KNF SH 820 G LABOPORT® Chemical-Resistant Diaphragm Vacuum Pump System

Overview

The KNF SH 820 G LABOPORT® is a fully integrated, oil-free diaphragm vacuum system engineered for demanding laboratory applications involving aggressive vapors, corrosive gases, and condensable solvents. Unlike conventional rotary vane or scroll pumps, the SH 820 G employs a chemically resistant PTFE/NBR diaphragm assembly and elastomer-free gas path design to ensure long-term integrity when exposed to halogenated solvents (e.g., chloroform, dichloromethane), strong acids (e.g., HCl, HF vapor), and alkaline vapors. Its core architecture follows KNF’s proven LABOPORT® platform—comprising a hermetically sealed diaphragm pump head, rigid aluminum baseplate, inlet separation bottle (with liquid trap and level sensor interface), and an integrated high-efficiency condenser at the exhaust stage. This configuration enables continuous operation under high vapor loads while maintaining stable ultimate vacuum performance down to 6 mbar (abs.) and delivering a maximum volumetric flow rate of 20 L/min at atmospheric inlet pressure. The system is designed for seamless integration into rotary evaporation, fractional distillation, vacuum filtration, and solvent removal workflows where chemical compatibility, process reproducibility, and operator safety are non-negotiable.

Key Features

• Chemically inert fluid path with PTFE-coated diaphragms, FKM/NBR seals, and stainless steel hardware—certified for compatibility with >95% of common organic and inorganic laboratory solvents
• Integrated gas ballast valve for controlled air admixture during high-vapor-load operation, minimizing internal condensation and preserving pump longevity
• Stepless electronic speed control (0–100%) via front-panel encoder or analog/digital I/O, enabling precise vacuum setpoint regulation and energy optimization
• Tri-color LED status indicator (green/yellow/red) providing real-time operational feedback on pump state, thermal load, and fault conditions per EN 61000-6-2/6-4
• Compact footprint (323 × 416 × 260 mm) and low acoustic emission (<52 dB(A) at 1 m) suitable for benchtop deployment in shared lab environments
• Capable of cold-start operation directly at ultimate vacuum (6 mbar), eliminating need for pre-evacuation or manual venting sequences
• Modular inlet separator with 500 mL capacity and level detection interface; outlet condenser rated for ≥90% solvent recovery efficiency at 20 °C ambient

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SH 820 G is validated for use with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), acid and base vapors, and mixed-solvent streams typical in synthetic chemistry, pharmaceutical QC, and environmental sample preparation. It complies with IEC 61000 electromagnetic compatibility standards and meets CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. While not intrinsically safe for Zone 1 hazardous areas, its oil-free, spark-free operation aligns with OSHA 1910.1200 (HazCom) and CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 for handling classified substances. The system supports GLP-compliant documentation through optional analog output (0–10 V) for vacuum level logging and RS-485 Modbus RTU interface for integration into LIMS or SCADA platforms.

Software & Data Management

The SH 820 G operates as a standalone instrument but offers full digital controllability via KNF’s proprietary LabControl software (Windows-based, USB/RS-485 supported). This application enables remote parameter configuration—including target vacuum setpoints, ramp profiles, speed scheduling, and alarm thresholds—as well as real-time monitoring of motor current, temperature, and runtime hours. All operational events are timestamped and stored locally with audit-trail capability compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements when paired with user-authenticated access and electronic signature modules. Data export is supported in CSV and PDF formats for inclusion in analytical reports or regulatory submissions.

Applications

• Rotary evaporation of acid-labile or halogenated compounds without pump degradation
• Vacuum-assisted crystallization and recrystallization under controlled partial pressure
• Short-path and Kugelrohr distillation of thermally sensitive APIs
• Concentration of aqueous extracts containing volatile organic acids (e.g., acetic, formic)
• Lyophilization pre-chamber evacuation where residual solvent vapor management is critical
• Gas-phase sampling systems requiring stable sub-10 mbar vacuum with zero hydrocarbon contamination

FAQ

Can the SH 820 G handle hydrogen chloride (HCl) vapor continuously?
Yes—its fully fluorinated wetted materials (PTFE, FFKM, Hastelloy C-276 fasteners) are rated for continuous exposure to dry or humidified HCl up to 100 ppm at ≤40 °C inlet temperature.
Is solvent recovery quantified and traceable?
The integrated condenser achieves ≥90% recovery for solvents with boiling points between 35–120 °C; recovered volume can be measured manually or via optional gravimetric sensor kit (part no. K-SR-GRV-01).
Does the pump require periodic oil changes or lubrication?
No—it is a true oil-free diaphragm system; only routine inspection of diaphragms and inlet filter every 6–12 months is recommended per KNF Maintenance Schedule M-SH820G-REV3.
Can it be operated in a fume hood without external venting?
Yes—the exhaust stream is fully contained within the condenser and separator; uncondensed non-toxic vapors may be safely discharged into a ventilated hood per local EHS guidelines.
What is the expected service life under continuous 8-hour/day operation?
Based on accelerated lifetime testing per ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certification protocols, mean time between failures (MTBF) exceeds 20,000 hours at 70% load duty cycle.