Busch DOLPHIN Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps - Models LA, LM, LB, LX, LT Series - 25 to 10,900 m³/h Pumping Capacity

Busch DOLPHIN liquid ring vacuum pumps employ time-tested technology where an eccentrically mounted impeller rotates within a cylindrical housing partially filled with sealing liquid (typically water). This creates a liquid ring that forms compression chambers, enabling reliable vacuum generation even when handling contaminated, dusty, or vapor-laden gases that would damage other pump types.

The inherent isothermal compression process and liquid seal make DOLPHIN pumps exceptionally tolerant of particulates, condensable vapors, and entrained liquids – characteristics that have established liquid ring technology as the industry standard for demanding process applications requiring continuous, maintenance-minimal operation.

Technical Performance Parameters:

• Pumping Speed Range: 25 m³/h to 10,900 m³/h (15 CFM to 6,415 CFM)
• Ultimate Vacuum: 33 mbar to 150 mbar (25 Torr to 112.5 Torr) depending on series and configuration
• Motor Power: 0.75 kW to 355 kW (1 HP to 476 HP)
• Operating Liquid Temperature: 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F) for optimal efficiency
• Materials of Construction: Cast iron, stainless steel, bronze, and special alloys for corrosive applications
• Shaft Seal Options: Mechanical seals, gland packing, magnetic drive (sealless) versions

Complete Model Series Portfolio:

• LA Series (Compact Single-Stage): Entry-level models for moderate vacuum requirements, 25-500 m³/h capacity, simple maintenance, economical operation
• LM Series (Medium Duty): Versatile mid-range pumps, 100-2,000 m³/h, suitable for general industrial processes, excellent reliability
• LB Series (Heavy Industrial): Robust construction for continuous operation, 500-5,000 m³/h, designed for harsh environments and high throughput
• LX Series (Compact Design): Space-saving configuration, integrated separator, reduced footprint, 50-1,200 m³/h, ideal for retrofit installations
• LT Series (Two-Stage Deep Vacuum): Enhanced vacuum capability down to 33 mbar, 200-10,900 m³/h, for applications requiring deeper vacuum levels
• Customized Versions: Stainless steel construction for hygienic applications, ATEX-certified explosion-proof models, hot water sealed variants for condensable vapors

LA 0025, LA 0040, LA 0063, LA 0100, LA 0160, LM 0250, LM 0400, LM 0630, LM 1000, LM 1600, LB 2500, LB 4000, LB 6300, LB 10000, LX 0050, LX 0100, LX 0160, LX 0250, LX 0400, LX 0630, LX 1000, LX 1200, LT 0200, LT 0400, LT 0630, LT 1000, LT 1600, LT 2500, LT 4000, LT 6300, LT 10900

Liquid Ring Operating Principle Advantages:

• Isothermal compression process prevents overheating of pumped gases
• Tolerates liquid slugs and particulate contamination without damage
• Handles condensable vapors and saturated gases effectively
• No metal-to-metal contact between rotating elements – minimal wear
• Constant torque operation suitable for variable speed control
• Self-flushing action continuously cleans internal surfaces
• Can pump explosive or corrosive gases safely when properly configured
• Reliable operation over wide pressure range from atmosphere to deep vacuum
• Simple mechanical design with few moving parts ensures longevity

Key Industrial Application Areas:

Chemical & Petrochemical Processing: Solvent recovery systems, distillation column evacuation, reactor vessel vacuum, crystallization processes, polymer degassing, absorption column operation, vapor compression, stripping operations

Food & Beverage Production: Vacuum evaporation and concentration, freeze drying equipment, vacuum packaging lines, sugar refining, edible oil deodorization, fruit juice processing, dairy product handling, confectionery manufacturing

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) drying, tablet coating vacuum systems, solvent recovery, sterile filtration, lyophilization processes, distillation under vacuum, clean room compatible installations

Paper & Pulp Industry: Vacuum dewatering sections, suction rolls, felt conditioning, couch rolls, paper machine vacuum systems, pulp washing, black liquor evaporation

Plastics Processing: Extrusion degassing, thermoforming molds, vacuum calibration tables, polymer devolatilization, pellet drying and conveying, injection molding vacuum systems

Environmental & Utilities: Landfill gas extraction, steam condenser air removal, turbine gland sealing, transformer oil filling, vacuum priming for centrifugal pumps

System Configuration Options:

• Open Loop (Once-Through): Fresh service water continuously supplied and drained, simplest installation, requires water availability
• Closed Loop (Recirculation): Integrated heat exchanger cools and recycles sealing liquid, water conservation, external cooling tower or chiller
• Separator Integration: Gas-liquid separator removes entrained sealing liquid from discharge, protects downstream equipment, recovers valuable solvents
• Vacuum Boosting Systems: DOLPHIN liquid ring pump backed by dry pump or steam ejector for enhanced vacuum depth
• Multi-Stage Arrangements: Series connection of two pumps achieves lower ultimate pressure, compound systems for specialized applications

Performance Optimization Features:

• Variable frequency drive (VFD) compatibility for energy savings during partial load
• Process-controlled sealing liquid temperature regulation for stable vacuum
• Automated liquid level control prevents dry running damage
• Integrated vacuum and pressure instrumentation for system monitoring
• Corrosion-resistant coatings extend service life in aggressive atmospheres
• Quick-change cartridge seal design minimizes downtime during maintenance

Comprehensive Service Excellence:

We deliver turnkey vacuum solutions including complete DOLPHIN liquid ring pump system sales and design consultation, genuine Busch original spare parts inventory with fast delivery, professional on-site service and repair at customer facilities worldwide, complete pump overhaul and refurbishment services restoring like-new performance, emergency rental pump availability for temporary requirements (subject to availability), exchange repair programs minimizing production interruptions, preventive maintenance contracts optimizing reliability, performance testing and troubleshooting diagnostics, retrofit and upgrade engineering for existing installations, operator training programs, and technical support hotline.

Material Selection for Corrosive Service:

• Standard Cast Iron: Suitable for air, non-corrosive gases, economical option
• Stainless Steel (316L): Chemical resistance, hygienic applications, food/pharma compliance
• Bronze Components: Enhanced corrosion resistance, seawater service, chloride environments
• Hastelloy/Titanium: Extreme corrosion resistance, specialized chemical processes
• Rubber Linings: Interior coatings for acidic or alkaline gases

Environmental & Efficiency Considerations:

• Closed-loop systems minimize water consumption and discharge
• Heat recovery from cooling circuit for process integration
• Energy-efficient motor options meeting IE3/IE4 standards
• Separator systems enable solvent recovery and emissions reduction
• Low noise operation suitable for occupied facility installation