VACUUBRAND MV 10C EX VARIO +AK +EK ATEX-Certified Chemical-Resistant Oil-Free Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The VACUUBRAND MV 10C EX VARIO +AK +EK is an intrinsically safe, ATEX-certified oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump engineered for continuous, high-reliability operation in hazardous environments where flammable vapors or explosive atmospheres may be present—such as chemical synthesis labs, pilot-scale distillation units, and pharmaceutical process development suites. It operates on the principle of positive displacement via PTFE-coated multi-stage diaphragms, eliminating lubricants and preventing hydrocarbon contamination of the vacuum line or process chamber. Unlike conventional fixed-speed pumps, the MV 10C EX VARIO integrates a brushless DC motor with variable-speed control, enabling precise, real-time regulation of vacuum level through proportional adjustment of rotational speed (30–1500 rpm). This dynamic response allows the system to adapt autonomously to changing vapor loads during distillation or solvent removal—maintaining setpoint pressure without manual intervention or pre-programmed sequences.

Key Features

• ATEX-certified design compliant with Directive 2014/34/EU for Zone 1 (II 2G IIC T3 X) and Zone 2 (II 3G IIB T4 X) environments; motor certified to II 2G Ex d IIB T4 Gb
• Integrated inlet collection bottle (AK) and exhaust condenser (EK) for efficient solvent recovery and protection against liquid carryover
• VARIO® speed control via 4–20 mA analog signal (4 mA = 0 rpm, 20 mA = 1500 rpm); enables seamless integration with PLCs, DCS systems, or CVC 3000 vacuum controllers
• Low-noise operation (42 dB(A)) and energy-efficient modulation—motor draws only required power, reducing heat generation and extending diaphragm service life
• Robust stainless steel housing with IP54 ingress protection; chemically resistant wetted parts (PTFE, FPM, EPDM) compatible with aggressive solvents including acetone, THF, chloroform, and concentrated acids
• Self-regulating vacuum control logic: automatically identifies boiling point pressure, compensates for thermal lag, and dynamically adjusts pumping speed to maintain optimal distillation kinetics

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MV 10C EX VARIO +AK +EK is validated for use with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), halogenated solvents, and mildly corrosive vapors under ambient media temperatures up to 40 °C. Its dry-running architecture ensures no oil backstreaming or cross-contamination—critical for GLP-compliant analytical sample preparation and USP cleanroom applications. The pump meets ISO 8573-1 Class 0 air purity requirements for vacuum lines feeding mass spectrometers or residual gas analyzers. All electrical interfaces are isolated per IEC 60079-11 (intrinsic safety) and IEC 60079-1 (flameproof enclosure) standards. Documentation includes EU Declaration of Conformity, ATEX certificate number, and full traceable test reports for ultimate vacuum, leak rate (<0.1 mbar·L/s), and flow stability across the operating range.

Software & Data Management

While the base unit operates standalone, optional integration with the CVC 3000 vacuum controller (Order No. 20635028 + 20612090) provides full digital process supervision. The CVC 3000 supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails, user-level access control, and automated method storage—including ramp profiles, hold times, and pressure thresholds. When paired with ATEX-rated 4–20 mA vacuum sensors (e.g., ±1 mbar or ±3 mbar ranges), the system logs timestamped pressure, speed, temperature, and alarm events to CSV or SQL databases. Optional VACUU·BUS® I/O modules enable bidirectional communication with LabArchives ELN or DeltaV DCS platforms, supporting electronic batch records (EBR) and automated deviation reporting per GMP Annex 11 requirements.

Applications

• Automated fractional and short-path distillation under controlled vacuum gradients
• Solvent removal in API crystallization and lyophilization support systems
• Vacuum drying of moisture-sensitive catalysts and battery electrode slurries
• Extraction processes involving ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, or ethanol in explosion-hazardous zones
• High-purity vacuum manifolds for glovebox purging and inert-atmosphere reactor evacuation
• Backup vacuum source for turbomolecular pumps in semiconductor R&D cleanrooms

FAQ

Is the MV 10C EX VARIO +AK +EK suitable for continuous 24/7 operation in Zone 1 environments?
Yes—its Ex d flameproof motor housing and certified pump head assembly permit uninterrupted duty in classified areas when installed per IEC 60079-14 guidelines.
Can the pump be integrated into an existing SCADA system without the CVC 3000?
Yes—the 4–20 mA speed input and analog vacuum feedback capability allow direct interfacing with third-party controllers using standard 0–10 V or 4–20 mA I/O modules.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for ATEX-compliant operation?
Diaphragm replacement is recommended every 6,000 operating hours or annually—whichever occurs first—with full certification documentation provided for each replacement kit.
Does the +AK +EK configuration affect ultimate vacuum performance?
No—the AK bottle and EK condenser are designed as low-pressure-drop accessories; measured ultimate vacuum remains ≤2 mbar (abs.) with both components installed.
Are cooling water connections mandatory?
Cooling is optional but recommended for sustained operation above 70% speed load; two DN 6–8 mm hose barbs support closed-loop chilled water circulation to stabilize motor temperature.