KNF N810FT.18 PTFE-Lined Chemically Resistant Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The KNF N810FT.18 is a high-integrity, chemically resistant diaphragm vacuum pump engineered for demanding laboratory and analytical applications where exposure to aggressive vapors—such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sodium hydroxide fumes, or organic solvents—is routine. Unlike conventional vacuum pumps with elastomeric or stainless-steel wetted parts, the N810FT.18 employs a fully fluoropolymer-wetted path: its pump head is machined from solid PTFE, the diaphragm is PTFE-coated for enhanced chemical inertness and fatigue resistance, and the valve assembly utilizes FFPM (perfluoroelastomer), a material certified to ASTM D1418 and ISO 1629 for exceptional resistance to halogenated compounds, strong oxidizers, and high-pH environments. Its operating principle relies on reciprocating PTFE-coated diaphragms driven by an eccentric shaft, generating vacuum via positive displacement without oil lubrication—ensuring zero risk of sample contamination or hydrocarbon backstreaming. With an ultimate vacuum of 100 mbar (abs.) and a nominal flow rate of 10 L/min at atmospheric inlet pressure, the N810FT.18 delivers stable, pulsation-dampened vacuum suitable for rotary evaporation, vacuum filtration, degassing of HPLC mobile phases, and solvent recovery under corrosive conditions.

Key Features

• Chemically inert wetted path: PTFE pump housing, PTFE-coated diaphragm, and FFPM valves ensure compatibility with Class C and D aggressive media per ISO 21620 and DIN 53401 standards.
• Oil-free, dry operation eliminates need for oil changes, vapor traps, or exhaust scrubbers—reducing total cost of ownership and enabling compliance with ISO 8573-1 Class 0 air purity requirements for vacuum lines.
• Low mechanical vibration (<0.5 mm/s RMS at 10 Hz–1 kHz) and acoustic emission (<50 dB(A) at 1 m) support integration into sensitive instrumentation setups, including mass spectrometry sample introduction systems and microbalance enclosures.
• Compact footprint (248 × 187 × 98 mm) and lightweight design (approx. 5.2 kg) facilitate benchtop deployment in fume hoods or modular lab workstations.
• Integrated thermal protection and current monitoring prevent overload during extended duty cycles, supporting continuous operation under GLP-compliant workflows.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The N810FT.18 is validated for use with gaseous and vapor-phase samples containing HF, Cl₂, SO₂, NH₃, and concentrated mineral acids up to 65% w/w. It meets EN 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) and EN 61000-6-2 (immunity) for laboratory electromagnetic environments. While not intrinsically safe, it complies with ATEX Category 3G (Zone 2) when operated within specified ambient temperature (5–40°C) and humidity (≤80% RH, non-condensing) limits. For regulated pharmaceutical or clinical labs, its maintenance-free architecture supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned validation protocols—particularly where audit trails for vacuum-dependent unit operations (e.g., lyophilizer chamber evacuation) must be documented without mechanical wear variables.

Software & Data Management

The N810FT.18 operates as a standalone analog device with no embedded firmware or digital interface; however, it is compatible with third-party vacuum controllers (e.g., Vacuubrand VACUU·SELECT or KNF’s own EC-100 series) via 0–10 V analog input for closed-loop pressure regulation. When integrated into automated systems, its stable flow profile enables reproducible vacuum ramping profiles traceable to NIST-traceable pressure calibrators. No internal data logging is provided, aligning with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 7.7.1 requirements for equipment used in testing laboratories—where external verification and calibration records constitute the primary evidence of metrological fitness.

Applications

• Vacuum distillation and rotary evaporation of corrosive solvents (e.g., trifluoroacetic acid, chlorosulfonic acid)
• Acid digestion fume extraction in ICP-MS and AAS sample preparation hoods
• Membrane filtration of caustic cleaning solutions in bioprocess development
• Evacuation of gloveboxes handling lithium battery electrolyte vapors (LiPF₆ in carbonate blends)
• Gas sampling and pre-concentration for FTIR or GC-MS analysis of stack emissions containing NOₓ/SOₓ

FAQ

Is the N810FT.18 suitable for continuous-duty operation in a Class 100 cleanroom environment?

Yes—its oil-free design, low particle shedding (verified per ISO 14644-1 Class 5 airborne particulate limits), and absence of outgassing polymers make it appropriate for cleanroom-adjacent vacuum support, provided inlet gas is pre-filtered to ≤0.1 µm.
Can this pump handle condensable vapors such as acetic anhydride or phosphorus oxychloride?

It is not recommended for sustained exposure to heavy condensables without cold trap integration; FFPM valves tolerate brief exposure, but prolonged liquid ingress may compromise diaphragm flex life and require inspection per KNF Service Bulletin SB-2022-04.
What calibration documentation is supplied with the unit?

Each pump ships with a factory test report listing measured flow rate (±3% tolerance per ISO 5801), ultimate vacuum (verified with calibrated capacitance manometer), and sound pressure level—traceable to DAkkS-accredited reference standards.