Vacuubrand RE Series Single-Stage Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps

Overview

The Vacuubrand RE Series comprises precision-engineered single-stage rotary vane vacuum pumps designed for reliable, continuous operation in demanding laboratory and pilot-scale applications requiring rough vacuum generation (1 × 10⁻¹ mbar ultimate pressure). Based on proven Couette-flow displacement principles, these pumps utilize dynamically balanced vanes rotating eccentrically within a cylindrical stator chamber to generate volumetric compression. The RE Series is optimized for high pumping speed-to-footprint ratio, making it ideal for space-constrained installations where consistent vacuum performance, low maintenance frequency, and operational stability are critical—such as rotary evaporation, vacuum filtration, freeze drying pre-evacuation, vacuum ovens, and degassing of solvents or resins.

Key Features

• Compact mechanical architecture: Among the smallest footprint per m³/h in its class—RE 2.5 occupies only 0.0074 m³ while delivering 2.3 m³/h at 50 Hz.
• Integrated gas ballast valve: Enables continuous operation with condensable vapors (e.g., water, ethanol, acetone) without oil emulsification; maintains ultimate vacuum stability under variable process loads.
• Automatic oil-line shut-off mechanism: Engages upon power cutoff to prevent backstreaming of atmospheric gases into the pump chamber and downstream apparatus—critical for protecting sensitive instrumentation and maintaining system integrity during shutdown.
• Optimized lubrication circuit: Redesigned oil circulation path minimizes turbulence and shear heating, resulting in reduced operational noise (typically <50 dB(A) at 1 m) and improved thermal management across ambient temperatures from 10–40 °C.
• Large-capacity oil reservoir: Extended oil change intervals up to 3,000 operating hours under typical laboratory duty cycles—reducing total cost of ownership and minimizing procedural interruptions.
• Robust cast-aluminum housing with vibration-damped mounting feet: Ensures mechanical stability during prolonged operation and compatibility with benchtop, cart-mounted, or integrated OEM configurations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RE Series is compatible with non-corrosive, non-explosive, and non-particulate-laden gases and vapors commonly encountered in academic, pharmaceutical, and chemical R&D environments. It complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission standards) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity), 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, optional ATEX-compliant variants (RE-ATEX series) are available upon request. For GLP/GMP-regulated workflows, the pump supports audit-ready documentation packages including Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) reports and material traceability certificates (e.g., RoHS-compliant castings, ISO 6743-12 Class VG 100 mineral oil compatibility).

Software & Data Management

The RE Series operates as a standalone mechanical vacuum source and does not include embedded digital control or data logging. However, it is fully compatible with third-party vacuum monitoring systems via analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA output interfaces (available with optional sensor kits). When integrated into automated platforms—such as Buchi R-300 rotovaps or Binder VO 400 vacuum ovens—the pump’s stable base pressure and fast response time enable precise closed-loop vacuum regulation. For regulatory environments requiring electronic records, external pressure transducers (e.g., MKS Baratron 627B) paired with validated SCADA or LabArchives-compatible acquisition software provide 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails, calibration logs, and event timestamps.

Applications

• Routine solvent removal via rotary evaporation (R-210, R-300, Heidolph Hei-VAP systems)
• Vacuum-assisted filtration (Büchner funnel, sintered glass frits, membrane filtration rigs)
• Pre-evacuation of lyophilizers and freeze dryers prior to primary drying phase
• Deaeration of polymer resins, adhesives, and composite matrix materials
• Gas purging and inert atmosphere preparation in gloveboxes and Schlenk lines
• Support vacuum for mass spectrometry sample introduction stages and ion source housings
• Low-vacuum drying of hygroscopic compounds in temperature-controlled vacuum desiccators

FAQ

What is the recommended oil type and change interval?
Vacuubrand specifies VG 100 mineral oil (e.g., Vacuubrand Oil M500) or equivalent ISO-L-VP 100 grade. Under continuous lab use (8 h/day, 5 days/week), oil replacement is advised every 2,000–3,000 hours—or sooner if discoloration, viscosity loss, or elevated ultimate pressure is observed.
Can the RE pump be used with aggressive solvents like chloroform or THF?
Direct exposure to highly aggressive or polymerizing vapors is not recommended. Use with such solvents requires upstream cold traps (−80 °C) and/or chemical scrubbers; consult Vacuubrand’s Chemical Compatibility Guide (Ref. CC-RE-2023) for validated solvent lists.
Is vertical mounting supported?
No. The RE Series must be operated in the designated horizontal orientation to ensure proper oil distribution and vane lubrication. Inverted or vertical installation voids warranty and risks premature wear.
Does the gas ballast function require manual activation?
Yes—the gas ballast valve is manually operated via a knurled knob on the pump head. It should be opened during initial pump-down with condensables and closed once stable base pressure is achieved for optimal ultimate vacuum.
Are replacement parts and service kits available globally?
All wear components—including vanes, shaft seals, gas ballast O-rings, and oil filters—are stocked by authorized Vacuubrand distributors in over 60 countries, with standard lead times of ≤5 business days for in-stock items.