KNF LABOPORT® SR 840 G Chemical-Resistant Diaphragm Vacuum Pump System

Overview

The KNF LABOPORT® SR 840 G is a fully integrated, oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump system engineered for demanding laboratory applications involving aggressive vapors, condensable solvents, and chemically corrosive gases. Unlike conventional rotary vane or scroll pumps, the SR 840 G employs a robust PTFE-coated diaphragm mechanism with chemically inert wetted materials—including PTFE, NBR, and EPDM seals—ensuring long-term integrity when handling hydrochloric acid vapor, acetone, ethanol, chlorinated solvents, and other challenging media. Its design follows the fundamental principle of positive displacement via oscillating elastomeric diaphragms driven by an eccentric camshaft, delivering consistent volumetric flow without lubricant contamination. This architecture eliminates oil backstreaming, avoids maintenance-intensive oil changes, and guarantees Class 1 clean vacuum environments essential for analytical sample preparation, solvent recovery, and GMP-compliant processes.

Key Features

• Chemical resistance certified per DIN 53521 and validated against ISO 15001 for extended service life in corrosive gas streams
• Integrated gas ballast valve enables continuous operation under high partial pressure of condensables—critical for rotary evaporation and vacuum filtration of aqueous/organic mixtures
• Stepless electronic speed control (0–100% range) allows precise vacuum setpoint tuning and energy optimization across variable load conditions
• Three-color LED status indicator provides immediate visual feedback: green (normal operation), yellow (standby/idle), red (fault condition—e.g., thermal overload or diaphragm stall)
• Capable of cold-start at ultimate vacuum (≤6 mbar abs.), eliminating need for venting prior to restart—a key advantage over many competitive diaphragm systems
• Acoustically optimized housing reduces operational noise to ≤52 dB(A) at 1 m distance, meeting ISO 3744 requirements for quiet lab integration
• Compact footprint (299 × 250 × 274 mm) and low mass (13.1 kg) support benchtop deployment, mobile cart mounting, or integration into OEM vacuum manifolds

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SR 840 G is explicitly designed for compatibility with vapors and condensates generated during common lab workflows—including HCl, HF, NO_x, SO₂, methanol, THF, and ethyl acetate. Its wetted path conforms to USP material classification for pharmaceutical contact surfaces. The system meets IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity), carries CE marking per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, and supports audit-ready documentation for GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 laboratories. Optional accessories include stainless steel inlet filters (ISO 8573-1 Class 2 particulate rating), exhaust condensers, and vacuum controllers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity requirements.

Software & Data Management

While the SR 840 G operates as a standalone analog-controlled unit, it features a 0–10 V analog input for external vacuum regulation and a 0–10 V output signal proportional to motor speed—enabling seamless integration into centralized LabVantage or DeltaV SCADA environments. For advanced monitoring, KNF’s optional LABOPORT® Connect module adds Modbus RTU (RS-485) and Ethernet/IP interfaces, supporting real-time logging of runtime hours, fault codes, temperature trends, and vacuum setpoint deviations. All digital communications are timestamped and support configurable audit trails aligned with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Vacuum filtration of acidic or alkaline suspensions (e.g., catalyst recovery, metal hydroxide precipitation)
• Rotary evaporation of halogenated solvents under controlled vacuum ramp profiles
• Deaeration of polymer precursors and resin formulations prior to casting or injection molding
• Lyophilization support for heat-labile biologics where oil-free vacuum prevents product contamination
• Concentration of environmental water samples (EPA Method 525.3) without risking membrane fouling from volatile organics
• OEM integration into automated sample prep stations requiring silent, corrosion-resistant vacuum generation

FAQ

Can the SR 840 G handle saturated water vapor continuously?

Yes—the integrated gas ballast valve and PTFE diaphragm assembly allow sustained operation with up to 80% relative humidity at inlet without performance degradation or internal condensation lock-up.
Is the pump suitable for use in Class A/B cleanrooms?

It meets ISO 14644-1 Class 5 particle emission limits when equipped with KNF’s HEPA-grade inlet filter kit (order code: FIL-HEPA-SR); no oil mist or metallic wear particles are generated.
Does KNF provide calibration certificates traceable to NIST or DAkkS?

DAkkS-accredited calibration reports (DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025) are available upon request for vacuum level verification at 10, 50, and 100 mbar points using primary capacitance manometers.
What is the expected service interval for diaphragms under typical lab usage?

Based on 8 h/day, 5 d/week operation at ≤70% max speed, KNF specifies a minimum diaphragm lifetime of 12,000 operating hours—verified via accelerated life testing per ASTM D412.
Can the SR 840 G be connected to a central vacuum network?

No—it is a self-contained, single-point vacuum source; however, multiple units may be manifolded via KNF’s VP-MANIFOLD-4 distribution panel with individual isolation valves and pressure regulators.