Pfeiffer HiPace 2300 Turbo Molecular Pump

Overview

The Pfeiffer HiPace 2300 is a high-performance, oil-free turbo molecular pump engineered for demanding ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and extreme high vacuum (XHV) applications in research laboratories, semiconductor process tools, analytical instrumentation (e.g., mass spectrometry, surface science systems), and industrial vacuum coating environments. Operating on the principle of momentum transfer via high-speed rotating blades (rotor speed up to 90,000 rpm), the HiPace 2300 achieves gas compression through sequential stages of rotor-stator blade arrays optimized for nitrogen and common process gases. Its design adheres to fundamental kinetic theory of gases—relying on mean free path dominance at pressures below ~10⁻² hPa—to deliver stable, contamination-free pumping without hydrocarbon or lubricant backstreaming. With a nominal pumping speed of 2050 L/s for nitrogen and an ultimate pressure better than 1 × 10⁻⁷ hPa under standard conditions, the HiPace 2300 serves as a primary high-vacuum pump when backed by a suitable forevacuum stage (e.g., dry scroll or diaphragm pump).

Key Features

• Integrated TC 1200 drive electronics with real-time monitoring of rotational speed, bearing temperature, vibration status, and power consumption—enabling predictive maintenance and operational transparency.
• IP54-rated enclosure ensuring dust resistance and protection against water splashes, making it suitable for non-cleanroom industrial settings and shared laboratory infrastructure.
• Factory-integrated water cooling circuit maintaining thermal stability across continuous operation, critical for sustaining maximum pumping speed and long-term rotor dynamics integrity.
• Modular inlet configuration supporting DN 250 flanges with interchangeable sealing interfaces: ISO-F (flat gasket), ISO-K (knife-edge), and CF-F (copper gasket), facilitating compatibility with existing UHV chambers and custom vacuum manifolds.
• Flexible mounting capability from 0° (horizontal) to 90° (vertical), including dedicated inverted (U-variant) and chemically resistant (C-variant) configurations for corrosive gas handling or space-constrained installations.
• Electromechanical sealing valve (24 V DC actuation) integrated into the pump head assembly, enabling rapid isolation of the vacuum chamber during venting or maintenance without external valving.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HiPace 2300 is compatible with inert, reactive, and mildly corrosive process gases—including N₂, Ar, O₂, H₂, CO, and CO₂—when configured with the C-variant housing and appropriate bearing materials. It is not intended for condensable vapors (e.g., solvents, oils) or particulate-laden streams without upstream trapping. The pump conforms to IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emission) standards for electromagnetic compatibility. Its mechanical construction complies with PED 2014/68/EU for pressure equipment where applicable. While not intrinsically certified for ATEX zones, optional variants meet specific requirements for controlled atmospheres upon request. Documentation supports GLP/GMP audit readiness, including traceable calibration records and firmware version logs.

Software & Data Management

The TC 1200 controller provides native RS485 and Ethernet (TCP/IP) interfaces for integration into centralized vacuum system control architectures. Pfeiffer’s Vacuum Control Software (VCS) enables remote parameter configuration, real-time data logging (pumping speed, temperature, error codes), and event-triggered alarms. All operational data—including startup/shutdown cycles, fault history, and cumulative runtime—is timestamped and exportable in CSV format. For regulated environments, optional firmware upgrades support FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user access controls, electronic signatures, and audit trail generation—fully aligned with pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing validation protocols.

Applications

• Ultra-high vacuum chambers for electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic layer deposition (ALD) systems.
• Primary high-vacuum pumping stage in residual gas analyzers (RGAs) and quadrupole mass spectrometers requiring low base pressure and minimal background interference.
• Backing stage for cryopumps in fusion research and particle accelerator beamlines.
• Process vacuum for thin-film solar cell manufacturing, optical coating, and MEMS packaging lines.
• Research-grade vacuum systems in quantum computing labs where hydrocarbon-free environments are mandatory for qubit coherence preservation.

FAQ

What forevacuum pressure is required to start the HiPace 2300?
The pump requires a backing pressure ≤ 15 hPa (typically achieved with a dry scroll or diaphragm pump) prior to acceleration.
Can the HiPace 2300 operate continuously at full speed?
Yes—its water-cooled architecture and active bearing monitoring allow indefinite continuous operation within specified ambient temperature and coolant flow parameters.
Is firmware update supported in the field?
Yes, firmware updates for the TC 1200 controller can be performed via USB or network connection using Pfeiffer’s official VCS software.
Does the pump include built-in diagnostics for bearing health?
Yes—the TC 1200 continuously monitors vibration spectra, rotor phase alignment, and bearing temperature gradients to detect early-stage mechanical anomalies.
What documentation is provided for IQ/OQ validation?
Pfeiffer supplies Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) reports, electrical safety certificates, and mechanical compliance statements; additional IQ/OQ protocol templates are available upon request for GxP-regulated facilities.