ILMVAC PS 70 Single-Stage Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump

Overview

The ILMVAC PS 70 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 mechanics, it achieves stable ultimate vacuum levels below 0.5 mbar through precision-machined vanes rotating within an elliptical stator chamber, generating volumetric compression via dynamic oil-sealed cavities. Designed and assembled in Germany under stringent DIN EN ISO 9001-certified manufacturing protocols, the PS 70 delivers consistent performance across variable load conditions—including intermittent exposure to water vapor and mild organic vapors—without compromising long-term dimensional stability or bearing integrity. Its compact footprint (L×W×H: 580 × 280 × 320 mm), integrated vibration-damping feet, and low acoustic emission (<62 dB(A) at 1 m) make it suitable for shared lab spaces where spatial efficiency and ambient noise control are critical.

Key Features

• Oil-sealed rotary vane architecture with hardened steel vanes and nickel-plated stator housing for extended service life and resistance to mild chemical condensates
• Integrated gas ballast valve enabling controlled admission of atmospheric air during pumping cycles to displace condensable vapors—critical for freeze-drying and solvent recovery applications
• Optimized oil circulation system with large-capacity sump (2.2 L) and centrifugal oil–mist separation, reducing oil carryover to <0.5 mg/m³ and minimizing downstream contamination risk
• Bar-type oil level indicator with dual calibration marks for safe operation across tilt angles up to ±5°, ensuring proper lubrication during mobile deployment or benchtop repositioning
• Non-return check valve prevents backstreaming of oil into the vacuum chamber upon shutdown—maintaining system integrity without external solenoid valves
• Thermally protected motor (IP54 enclosure) with Class F insulation, rated for continuous duty at ambient temperatures up to 40°C

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PS 70 is compatible with standard ISO-KF 25 and ISO-KF 40 vacuum flanges (adapters available separately) and operates effectively with common laboratory vacuum receivers, cold traps, and glassware manifolds. It meets CE marking requirements per EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. While not intrinsically safe, its design supports integration into GLP-compliant workflows when paired with validated pressure monitoring systems (e.g., capacitance manometers traceable to NIST standards). Oil change intervals are defined per ASTM D2889–22 (Standard Practice for Maintenance of Rotary Vacuum Pumps), typically every 3,000 operating hours under clean, dry conditions.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone mechanical pump, the PS 70 does not incorporate embedded digital controls or communication interfaces. However, it is fully interoperable with third-party vacuum management systems via analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA pressure feedback signals when used with optional vacuum gauges (e.g., Pirani or capacitance manometers). Its operational parameters—including runtime, oil temperature, and motor current—are monitorable using externally mounted data loggers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed in regulated pharmaceutical or biotech settings. Maintenance records, including oil replacement dates and filter changes, should be retained as part of a formal equipment history file per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 6.4.10.

Applications

• Primary vacuum source for lyophilization (freeze-drying) of biological samples and pharmaceutical intermediates
• Front-stage backing pump for diffusion pumps, turbomolecular pumps, and cryopumps in high-vacuum deposition systems
• Vacuum distillation of heat-sensitive compounds under reduced boiling points
• Membrane filtration and Büchner funnel-based solid–liquid separation in analytical chemistry workflows
• Leak detection via helium mass spectrometry (when used with calibrated leak standards)
• Thin-film coating processes requiring stable base pressure prior to plasma ignition or evaporation onset

FAQ

What is the recommended operating oil for the PS 70?
ILMVAC specifies ISO VG 68 synthetic hydrocarbon-based vacuum pump oil (e.g., ILMVAC VP 68 or equivalent meeting DIN 51506 VDL specifications). Mineral oils are not recommended due to higher volatility and oxidation susceptibility.
Can the PS 70 be operated continuously for 24/7 applications?
Yes—provided ambient temperature remains ≤40°C, ventilation is unobstructed, and scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements) follows the intervals outlined in the technical manual.
Is the PS 70 suitable for pumping corrosive gases such as HCl or Cl₂?
No. While it exhibits enhanced resistance to water vapor and alcohols compared to conventional rotary vane pumps, it is not designed for aggressive halogenated or acidic process gases. For such applications, dry scroll or diaphragm pumps with fluoropolymer wetted parts are advised.
Does the PS 70 include an exhaust filter?
A standard oil mist exhaust filter is factory-installed; however, users must verify local emissions regulations and replace the filter element every 500 operating hours or sooner if oil mist visibility increases.
How is ultimate pressure verified during qualification?
Ultimate pressure must be measured using a calibrated capacitance manometer (not a thermocouple gauge) after a minimum 12-hour pump-down of a clean, baked, and isolated test chamber—per ISO 21360-1:2022 Annex B procedures.