KNF LABOPORT® SR 820 G Chemically Resistant Diaphragm Vacuum System

Overview

The KNF LABOPORT® SR 820 G is a fully integrated, chemically resistant diaphragm vacuum system engineered for demanding laboratory applications involving aggressive vapors, corrosive gases, and condensable media. Unlike conventional oil-lubricated or standard dry pumps, the SR 820 G employs a hermetically sealed, PTFE-coated diaphragm mechanism with chemically inert wetted materials—including FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) valves and EPDM/FFKM composite seals—ensuring long-term operational integrity in environments where hydrochloric acid vapor, nitric acid fumes, organic solvents, or halogenated compounds are present. Its design follows the fundamental principle of positive displacement via oscillating diaphragms, eliminating oil contamination while maintaining stable vacuum performance across variable load conditions. The system operates within a pressure range from atmospheric (1013 mbar) down to 6 mbar (absolute), delivering a maximum volumetric flow rate of 20 L/min at ambient conditions—making it suitable for both coarse and medium-vacuum processes without requiring auxiliary traps or cold fingers in many routine workflows.

Key Features

• Chemically resistant construction: All gas-path components—including pump head, valves, and tubing interfaces—are fabricated from or coated with fluoropolymers (PTFE, FFKM) and elastomers certified for resistance to strong acids, bases, and organic solvents per ASTM D471 and ISO 1817.
• Integrated gas ballast valve: Enables continuous operation under high-condensate-load conditions by introducing controlled amounts of ambient air to prevent liquid accumulation in the pump chamber.
• Variable-speed motor control: Allows precise adjustment of pumping speed (via analog or digital input) to match process requirements—reducing energy consumption, minimizing vibration, and extending diaphragm service life.
• Three-color LED status indicator: Provides real-time visual feedback on operational state—green for active pumping, amber for standby/idle mode, and red for fault conditions (e.g., thermal overload, blocked exhaust, or abnormal current draw).
• Start-at-deep-vacuum capability: The motor and drive electronics are designed to initiate operation even when inlet pressure is as low as 6 mbar, eliminating the need for venting prior to restart—a critical advantage during automated or unattended vacuum cycles.
• Compact footprint and low noise emission: At just 282 × 234 × 260 mm and 10.7 kg, the unit integrates seamlessly into fume hoods, gloveboxes, or benchtop analytical setups; acoustic emission remains below 52 dB(A) at 1 m distance per ISO 3744.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SR 820 G is validated for use with aqueous, acidic, alkaline, and solvent-based vapors commonly encountered in sample preparation workflows—including HCl, HNO₃, HF, NaOH, acetone, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. Its materials compliance aligns with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 for food-contact safety and RoHS 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restriction. While not intrinsically rated for ATEX Zone 1/2, the pump may be deployed in non-hazardous classified areas per IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity). For GLP/GMP-regulated environments, optional analog/digital output signals support integration into audit-trail-capable SCADA systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated data acquisition hardware.

Software & Data Management

The SR 820 G supports analog (0–10 V DC or 4–20 mA) and digital (RS-485 Modbus RTU) communication protocols for remote monitoring and closed-loop control. When interfaced with KNF’s optional LabControl™ software suite (Windows-based), users can configure ramp profiles, log vacuum curves over time, set alarm thresholds for pressure deviation or temperature rise, and export timestamped CSV files compatible with LIMS platforms such as LabWare or Thermo Fisher SampleManager. All configuration changes and operational events are recorded with date/time stamps and user ID fields—enabling full traceability required under ISO/IEC 17025 and internal QA procedures.

Applications

• Vacuum filtration of aggressive reaction mixtures in synthetic chemistry labs
• Rotary evaporation and solvent removal from acid-digested environmental samples
• Deaeration of corrosive electrolyte solutions prior to electrochemical cell assembly
• Continuous vacuum drying in pharmaceutical stability chambers handling hygroscopic APIs
• Liquid aspiration in automated liquid handlers where reagent compatibility mandates oil-free vacuum sources
• Centrifugal concentration of protein lysates containing chaotropic agents (e.g., guanidine HCl)

FAQ

Is the SR 820 G suitable for continuous duty with high vapor loads?
Yes—the integrated gas ballast valve and thermally optimized diaphragm cooling allow uninterrupted operation under sustained condensate generation, provided exhaust routing complies with local ventilation codes.
Can this pump be used in a cleanroom environment?
It meets ISO Class 5 particulate limits when operated with KNF-recommended HEPA-filtered exhaust lines and installed with vibration-damping mounts.
Does the system include vacuum gauging?
No—vacuum measurement requires an external gauge (e.g., Pirani or capacitance manometer); however, analog pressure signal inputs can be connected for feedback control.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Diaphragm replacement is advised every 10,000 operating hours or biannually under typical lab usage; valve kits should be inspected annually per KNF Service Bulletin SB-SR820-2023.
How does the SR 820 G compare to the N 820 G or SH 820 G models?
The SR variant adds a rigid support frame, dual separation flasks (inlet/outlet), and preconfigured hose fittings—making it a turnkey system versus the bare-pump N-series or heat-resistant SH-series optimized for elevated ambient temperatures.