ChemVak C300 Corrosion-Resistant Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The ChemVak C300 is a single-stage, oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump engineered for reliable and chemically inert operation in demanding laboratory environments. Designed on the principle of positive displacement via elastomeric diaphragm oscillation, it generates vacuum without lubricating oil—eliminating risk of sample contamination and simplifying maintenance. All gas-path components—including diaphragm, valves, and internal chamber surfaces—are constructed with or fully lined in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ensuring exceptional resistance to aggressive vapors and corrosive gases commonly encountered in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical process development, and analytical sample preparation. With an ultimate vacuum capability of 2 mbar and a maximum flow rate of 22 L/min at atmospheric pressure (1000 mbar), the C300 delivers sufficient performance for routine vacuum applications including filtration, rotary evaporation, vacuum concentration, centrifugal drying, and solid-phase extraction. Its compact footprint (5 kg), low acoustic signature (≤50 dB[A]), and integrated thermal cut-off circuitry further support unattended, stable operation in shared lab spaces.

Key Features

• Full PTFE-wetted path construction for broad chemical compatibility—resists HCl, HF, SO₂, Cl₂, organic solvents, and acidic/basic vapors
• Oil-free operation eliminates hydrocarbon backstreaming and cross-contamination risks—critical for GC, LC-MS, and trace analysis workflows
• Integrated over-temperature protection: automatically shuts down at elevated motor temperature and resumes operation once thermally stabilized
• Quiet operation (≤50 dB[A]) enabled by precision-balanced motor, vibration-dampening mounting, and optimized airflow design
• Single-stage architecture provides rapid initial evacuation while maintaining robustness and service longevity
• Standard 8 mm barbed inlet/outlet ports compatible with common vacuum tubing (e.g., Tygon®, Viton®) and optional corrosion-resistant vacuum regulators/filters

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C300 is validated for continuous duty with corrosive, condensable, and particulate-laden gas streams typical in chemical R&D, API purification, and environmental testing labs. It complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission standards) and meets UL/CSA safety requirements for laboratory equipment. While not certified for explosion-proof use, its non-sparking PTFE components and absence of oil make it suitable for Class I, Division 2 environments when installed per local electrical codes. The pump supports GLP-compliant workflows through stable, repeatable vacuum delivery—particularly when paired with external vacuum controllers that log setpoints and duration. Optional PTFE-sintered inlet filters (sold separately) provide particulate retention down to 5 µm and enable fine vacuum regulation across dynamic load conditions.

Software & Data Management

The ChemVak C300 operates as a standalone analog device and does not include embedded digital controls or data output interfaces. However, it is fully compatible with third-party vacuum management systems—including analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA vacuum controllers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and LabVIEW-compatible pressure transducers—for integration into automated platforms. When used with a calibrated vacuum gauge and logging software, the system supports audit-ready documentation of vacuum profiles during SOP-driven processes such as USP sterile compounding or ASTM D129-18 distillation protocols. No firmware updates or cybersecurity configurations are required, minimizing IT validation burden in regulated QC/QA laboratories.

Applications

• Vacuum-assisted gravity and pressure filtration of aggressive reaction mixtures (e.g., nitric acid digests, bromination filtrates)
• Rotary evaporation of chlorinated solvents, esters, and amine-containing fractions under controlled vacuum
• Lyophilization pre-concentration steps where hydrocarbon-free vacuum prevents product degradation
• Solid-phase extraction (SPE) manifolds handling acidic eluents (e.g., 0.1% TFA in acetonitrile) or basic analytes in ammonium hydroxide
• Distillation under reduced pressure for heat-sensitive natural products or unstable intermediates
• Evacuation of glove boxes and desiccators containing hygroscopic or oxidizing reagents

FAQ

Is the C300 suitable for pumping solvent vapors from a rotary evaporator?
Yes—the PTFE-wetted path resists condensation and swelling from common solvents including acetone, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol; however, highly chlorinated or fluorinated solvents (e.g., carbon tetrachloride, Freons) should be trapped upstream using a cold trap or adsorbent filter.
Does the pump require periodic oil changes?
No—it is an oil-free diaphragm pump; only the PTFE diaphragm and valve assemblies require replacement after ~10,000 hours of operation or upon visible fatigue/cracking.
Can the C300 be used with a vacuum controller for precise pressure regulation?
Yes—its stable flow characteristics allow seamless integration with analog vacuum regulators (e.g., ChemVak VCR-100 series) or industrial PID controllers equipped with vacuum transducers.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
Rated for >20,000 hours MTBF when operated within ambient temperatures of 15–35°C and relative humidity <80%, with periodic inspection of inlet filtration and cooling vents.
Is CE marking available for the C300 sold in the EU?
Yes—all units distributed in EEA markets carry CE marking per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, accompanied by an EU Declaration of Conformity and technical file documentation.