ME 2C Chemical-Resistant Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The ME 2C Chemical-Resistant Diaphragm Vacuum Pump is an engineered solution for laboratories requiring reliable, oil-free vacuum generation in chemically aggressive environments. Based on positive displacement via oscillating PTFE-reinforced diaphragms, the pump operates without lubricants or internal oil—eliminating risk of contamination and enabling safe handling of corrosive vapors, acidic gases, and organic solvents. Its single-stage architecture delivers a balanced performance profile: high volumetric throughput (1.9 m³/h) combined with an ultimate absolute vacuum level of 80 mbar—sufficient for most low-to-medium vacuum applications including solvent evaporation, vacuum filtration, and inert atmosphere drying. Designed and assembled in Germany, the ME 2C adheres to stringent EU manufacturing standards and incorporates materials selected specifically for long-term chemical stability under continuous operation.

Key Features

• Chemically inert wetted parts constructed entirely from fluoropolymers—including PTFE-coated diaphragms, EPDM-free valve assemblies, and fluorinated housing seals—ensuring compatibility with HCl, HF, NO_x, acetone, chloroform, and other aggressive media.
• Proprietary PTFE “sandwich” diaphragm design: a three-layer composite structure (PTFE–elastomer–PTFE) that enhances mechanical resilience, reduces fatigue-induced cracking, and extends service life beyond 10,000 operating hours under typical lab duty cycles.
• Brushless DC motor drive with integrated thermal protection and soft-start logic—delivering consistent torque across voltage fluctuations and eliminating carbon brush wear, thereby ensuring maintenance-free operation over the pump’s service lifetime.
• Acoustically optimized chamber geometry and vibration-damping feet reduce operational noise to ≤48 dB(A) at 1 m distance—supporting integration into shared laboratory spaces and QC environments where ambient noise control is specified.
• Compact footprint (258 × 164 × 191 mm) and lightweight aluminum alloy chassis (7.1 kg) facilitate benchtop deployment, mobile cart mounting, or integration into OEM vacuum manifolds and automated sample preparation systems.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ME 2C is validated for continuous duty with non-explosive, non-particulate gas streams containing condensable vapors up to 30% by volume. It is not rated for use with pyrophoric substances, oxidizing agents exceeding Class 2 per GHS, or aerosols containing >5 µm solid particulates. All materials comply with EU Regulation EC No. 1935/2004 for materials intended to come into contact with foodstuffs (where applicable), and meet RoHS 2011/65/EU and REACH SVHC screening requirements. The pump carries CE marking per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. While not intrinsically safe, it may be deployed in Zone 2 classified areas when installed per IEC 60079-14 guidelines and paired with appropriate exhaust scrubbing.

Software & Data Management

The ME 2C operates as a standalone analog device with no embedded firmware or digital interface. However, its stable pressure output and repeatable flow characteristics make it compatible with third-party vacuum controllers (e.g., VACUUBRAND VACUU·SELECT, KNF VarioControl) and PLC-based lab automation platforms via 0–10 V analog input/output signals. When integrated into GLP- or GMP-regulated workflows, users may document operational parameters—including runtime, duty cycle, and ambient temperature—using external electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) such as LabArchives or Benchling. Audit trails for maintenance intervals and diaphragm replacement logs can be maintained in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.6 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements using qualified document management systems.

Applications

• Vacuum drying of moisture- or oxygen-sensitive compounds in forced-convection ovens and desiccators
• Gravity and pressure-assisted filtration of corrosive filtrates (e.g., acid digests, base hydrolysates)
• Rotary evaporation of low-boiling-point solvents including ether, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate
• Gas sampling and pre-concentration in environmental analysis workflows (e.g., EPA Method TO-17 support)
• Evacuation of gloveboxes and Schlenk lines during air-sensitive synthesis
• Backing pump for turbomolecular or diffusion pumps in surface science instrumentation

FAQ

Is the ME 2C suitable for pumping hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas?
Yes—the entire gas path, including diaphragm, valves, and housing gaskets, is fabricated from fluoropolymers resistant to dry and humid HCl up to 100 ppm concentration at ambient temperatures.
Can the pump be operated continuously for 24/7 applications?
It is rated for continuous duty per DIN EN 60034-1; however, optimal service life is achieved with intermittent cycling (≤80% duty cycle) and ambient temperatures between 15–30 °C.
What maintenance is required?
No scheduled maintenance is required for the drive mechanism; only periodic inspection of inlet filters and replacement of diaphragms every 12–18 months (depending on vapor load) is recommended.
Does the pump include an exhaust filter?
No—exhaust filtration must be implemented externally using activated carbon or caustic scrubbers when handling toxic or odorous vapors.
Is technical documentation available in English?
Yes—complete operator manual, dimensional drawings, material compliance certificates (RoHS, REACH), and CE declaration of conformity are provided digitally upon order confirmation.