VACUUBRAND RZ 6 Dual-Stage Oil-Sealed Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump

Overview

The VACUUBRAND RZ 6 is a compact, dual-stage oil-sealed rotary vane vacuum pump engineered for reliable, continuous operation in demanding laboratory environments. Based on the classic Couette-flow principle, it achieves high volumetric efficiency through precisely machined vanes rotating within an eccentrically mounted stator chamber, with oil serving both as a sealing medium and lubricant between moving parts. Its dual-stage configuration enables deeper ultimate vacuum performance compared to single-stage counterparts, making it suitable for applications requiring stable base pressures below 10⁻² mbar—such as rotary evaporation, freeze drying, vacuum filtration, and inert atmosphere glovebox evacuation. The pump’s robust cast-aluminum housing, integrated oil circulation system, and thermally stable rotor design ensure consistent pumping characteristics across extended duty cycles and variable ambient conditions.

Key Features

• Dual-stage architecture delivering an ultimate vacuum of 2 × 10⁻³ mbar without gas ballast and 1 × 10⁻² mbar with gas ballast activated—optimized for solvent-laden or humid process streams.
• Innovative self-priming oil circulation system with large-volume oil reservoir (0.34–0.73 L), significantly extending oil change intervals and reducing maintenance frequency while enhancing cold-start protection.
• High-capacity gas ballast valve enabling effective removal of condensable vapors—including water, acetone, ethanol, and ethyl acetate—at up to 40 mbar partial pressure without compromising long-term pump integrity.
• “Telescope”-style modular housing design facilitating rapid access to internal components (vanes, stator, rotor) for inspection or replacement without specialized tools or disassembly of the motor coupling.
• Integrated non-return valve functionality: maintains vacuum integrity after shutdown, eliminating the need for external anti-suckback valves in most standard configurations.
• KF DN 16 inlet flange (ISO-KF standard) and DN 10 mm elastomeric hose outlet provide compatibility with common laboratory vacuum tubing, traps, and accessories—including optional FO oil mist filter and VS 16 valve kit.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RZ 6 is designed for use with non-corrosive, non-reactive gases and vapors typical in organic synthesis, analytical sample preparation, and materials processing workflows. It is not intended for use with aggressive halogenated solvents (e.g., chloroform, carbon tetrachloride), strong oxidizers (e.g., nitric oxide, ozone), or acidic gases (e.g., HCl, HF) without prior consultation with VACUUBRAND technical support. The pump complies with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. Its construction meets ISO 8573-1 Class 4 purity requirements for compressed air systems when used with appropriate oil mist filtration (FO filter recommended). While not intrinsically safe, it may be deployed in non-hazardous zones per ATEX 2014/34/EU when installed per manufacturer guidelines and paired with compatible vacuum controllers.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone mechanical vacuum source, the RZ 6 operates without embedded firmware or digital interfaces. However, it integrates seamlessly into automated vacuum control systems via analog (0–10 V) or digital (RS-485 Modbus RTU) signals when coupled with VACUUBRAND’s VACUU·SELECT or VACUU·LAN controllers. These controllers support audit-trail logging, time-stamped vacuum profile recording, and user-access-level management—features aligned with GLP and GMP documentation requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with electronic signature capability and secure data storage protocols. Optional IO modules enable real-time monitoring of oil temperature, motor current draw, and operational hours for predictive maintenance scheduling.

Applications

• Routine vacuum distillation and rotary evaporation of heat-sensitive compounds in pharmaceutical and fine chemical labs.
• Pre-evacuation of lyophilizers and vacuum ovens prior to primary drying cycles.
• Supporting vacuum-assisted filtration in environmental and food testing laboratories (e.g., EPA Method 505, AOAC 995.12).
• Base vacuum generation for mass spectrometry sample introduction systems and residual gas analyzers.
• Evacuation of desiccators, Schlenk lines, and inert-gas purged reaction vessels where moderate vacuum depth and vapor tolerance are critical.
• Backing pumps for turbomolecular and diffusion pumps in surface science and thin-film deposition setups.

FAQ

What is the recommended oil type for the RZ 6?
VACUUBRAND recommends using only original VACUUBRAND B-type vacuum pump oil (Order No. 698001) or equivalent ISO VG 100 mineral-based oils meeting DIN 51506 VDL specifications.
Can the RZ 6 operate continuously at full load?
Yes—the pump is rated for continuous duty (S1 duty cycle) under ambient temperatures ≤35 °C and adequate ventilation. Ambient temperatures above 35 °C require derating or forced-air cooling.
Is the RZ 6 compatible with vacuum controllers from other manufacturers?
It can be controlled via standard 0–10 V analog input if the controller provides compatible voltage sourcing and isolation; however, full diagnostic integration (e.g., fault reporting, oil life estimation) requires VACUUBRAND’s native controllers.
How often should the oil be changed under typical lab usage?
With average daily use (4–6 hours), oil change intervals range from 6 to 12 months depending on vapor load; use of the FO oil mist filter extends oil service life by >30% in solvent-intensive applications.
Does the RZ 6 meet ISO 22853 for vacuum pump noise emission?
Yes—it emits ≤56 dB(A) at 1 m distance under ISO 22853 test conditions, qualifying it for placement in shared laboratory workspaces without acoustic enclosures.