KNF N820.3FT.40.18 Chemically Resistant Self-Drying Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The KNF N820.3FT.40.18 is a high-integrity, oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump engineered for continuous-duty laboratory applications where chemical resistance, dry operation, and long-term reliability are critical. Designed using KNF’s proprietary self-drying technology, this pump eliminates condensate accumulation in the pumping chamber—enabling stable performance even when handling humid, corrosive, or solvent-laden vapors. Its measurement principle relies on positive displacement via PTFE-coated diaphragms and FFPM (perfluoroelastomer) valves, operating without lubricants or oil seals to ensure contamination-free vacuum generation. The pump is specifically optimized for integration with vacuum ovens and desiccators (e.g., 15 L capacity units), offering consistent vacuum levels down to 10 mbar while maintaining thermal stability during unattended 24/7 operation.

Key Features

• Chemical resistance certified by full-wetted-path construction: pump head housing in polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), diaphragms coated with virgin PTFE, and valve plates sealed with FFPM elastomers—compatible with aggressive acids (e.g., HCl, HNO₃), alkalis (e.g., NaOH), and organic solvents.
• Self-drying mechanism actively evacuates moisture from the compression chamber between strokes, preventing condensate-induced corrosion, freezing, or diaphragm adhesion—no external drying traps or maintenance-interrupting purge cycles required.
• Oil-free, dry-running architecture ensures zero hydrocarbon backstreaming and eliminates risk of sample contamination—essential for analytical workflows including rotary evaporation, gel drying, and vacuum filtration.
• Low-vibration, brushless AC motor with thermal overload protection integrated into the control circuitry; operates silently (<52 dB(A)) and maintains stable speed under variable load conditions.
• Compact footprint (312 × 220 × 177 mm) and lightweight design (9.6 kg) facilitate benchtop installation and mobility across shared lab environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The N820.3FT.40.18 is validated for use with moisture-saturated gases, acidic fumes, alkaline vapors, and low-boiling organic solvents—common in lyophilization pre-treatment, vacuum-assisted solvent removal, and accelerated aging studies. All wetted materials comply with FDA 21 CFR §177.2470 (PTFE) and EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 for food-contact-safe polymers. While not intrinsically rated for hazardous area use, its construction meets IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission standards) and conforms to EN 61000-6-2 for industrial immunity. It supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with KNF’s optional analog/digital output modules for vacuum logging.

Software & Data Management

This model operates as a standalone unit with no embedded firmware or onboard data storage. However, it features a standard 6 mm (¼”) BSP male inlet port and 10 mm barbed outlet, enabling seamless integration with third-party vacuum controllers (e.g., Vacuubrand VACUU·SELECT, Agilent Vacuum Manager) via analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA interfaces (optional accessory). When connected to compliant SCADA or LIMS platforms, operational parameters—including runtime hours and pressure setpoint deviations—can be archived for audit trails aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records.

Applications

• Primary vacuum source for 15 L vacuum drying ovens and desiccators in pharmaceutical stability testing (ICH Q1A–Q5E).
• Support vacuum for rotary evaporators handling acid-catalyzed reactions or base-sensitive compounds.
• Decompression step in membrane filtration systems processing caustic cleaning solutions.
• Alternative to water aspirators in teaching labs—eliminates wastewater disposal concerns and freeze-risk in cold rooms.
• Pre-vacuum conditioning of hygroscopic reference standards prior to gravimetric analysis (ASTM E122, ISO 5725).

FAQ

Can the N820.3FT.40.18 handle hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas continuously?

Yes—the fully fluorinated wetted path (PTFE diaphragms, FFPM valves, PPS housing) provides long-term resistance to anhydrous and aqueous HCl at concentrations up to 37%, validated per ASTM D543 immersion testing protocols.
Is this pump suitable for vacuum distillation of acetone or ethyl acetate?

Yes, provided vapor temperature remains below 40 °C at the inlet; the self-drying function prevents solvent condensation-induced stalling, though a cold trap is recommended upstream for high-boiling fractions.
Does it meet noise regulations for ISO Class 5 cleanroom adjacent zones?

At 52 dB(A) at 1 m distance, it complies with ISO 14644-4 Annex B guidelines for auxiliary equipment in controlled environments when installed with anti-vibration feet.
What is the expected service interval under continuous operation?

KNF specifies 10,000 hours MTBF for the diaphragm assembly under typical lab conditions; scheduled replacement of diaphragms and valves is recommended every 6,000 hours or per usage log per ISO/IEC 17025 maintenance tracking requirements.