VACUUBRAND MD 4 NT Three-Stage Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The VACUUBRAND MD 4 NT is a high-performance, three-stage diaphragm vacuum pump engineered for continuous, oil-free evacuation of non-corrosive gases and vapors in laboratory and light industrial environments. Based on proven positive-displacement diaphragm technology, it operates without lubricants—eliminating risk of oil backstreaming, hydrocarbon contamination, or process interference. Its triple-stage architecture enables rapid attainment of ultimate vacuum levels down to 1 mbar (0.75 torr) while sustaining high volumetric throughput across the entire operating range. Unlike single- or dual-stage alternatives, the MD 4 NT maintains robust pumping speed even at pressures below 10 mbar, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring both high flow and deep vacuum stability—such as rotary evaporation, vacuum filtration, freeze drying support, and inert atmosphere purging. All gas-path components—including pump head, valves, and diaphragms—are constructed from chemically resistant materials: anodized aluminum housing, stainless steel valve plates, and fluorocarbon-elastomer (FKM) diaphragms reinforced with high-tensile fiber layers. This material selection ensures long-term dimensional stability, low permeability, and resistance to aging under cyclic mechanical stress.

Key Features

• Three-stage dry diaphragm design delivering 3.8 m³/h (2.2 cfm) at 50 Hz and 4.3 m³/h (2.5 cfm) at 60 Hz—optimized for consistent performance across global power standards
• Fiber-reinforced dual-layer FKM diaphragms offering extended service life (>10,000 hours typical), reduced fatigue failure, and zero maintenance requirements for the drive mechanism
• Acoustically optimized housing and vibration-damped motor mount reducing operational noise to ≤45 dBA at 1 m distance (50 Hz), enabling quiet integration into shared lab spaces
• Hermetically sealed gas path with KF DN 16 inlet flange and integrated muffler/G1/4″ outlet—ensuring leak-tight operation and compatibility with standard vacuum accessories
• IP 40-rated enclosure providing protection against solid objects ≥1 mm; designed for stable operation within ambient temperatures from 10 °C to 40 °C
• NRTL certification for safety compliance in the United States and Canada; ATEX-certified for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (Zone 2, Group IIC, T3, 230 V version only)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MD 4 NT is strictly intended for non-corrosive, non-condensable, and non-particulate gas streams—including air, nitrogen, argon, helium, and dry CO₂. It is not rated for solvents, acidic vapors (e.g., HCl, HF), halogenated compounds, or aggressive oxidizers. Its construction complies with ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 0 for oil-free air quality and meets the mechanical safety requirements of EN 61000-6-2 (immunity) and EN 61000-6-4 (emissions). For regulated environments, the pump supports GLP and GMP workflows through documented installation qualification (IQ) and operational qualification (OQ) protocols. While the unit itself does not include electronic audit trails, its stable analog operation allows seamless integration with external data loggers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated acquisition systems.

Software & Data Management

The MD 4 NT operates as a standalone electromechanical device with no embedded firmware, touchscreen interface, or digital communication ports (e.g., RS-485, USB, or Ethernet). This analog architecture eliminates software validation burdens and reduces cybersecurity exposure—making it ideal for regulated laboratories where deterministic behavior and traceable manual operation are prioritized. Process parameters (e.g., runtime, duty cycle, ambient temperature) are monitored externally via optional analog pressure transducers (e.g., VACUUBRAND DVR 2 or compatible 4–20 mA sensors) connected to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or SCADA platforms. Calibration certificates for associated vacuum gauges can be supplied per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures upon request.

Applications

• Rotary evaporation systems requiring stable vacuum control between 5–50 mbar
• Centrifugal vacuum concentrators and cold traps for solvent recovery
• Gas sampling manifolds and purge-and-trap analyzers in environmental testing labs
• Enclosure evacuation for glove boxes and desiccators handling moisture-sensitive materials
• Pre-vacuum stages prior to turbomolecular or diffusion pump operation
• Quality control vacuum testing of sealed packaging (e.g., medical device blister packs per ASTM F2338)

FAQ

Is the MD 4 NT suitable for pumping solvent vapors?
No. The pump is explicitly rated for non-corrosive, non-condensable gases only. Solvent vapors may condense inside the diaphragm chamber, leading to premature diaphragm swelling, valve adhesion, or loss of vacuum integrity.
Can this pump be used in explosion-hazard areas?
Yes—but only the 230 V version carries ATEX certification (II 3G IIC T3 X) for use in Zone 2 atmospheres. The 115 V variant is not certified for hazardous locations.
What maintenance is required during normal operation?
None beyond periodic visual inspection of inlet filters and verification of mounting bolt torque. The FKM diaphragms and PTFE-coated valves are designed for maintenance-free service over the rated lifetime.
Does the pump include an integrated vacuum gauge?
No. Vacuum level monitoring requires an external analog or digital gauge compatible with the KF DN 16 port. VACUUBRAND offers calibrated Pirani and capacitance manometers for this purpose.
Is the MD 4 NT compatible with vacuum controllers for automated pressure regulation?
Yes—when paired with a VACUUBRAND VACUU·SELECT or third-party PID controller featuring analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA input/output, the pump can be integrated into closed-loop vacuum regulation systems.