VACUUBRAND ME 16 NT Diaphragm Vacuum Pump

Overview

The VACUUBRAND ME 16 NT is an industrial-grade, oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump engineered for continuous, contamination-free operation in demanding laboratory and pilot-scale applications. Based on positive displacement via eight synchronized, fiber-reinforced dual-layer diaphragms made of fluorocarbon rubber (FPM), the pump delivers robust performance without lubricants or hydrocarbon vapors—ensuring integrity of sensitive processes such as solvent evaporation, vacuum filtration, degassing, and inert gas purging. Its single-stage architecture achieves a stable ultimate vacuum of 70 mbar (53 torr) absolute while maintaining high volumetric throughput—up to 18.4 m³/h at 60 Hz—making it particularly suitable for applications requiring rapid evacuation of large-volume chambers or systems with moderate outgassing rates. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the ME 16 NT adheres to stringent CE directives and incorporates mechanical and electrical safety features compliant with IEC 61000-6-2/6-3 and EN 60034-1.

Key Features

• Oil-free, chemically resistant wetted path constructed entirely from aluminum housing and carefully selected engineering plastics (e.g., PTFE-coated valves, FPM diaphragms)
• Eight-pump-head configuration enabling high suction capacity with inherently low vibration and acoustic emission (54 dBA at 50 Hz)
• Fiber-reinforced double-diaphragm design significantly extends service life and eliminates need for routine maintenance of the drive mechanism
• Integrated muffler and optimized airflow path ensure quiet, stable operation—ideal for shared lab environments and noise-sensitive installations
• Compact footprint (554 × 260 × 359 mm) and modular port layout (KF DN 25 inlet, G1/2″ exhaust) facilitate integration into vacuum manifolds, gloveboxes, and custom process skids
• IP40-rated motor enclosure provides protection against solid objects >1 mm; rated for continuous duty under ambient conditions of 10–40 °C

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ME 16 NT is certified for use with non-corrosive, non-condensable gases only—including air, nitrogen, argon, and helium. It is not intended for pumping solvents, acidic vapors, halogenated compounds, or explosive atmospheres beyond its ATEX classification (II 3G IIC T3 X, valid for internal atmosphere only under 230 V supply). All materials in contact with the pumped medium comply with USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR §177.2600 for incidental food contact. The pump meets ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 0 requirements for oil-free air, ensuring zero risk of hydrocarbon contamination in downstream analytical instrumentation (e.g., mass spectrometers, residual gas analyzers) or pharmaceutical drying cycles governed by EU GMP Annex 1.

Software & Data Management

While the ME 16 NT operates as a standalone analog device without embedded digital controls, it is fully compatible with external vacuum monitoring and control systems via its standard 230 V~ 50–60 Hz input. Integration with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or LabVIEW-based DAQ platforms is supported through optional relay modules (e.g., VACUUBRAND R10) for start/stop signaling and status feedback. For GLP/GMP environments, users may implement audit-trail-capable logging via third-party pressure transducers (e.g., MKS Baratron series) connected to validated data acquisition software compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Applications

• Rotary evaporation and cold trap systems requiring stable mid-vacuum levels (10–100 mbar)
• Vacuum-assisted filtration and membrane separation in chemical synthesis and bioprocessing
• Sample preparation for SEM, TEM, and XRD—where hydrocarbon-free vacuum prevents surface contamination
• Leak testing and evacuation of vacuum ovens, desiccators, and environmental test chambers
• Inert gas line purging and blanketing in catalyst handling and moisture-sensitive material storage
• Support vacuum for vacuum distillation, freeze-drying (lyophilization) pre-chamber stages, and vacuum impregnation

FAQ

Is the ME 16 NT suitable for pumping solvent vapors or acidic gases?
No. The pump is designed exclusively for non-corrosive, non-condensable gases. Exposure to condensables (e.g., acetone, ethanol) or aggressive media (e.g., HCl, Cl₂) will degrade FPM diaphragms and compromise sealing integrity.
Can this pump be used in explosion-hazard areas?
Only the 230 V version carries ATEX certification (II 3G IIC T3 X) for use in Zone 2/22 environments—but strictly for internal atmospheric conditions, not process gas streams.
What maintenance is required over its operational lifetime?
The drive system is maintenance-free; only periodic inspection of inlet filters and diaphragm wear (typically after 10,000–15,000 hours of continuous operation) is recommended.
Does the pump include a vacuum gauge or electronic controller?
No. It is a manually operated, analog pump. Vacuum level monitoring and process automation require externally installed sensors and controllers.
Are replacement diaphragms and service kits available?
Yes. Genuine VACUUBRAND spare parts—including FPM diaphragm sets (order no. 672110), valve plates (672120), and complete overhaul kits—are stocked globally and traceable to original manufacturing lot data.