VACUUBRAND RZ 2.5 Two-Stage Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump

Overview

The VACUUBRAND RZ 2.5 is a precision-engineered, two-stage oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pump designed for demanding laboratory and pilot-scale applications requiring stable, high-performance vacuum generation down to 2 × 10⁻³ mbar (absolute). Operating on the proven principle of positive displacement via rotating vanes within an eccentric stator chamber, the RZ 2.5 delivers consistent volumetric flow across a wide operating pressure range — from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum. Its compact footprint (316 × 125 × 190 mm) and low mass (11.4 kg) enable seamless integration into fume hoods, glove boxes, and modular vacuum systems. The pump is optimized for continuous duty in applications where vapor load, condensable gases, or mild chemical exposure are present — including freeze drying, centrifugal concentration, short-path distillation, and as a forepump for turbomolecular or diffusion pumps.

Key Features

• Two-stage compression architecture for enhanced ultimate vacuum performance and improved vapor handling capability compared to single-stage equivalents.
• Electropolished and plasma-treated internal oil sump and rotor housing — significantly increasing resistance to corrosion from acidic, halogenated, or solvent-laden process vapors.
• Integrated gas ballast valve (gas balancing system) enabling controlled admission of dry air during operation to facilitate efficient expulsion of condensable vapors and prevent oil emulsification.
• Automatic oil-line shut-off mechanism activated upon pump shutdown — preventing backstreaming of atmospheric gases or process contaminants into the evacuated system.
• Large-capacity oil reservoir (approx. 0.7 L) extending service intervals and reducing maintenance frequency under standard operating conditions.
• Low-noise operation (<55 dB(A) at 1 m), engineered through balanced rotor dynamics, vibration-damped mounting, and acoustic enclosure design.
• Thermally stabilized motor winding and integrated thermal cut-out protection ensure safe operation during extended duty cycles or elevated ambient temperatures.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RZ 2.5 is compatible with a broad spectrum of non-reactive and mildly aggressive vapors commonly encountered in synthetic chemistry, pharmaceutical processing, and materials science workflows — including water, ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and low-concentration organic acids. It is not intended for use with strongly oxidizing agents (e.g., nitric oxide, chlorine), unsaturated hydrocarbons prone to polymerization, or highly reactive alkali metals. All RZ-series pumps are manufactured in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001 quality management standards and bear CE marking per EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. RoHS-compliant materials are used throughout critical wetted components. For GLP/GMP-regulated environments, optional documentation packages (including Factory Acceptance Test reports and calibration certificates traceable to PTB) are available upon request.

Software & Data Management

While the RZ 2.5 operates as a standalone mechanical pump without embedded digital controls, it is fully compatible with third-party vacuum monitoring and control systems via analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA output interfaces (available on RZ models equipped with optional vacuum sensors). When integrated into automated platforms — such as lyophilizers, molecular distillation units, or custom vacuum manifolds — the pump supports audit-ready operation when paired with compliant data acquisition software adhering to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. VACUUBRAND provides comprehensive technical documentation, including detailed maintenance schedules, oil compatibility charts, and failure mode analysis guides — all accessible via secure customer portal login.

Applications

• Primary vacuum source for laboratory freeze dryers (lyophilizers) and vacuum ovens operating at ≤10 mbar.
• Back-up (fore) pump for high-vacuum systems utilizing turbomolecular pumps in surface analysis (XPS, AES), mass spectrometry, or electron microscopy.
• Vacuum generation for short-path and wiped-film molecular distillation of heat-sensitive compounds (e.g., cannabinoids, vitamins, fragrances).
• Process vacuum in solvent removal, thin-film evaporation, and degassing of polymer precursors or resin formulations.
• Support vacuum for Schlenk lines, vacuum filtration manifolds, and inert-atmosphere glove box antechambers.

FAQ

What oil type is recommended for the RZ 2.5?

VACUUBRAND recommends using only original VACUUBRAND FPM-compatible vacuum pump oil (e.g., H100 or H200 series) to maintain warranty coverage and ensure optimal vapor pressure, oxidation stability, and chemical resistance.
Can the RZ 2.5 be operated continuously?

Yes — the RZ 2.5 is rated for continuous-duty operation at ambient temperatures up to 40 °C, provided adequate ventilation and periodic oil level verification are maintained.
Is the RZ 2.5 suitable for pumping corrosive gases?

It is chemically resistant to many common solvents and mild acids due to plasma-treated surfaces; however, prolonged exposure to HF, Cl₂, NO₂, or ammonia requires additional gas scrubbing or alternative pump technologies (e.g., dry scroll or diaphragm).
How often should the oil be changed?

Under typical laboratory use with non-condensable loads, oil change intervals range from 500–1,000 operating hours; frequency increases with high vapor loads or aggressive chemistry — refer to the Maintenance Log template included in the Operation Manual.
Does the RZ 2.5 include a vacuum gauge?

No — vacuum measurement is optional and requires external installation of a Pirani, capacitance manometer, or thermocouple gauge, with compatible signal conditioning for system integration.