KNF N840.3FT.18 Chemically Resistant Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The KNF N840.3FT.18 is a high-performance, oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump engineered for demanding laboratory environments where chemical resistance, operational reliability, and contamination-free vacuum generation are critical. Based on KNF’s proven dual-head diaphragm architecture, this model delivers a stable ultimate vacuum of 8 mbar and a continuous free-air flow rate of 34 L/min—optimized for integration with rotary evaporators, vacuum ovens, freeze dryers, and pressure-controlled synthesis systems. Its core operating principle relies on reciprocating PTFE-coated diaphragms driven by an eccentric shaft, eliminating lubricants and ensuring zero hydrocarbon or particulate carryover into the vacuum line. Unlike oil-sealed pumps, the N840.3FT.18 maintains consistent performance across extended duty cycles—including uninterrupted 24/7 operation—without thermal shutdown or degradation in vacuum stability.

Key Features

• Full chemical inertness: All wetted parts—including pump head housing, diaphragm, and valves—are constructed from or coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluoroelastomer (FFPM), enabling safe handling of aggressive vapors such as HCl, HF, HNO₃, NaOH, and organic solvents.
• Dual-head configuration: Enhances volumetric efficiency and reduces pulsation amplitude, resulting in smoother vacuum delivery and lower mechanical stress during prolonged use.
• ATEX-certified design: Certified to II 2G IIB+H2 T3X for use in potentially explosive atmospheres containing hydrogen or gas groups IIB, meeting stringent European directive 2014/34/EU requirements.
• Thermally robust motor: 245 W brushless AC motor with integrated thermal protection and optimized cooling fins ensures sustained operation at ambient temperatures up to 40 °C without derating.
• Low-noise & low-vibration operation: Acoustic emission <52 dB(A) at 1 m; base-mounted elastomeric feet minimize structure-borne transmission—critical for vibration-sensitive instrumentation such as analytical balances or optical tables.
• Zero-oil, zero-maintenance architecture: No lubrication, no filter changes, no scheduled servicing—only periodic visual inspection of diaphragm integrity recommended per ISO 554 and GLP-aligned lab SOPs.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The N840.3FT.18 is validated for compatibility with corrosive, condensable, and reactive process gases encountered in synthetic chemistry, pharmaceutical development, and materials science workflows. Its PTFE/FFPM material set conforms to USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR §177.1550 for polymer contact with pharmaceutical intermediates. The pump meets ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 0 certification for oil-free compressed air/vacuum, satisfying GMP Annex 1 requirements for sterile process support equipment. It supports audit-ready documentation packages including Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) reports, material traceability certificates (EN 10204 3.1), and ATEX EU-Type Examination Certificates issued by notified body DEKRA.

Software & Data Management

While the N840.3FT.18 operates as a standalone analog device, it features a standardized 0–10 VDC analog input for external vacuum setpoint control and a 4–20 mA output signal proportional to actual vacuum level—enabling seamless integration into LabVantage, DeltaV, or Siemens Desigo CCMS platforms. Optional KNF SmartLink interface modules provide Modbus RTU/TCP connectivity for remote status monitoring (running/stopped/fault), runtime logging, and predictive maintenance alerts based on cumulative operating hours. All digital interfaces comply with IEC 61508 SIL 2 functional safety requirements and support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic record archiving when paired with validated SCADA systems.

Applications

• Rotary evaporation under acidic or basic conditions (e.g., solvent removal from peptide coupling reactions)
• Vacuum drying of hygroscopic or oxidation-prone compounds (e.g., Li-ion battery cathode precursors)
• Reduced-pressure distillation of thermolabile natural products
• Gel drying in proteomics sample preparation workflows
• Evacuation of gloveboxes handling pyrophoric reagents (e.g., t-BuLi, DIBAL-H)
• Replacement of water aspirators in centralized vacuum networks—eliminating wastewater discharge and associated environmental reporting obligations

FAQ

Is the N840.3FT.18 suitable for continuous-duty vacuum applications requiring >10,000 hours of service life?
Yes. Its dual-head design, thermally stabilized motor, and chemically inert diaphragm system are rated for ≥15,000 hours MTBF under nominal load conditions per KNF’s internal accelerated life testing (IEC 60068-2-64).
Can this pump be used with condensable vapors such as acetone or methanol without risk of diaphragm swelling?
Yes. The PTFE diaphragm and FFPM valve materials exhibit negligible swelling (<0.5% volume change after 72 h immersion) in common polar solvents per ASTM D471 testing.
Does the pump include built-in overpressure protection for backstreaming events?
No. As a vacuum-only device, it lacks reverse-flow check valves; users must install an external non-return valve (e.g., KNF V120 series) when connecting to vessels subject to sudden pressure surges.
What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for installation in a fume hood?
The unit is rated for continuous operation at ambient temperatures up to 40 °C with minimum clearance of 10 cm on all sides for convective cooling.
Are replacement diaphragms and valve kits available with full traceability documentation?
Yes. All spare parts carry batch-specific CoA (Certificate of Analysis), RoHS/REACH declarations, and EN 10204 3.1 material certifications upon request.