ILMVAC P 17 E Single-Stage Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump

Overview

The ILMVAC P 17 E is a single-stage rotary vane vacuum pump engineered for reliable, continuous operation in demanding laboratory and light industrial environments. Based on proven Couette-flow displacement principles, it achieves ultimate vacuum levels down to 9 × 10⁻² mbar through precision-machined vanes rotating within an eccentrically mounted stator chamber. The pump operates using high-stability mineral oil as both sealing medium and lubricant, enabling stable vapor-phase handling and minimizing backstreaming. Designed and assembled in Germany under strict DIN EN ISO 9001 quality management protocols, the P 17 E integrates robust mechanical architecture with low thermal drift—ensuring consistent performance across extended duty cycles typical of freeze-drying, solvent recovery, and vacuum filtration workflows.

Key Features

• Compact footprint and lightweight aluminum alloy housing (32.0 kg), facilitating benchtop integration and repositioning within constrained lab spaces
• Optimized vane geometry and surface-hardened rotor shaft deliver high volumetric efficiency and extended service life under continuous load
• Integrated bar-type oil level sight window with calibrated markings enables rapid, tool-free verification of optimal oil volume without disassembly
• Non-return valve system prevents oil backflow into the vacuum chamber upon shutdown—maintaining residual vacuum integrity and eliminating post-cycle re-evacuation delays
• Low-noise operation (< 58 dB(A) at 1 m), achieved via balanced rotor dynamics and acoustic-damped housing, supporting compliance with ISO 14001 environmental lab requirements
• Enhanced water vapor tolerance via optimized oil formulation and internal condensate drainage path—reducing oil degradation during repeated moisture-laden cycles
• Chemical resistance upgraded through fluorocarbon-compatible gasket materials and nickel-plated internal surfaces, improving compatibility with mild organic solvents and acidic vapors

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The P 17 E is suitable for non-corrosive, non-particulate, and non-explosive gas streams. It is not intended for pumping condensable vapors beyond its rated water vapor tolerance (up to 10 g/h at 20 °C), nor for use with halogenated hydrocarbons or strong oxidizers without prior consultation with ILMVAC technical support. The pump complies with CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. Oil change intervals follow GLP-aligned maintenance schedules (typically every 3,000 operating hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first), and full service documentation—including torque specifications and OEM part numbers—is provided for audit readiness per ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 traceability standards.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone mechanical vacuum source, the P 17 E does not incorporate digital control interfaces or embedded firmware. However, it is fully compatible with external vacuum monitoring systems (e.g., Pirani or capacitance manometers) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) via analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA output signals when integrated with optional ILMVAC pressure transducer modules (sold separately). All operational parameters—including runtime logging, oil temperature thresholds, and overpressure alarms—can be recorded and archived in accordance with ALCOA+ data integrity principles when paired with validated third-party SCADA platforms compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements.

Applications

• Primary vacuum source for laboratory-scale freeze dryers (lyophilizers) and vacuum ovens operating in the 10⁻¹ to 10⁻² mbar range
• Front-stage backing pump for turbomolecular, diffusion, or cryogenic high-vacuum systems
• Vacuum-assisted filtration and solvent removal in analytical sample preparation workflows
• Support vacuum distillation setups requiring stable low-to-medium vacuum (e.g., ASTM D1160, ISO 3405)
• Leak testing and vacuum impregnation in materials science and quality assurance labs
• Integration into custom vacuum manifolds for multi-port instrumentation (e.g., mass spectrometry sample introduction, surface analysis chambers)

FAQ

What is the recommended oil type and change interval for the P 17 E?

ILMVAC specifies ISO VG 100 mineral-based vacuum pump oil (e.g., ILMVAC Vacuol 100 or equivalent). Oil must be replaced every 3,000 operating hours or annually—whichever occurs first—to maintain ultimate pressure stability and minimize wear.
Can the P 17 E be used with aggressive solvents such as acetone or chloroform?

Direct pumping of halogenated or highly polar solvents is not advised without upstream cold traps or chemical scrubbers. Consult the ILMVAC Chemical Compatibility Matrix before deployment.
Is the pump suitable for cleanroom environments?

While oil mist emission is minimized via integrated baffle and demister design, it does not meet ISO Class 5 (Class 100) cleanroom particulate limits without supplemental exhaust filtration.
Does the P 17 E include thermal overload protection?

Yes—the motor incorporates a Class F insulated winding with automatic reset thermal cutout, compliant with IEC 60034-1 insulation standards.
How is vacuum integrity verified after extended idle periods?

Perform a 30-minute pump-down test to 1 × 10⁻¹ mbar; residual pressure rise rate should not exceed 1.5 × 10⁻¹ mbar/min to confirm seal integrity and oil condition.