KNF SC 920 G Chemical-Resistant Diaphragm Vacuum System

Overview

The KNF SC 920 G is an integrated, chemically resistant diaphragm vacuum system engineered for precision-controlled vacuum applications in modern analytical and preparative laboratories. Unlike standalone pumps, the SC 920 G is a complete turnkey solution comprising a corrosion-resistant diaphragm vacuum pump, an inlet separation bottle, an outlet condenser, and an embedded digital vacuum controller. Its design follows the principles of dry, oil-free vacuum generation—eliminating hydrocarbon contamination, reducing maintenance intervals, and ensuring compatibility with aggressive solvents such as acetone, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and concentrated acids or bases. The system operates on a positive-displacement diaphragm mechanism, where PTFE-coated elastomeric membranes isolate the process gas from mechanical components, enabling stable vacuum delivery across variable load conditions typical in rotary evaporation, fractional distillation, and vacuum filtration workflows.

Key Features

• Four programmable vacuum control modes: constant pressure, ramp-to-target, stepwise pressure profiling, and timed vacuum hold—enabling reproducible method execution across users and instruments.
• Integrated high-accuracy capacitive pressure sensor (±0.02 mbar repeatability) with real-time feedback loop, minimizing drift and ensuring long-term stability during extended operation.
• Chemically inert wetted path: PTFE-coated diaphragms, FKM/FFKM seals, and borosilicate glass separation bottle and condenser—validated per ASTM D5402 for solvent resistance.
• 100% oil-free operation certified to ISO 8573-1 Class 0 for particulate, moisture, and oil content—meeting stringent requirements for GC-MS sample preparation and pharmaceutical R&D environments.
• Compact footprint (366 × 423 × 294 mm) and low acoustic emission (<52 dB(A)) support benchtop deployment in shared lab spaces without dedicated ventilation or floor mounting.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SC 920 G is routinely deployed in applications involving volatile organic compounds (VOCs), halogenated solvents, and mildly corrosive vapors. Its separation bottle captures liquid carryover at the inlet, while the condenser recovers >95% of condensable vapors—reducing environmental exposure and improving solvent reuse efficiency. All materials contacting the gas stream comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards and are traceable to KNF’s ISO 9001:2015 certified production facility in Freiburg, Germany. The system meets CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. For regulated environments, optional firmware enables audit-trail logging compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements when paired with validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Software & Data Management

The built-in vacuum controller supports USB and RS-232 interfaces for bidirectional communication with host PCs or rotary evaporator controllers (e.g., Buchi R-300, IKA RV 10). KNF’s free LabControl software provides intuitive graphical setup of multi-step vacuum protocols, real-time pressure curve visualization, and CSV export of time-stamped pressure logs—including timestamps, setpoints, actual values, and alarm events. All configuration changes are logged with user ID and timestamp, supporting GLP/GMP documentation workflows. Firmware updates are delivered via signed binary packages to ensure integrity and version traceability.

Applications

• Rotary evaporation of heat-sensitive compounds under controlled sub-atmospheric conditions (e.g., natural product isolation, polymer synthesis).
• Vacuum-assisted distillation and solvent recovery in multi-user teaching labs and QC facilities.
• Parallel vacuum filtration of aqueous and organic filtrates using Buchner or Hirsch funnels.
• Pre-concentration of environmental water samples prior to GC-MS analysis (EPA Method 525.3).
• Supporting vacuum ovens, freeze dryers, and degassing stations requiring stable, clean vacuum below 5 mbar.

FAQ

Is the SC 920 G suitable for use with strong acids such as nitric or hydrochloric acid vapors?

Yes—when configured with optional FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) seals and PTFE-coated diaphragms, the SC 920 G maintains integrity under intermittent exposure to acidic vapors up to 60 °C. Continuous operation requires vapor condensation upstream.
Can the vacuum controller be calibrated in-house?

The capacitive pressure sensor is factory-calibrated and sealed; field calibration is not supported. However, KNF provides NIST-traceable recalibration services through authorized service centers every 12–24 months.
Does the system meet ISO 8573-1 Class 0 for oil contamination?

Yes—the entire gas path contains no lubricants, and independent third-party testing confirms zero detectable oil aerosols or vapor, satisfying Class 0 certification for critical analytical applications.
What is the expected service life of the diaphragms under continuous operation?

At rated duty cycle (≤8 h/day, 5 days/week), PTFE-coated diaphragms typically exceed 15,000 operating hours before replacement—verified via accelerated life testing per DIN EN 60068-2-64.
Is remote monitoring supported via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?

No—only USB and RS-232 interfaces are standard. Ethernet or IoT-ready variants (e.g., SC 920 G-E) require custom configuration and are available under OEM agreements.