized for frequent use in high-throughput labs.
• Ultra-quiet exhaust with integrated silencing and vibration-dampened mounting—meets typical laboratory noise constraints (<50 dB(A) at 1 m).
• Space-saving footprint (247 × 121 × 145 mm) and lightweight design (5.0 kg) enable flexible benchtop integration, including under-hood or mobile cart installations.
• PTFE-coated diaphragm and valves ensure exceptional resistance to halogenated hydrocarbons, concentrated HCl, HNO₃, NaOH, and other common laboratory reagents—validated per ASTM D543 and ISO 17463 chemical exposure protocols.
• Sealed, brushless induction motor with IP54-rated enclosure provides continuous duty cycle capability and inherent protection against dust and splashing water.
• No oil vapor contamination—critical for solvent-sensitive processes and compliance with ISO 8573-1 Class 0 air purity requirements for non-lubricated vacuum systems.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ME 1C is compatible with aqueous, organic, and mildly aggressive liquid and vapor-phase samples commonly encountered in analytical, pharmaceutical, and materials science laboratories. Its PTFE-wetted path ensures compatibility with >95% of standard lab solvents, including acetone, methanol, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate. It is not recommended for continuous pumping of strongly oxidizing agents (e.g., fuming nitric acid) or unsaturated hydrocarbons at elevated temperatures without prior validation. The pump complies with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU, and RoHS 2011/65/EU. Manufacturing adheres to ISO 9001:2015, and documentation supports GLP/GMP traceability requirements—including full batch traceability of critical components such as diaphragms and valve assemblies.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone mechanical vacuum source, the ME 1C operates without embedded firmware or digital control interfaces. However, its analog design ensures electromagnetic compatibility with sensitive instrumentation (e.g., mass spectrometers, XRD systems) and eliminates risks associated with firmware vulnerabilities or software obsolescence. When integrated into automated workflows, the pump can be controlled via external relay modules or PLC-based vacuum management systems. Optional accessories—including the corrosion-resistant vacuum control valve (P/N 696843)—enable manual fine-tuning of inlet pressure and flow rate, supporting reproducible vacuum setpoints across repeated experiments. All technical documentation, calibration certificates (upon request), and material declarations are provided in English and comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity principles for paper-based records.

Applications

• Routine vacuum filtration of biological, chemical, and environmental samples using Buchner or Hirsch funnels.
• Support vacuum for rotary evaporators handling heat-sensitive or volatile compounds.
• Preparation of samples for SEM, TEM, or XRF analysis requiring solvent removal without carbon residue.
• Vacuum-assisted column chromatography and solid-phase extraction (SPE) manifolds.
• Controlled degassing of adhesives, resins, and polymer precursors prior to curing.
• Low-vacuum conditioning of desiccators and glove boxes in synthetic chemistry labs.

FAQ

Is the ME 1C suitable for continuous 24/7 operation?
Yes—the pump is rated for continuous duty under ambient temperatures ≤35 °C and relative humidity ≤80% non-condensing. Thermal cut-off protection prevents overheating during extended use.
Can I connect the ME 1C directly to a vacuum oven?
Yes, provided the oven’s operating vacuum range falls within 100–1000 mbar (abs.) and no condensable vapors exceed the pump’s chemical tolerance limits. A cold trap is recommended when pumping water-rich or solvent-laden streams.
What is the expected service life of the diaphragm under normal lab use?
Under typical intermittent operation (≤6 h/day, ambient conditions), the PTFE diaphragm maintains functional integrity for ≥10,000 operating hours—equivalent to approximately 5–7 years of standard academic or QC lab usage.
Does the ME 1C require periodic maintenance beyond diaphragm replacement?
No. The drive mechanism is sealed and lubrication-free; only the diaphragm and inlet/outlet valves require scheduled replacement per usage intensity—no alignment, greasing, or recalibration is necessary.
Is the pump compatible with vacuum controllers or digital pressure sensors?
Yes—its analog architecture allows seamless integration with third-party vacuum controllers (e.g., MKS, VAT, or Bronkhorst) via simple on/off or 0–10 V signal inputs when used with optional relay kits.