ULVAC Rotary Vane Pumps – Japanese Precision for Laboratory & Industrial Applications
ULVAC oil-sealed rotary vane vacuum pumps represent proven, reliable vacuum technology for laboratory, research, and industrial applications. These precision-engineered pumps combine deep ultimate vacuum, high pumping speeds, and robust construction with Japanese quality standards. Perfect for applications requiring dependable medium to high vacuum performance.
🎯 What are Oil-Sealed Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps?
Rotary vane vacuum pumps are positive displacement pumps where an eccentrically mounted rotor with sliding vanes rotates inside a cylindrical housing. Oil serves multiple functions: lubrication, sealing, and cooling. This proven technology has been the workhorse of vacuum systems for decades.
⚙️ Operating Principle:
- Eccentric rotor rotates inside cylindrical stator housing
- Spring-loaded vanes slide in rotor slots, maintaining contact with housing wall
- Working chambers form between vanes, increasing and decreasing in volume
- Gas is drawn in when chamber volume increases (inlet side)
- Gas is compressed as chamber volume decreases
- Compressed gas is expelled through exhaust valve (outlet side)
- Oil seals clearances, lubricates vanes, and cools the pump
✅ Key Advantages of Rotary Vane Technology:
| ⬇️ Deep Ultimate Vacuum |
Can reach < 0.001 mbar (10⁻³ mbar) with two-stage design |
| 🚀 High Pumping Speed |
Excellent performance across wide pressure range |
| 💪 Robust Construction |
Proven technology for continuous 24/7 operation |
| 🔧 Reliable Performance |
Decades of proven reliability in demanding applications |
| 💨 Gas Ballast System |
Handles small amounts of condensable vapors |
| 📐 Compact Design |
High performance in relatively small package |
| 💰 Cost-Effective |
Mature technology with proven long-term economics |
| 🌍 Universal Application |
Suitable for vast range of vacuum processes |
📊 ULVAC Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump Series:
🔷 GLD Series – High-Performance Two-Stage Pumps
The GLD series represents ULVAC's premium line of two-stage rotary vane pumps for demanding laboratory and industrial applications.
| Model | Pumping Speed | Ultimate Vacuum | Power | Oil Capacity |
|---|
| GLD-040 |
40 l/min (2.4 m³/h) |
< 5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar |
0.4 kW |
0.5 L |
| GLD-050 |
50 l/min (3 m³/h) |
< 5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar |
0.4 kW |
0.6 L |
| GLD-066 |
66 l/min (4 m³/h) |
< 5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar |
0.55 kW |
0.8 L |
| GLD-136 |
136 l/min (8.2 m³/h) |
< 5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar |
0.75 kW |
1.5 L |
| GLD-201 |
201 l/min (12 m³/h) |
< 5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar |
1.1 kW |
2.0 L |
| GLD-280 |
280 l/min (16.8 m³/h) |
< 5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar |
1.5 kW |
2.5 L |
✅ GLD Series Features:
- ✓ Two-stage design – delivers deepest ultimate vacuum
- ✓ Ultimate vacuum < 5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar – excellent for high vacuum applications
- ✓ Forced oil lubrication – ensures optimal vane lubrication
- ✓ Gas ballast valve – adjustable for handling vapors
- ✓ Oil anti-suck-back valve – prevents oil contamination of system
- ✓ Thermal overload protection – motor protection
- ✓ Quiet operation – acoustically optimized design
- ✓ Easy maintenance – accessible oil drain and fill ports
🔶 GLD-N Series – Single-Stage Economical Pumps
The GLD-N series offers single-stage rotary vane pumps for applications where deep ultimate vacuum is not critical.
| Model | Pumping Speed | Ultimate Vacuum | Power |
|---|
| GLD-N040 |
40 l/min (2.4 m³/h) |
< 0.1 mbar |
0.25 kW |
| GLD-N066 |
66 l/min (4 m³/h) |
< 0.1 mbar |
0.37 kW |
| GLD-N136 |
136 l/min (8.2 m³/h) |
< 0.1 mbar |
0.55 kW |
| GLD-N201 |
201 l/min (12 m³/h) |
< 0.1 mbar |
0.75 kW |
✅ GLD-N Series Features:
- ✓ Single-stage design – simpler, more economical
- ✓ Ultimate vacuum < 0.1 mbar – suitable for medium vacuum
- ✓ Lower power consumption – energy efficient
- ✓ Lower initial cost – budget-friendly option
- ✓ Compact footprint – space-saving
- ✓ Gas ballast valve – handles light vapor loads
💎 VDN Series – Compact Laboratory Pumps
The VDN series features ultra-compact two-stage pumps specifically designed for laboratory benchtop use.
| Model | Pumping Speed | Ultimate Vacuum | Dimensions (W×D×H) |
|---|
| VDN-401 |
20 l/min (1.2 m³/h) |
< 1 × 10⁻³ mbar |
270×160×195 mm |
| VDN-701 |
40 l/min (2.4 m³/h) |
< 1 × 10⁻³ mbar |
295×180×220 mm |
✅ VDN Series Features:
- ✓ Ultra-compact design – fits on laboratory benchtop
- ✓ Very quiet operation – < 55 dB(A)
- ✓ Two-stage performance – deep vacuum in small package
- ✓ Lightweight – easy to move and install
- ✓ Ideal for rotary evaporators – perfect for lab use
🏭 Industrial Series – Large Capacity Pumps
ULVAC also offers larger industrial rotary vane pumps for high-capacity applications.
| Capacity Range | Pumping Speed | Typical Applications |
|---|
| Medium Industrial |
300 - 600 l/min (18-36 m³/h) |
Production vacuum systems, coating, freeze drying |
| Large Industrial |
600 - 1,200 l/min (36-72 m³/h) |
Large-scale coating, metallurgy, chemical processes |
Available ULVAC rotary vane pump models: GLD-040, GLD-050, GLD-066, GLD-136, GLD-201, GLD-280, GLD-N040, GLD-N066, GLD-N136, GLD-N201, VDN-401, VDN-701, oil-sealed rotary vane pumps, two-stage rotary pumps, single-stage rotary pumps, laboratory vacuum pumps, industrial vacuum pumps, high vacuum pumps, rotary vane technology, oil-lubricated pumps, backing pumps
🔩 Construction & Design Features:
⚙️ Core Components:
| Component | Material/Design | Features |
|---|
| Housing/Stator |
Precision-machined cast iron or aluminum |
Hardened cylinder bore, oil cooling channels, thermally stable |
| Rotor |
High-grade steel |
Precision balanced, hardened surface, slotted for vanes |
| Vanes |
Phenolic resin composite or carbon fiber |
Self-lubricating, wear-resistant, spring-loaded for constant contact |
| Inlet/Outlet Valves |
Spring-loaded steel plates |
Automatic operation, replaceable, precise sealing |
| Shaft & Bearings |
Hardened steel shaft, ball bearings |
Oil-bath lubricated, long service life, precision alignment |
| Shaft Seal |
Mechanical face seal or lip seal |
Prevents oil leakage, reliable sealing |
| Gas Ballast Valve |
Adjustable needle valve |
Admits air during compression to prevent vapor condensation |
| Oil Reservoir |
Integrated in pump housing |
Large capacity, oil sight glass, easy oil change |
🛡️ Special Design Features:
- ✓ Forced oil circulation – splash lubrication ensures all parts are lubricated
- ✓ Oil anti-suck-back valve – prevents oil from entering vacuum system on shutdown
- ✓ Gas ballast system – adjustable to handle varying vapor loads
- ✓ Thermal protection – motor overload protection prevents damage
- ✓ Oil sight glass – easy visual oil level checking
- ✓ Exhaust oil mist filter – reduces oil mist in exhaust (optional)
- ✓ Vibration isolation mounts – reduces noise transmission
- ✓ Accessible service points – easy oil changes and maintenance
💨 Gas Ballast System – Handling Vapors:
The gas ballast valve is a critical feature for handling condensable vapors:
| Function | Description | Benefit |
|---|
| Vapor Handling |
Admits small amount of air during compression stroke |
Prevents water vapor or solvent condensation inside pump |
| Oil Protection |
Keeps vapors in gaseous state until expelled |
Prevents oil contamination and extends oil life |
| Adjustable Flow |
Variable ballast valve opening |
Optimizes for different vapor loads |
| Trade-off |
Slightly reduces ultimate vacuum when open |
Ultimate vacuum: ~10⁻² mbar with ballast vs. 10⁻³ - 10⁻⁴ mbar without |
💡 When to Use Gas Ballast:
- ✓ Open ballast when pumping water vapor or solvents
- ✓ Close ballast for dry gases to achieve deepest vacuum
- ✓ Partial opening for moderate vapor loads
- ✓ Monitor oil condition – cloudy oil indicates too much moisture
🏭 Primary Applications:
| Industry | Applications |
|---|
| 🔬 Laboratory & Research |
Rotary evaporators, freeze dryers, vacuum ovens, distillation apparatus, degassing, vacuum filtration, gel dryers |
| 🧪 Analytical Instruments |
Mass spectrometers (backing pumps), electron microscopes (SEM/TEM), surface analysis (XPS, Auger), leak detectors |
| 🎨 Vacuum Coating |
PVD/CVD coating, sputtering, evaporation, thin film deposition (backing pumps for high vacuum systems) |
| 💊 Pharmaceutical |
Freeze drying, API synthesis, vacuum drying, solvent recovery, tablet coating |
| 🔥 Metallurgy |
Vacuum furnaces, heat treatment, degassing, vacuum melting (backing pumps) |
| 🏭 Chemical Industry |
Vacuum distillation, drying processes, reactor evacuation, solvent recovery |
| 🔌 Electronics |
Semiconductor equipment (backing pumps), component manufacturing, vacuum soldering |
| 🎓 Education |
University laboratories, teaching equipment, student experiments |
💡 Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Selection:
| Feature | Single-Stage (GLD-N) | Two-Stage (GLD) |
|---|
| Ultimate Vacuum |
0.1 mbar (10⁻¹ mbar) |
< 0.0005 mbar (5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar) ✅ |
| Cost |
Lower ✅ |
Higher |
| Power Consumption |
Lower ✅ |
Higher |
| Complexity |
Simpler ✅ |
More complex |
| Size |
More compact ✅ |
Larger |
| Best For |
Rough/medium vacuum, vacuum packaging, general lab |
High vacuum, backing pump, analytical instruments ✅ |
✅ Choose Single-Stage When:
- Ultimate vacuum of 0.1 mbar is sufficient
- Budget is primary concern
- Rough to medium vacuum applications
- Simple rotary evaporation
- Vacuum packaging
- General laboratory use without critical vacuum requirements
✅ Choose Two-Stage When:
- Deep ultimate vacuum (< 0.001 mbar) required
- Backing pump for turbomolecular or diffusion pumps
- High vacuum coating applications
- Mass spectrometry
- Electron microscopy
- Freeze drying
- Critical analytical applications
🔧 Maintenance & Service:
📅 Maintenance Schedule:
| Task | Interval | Description |
|---|
| Oil Level Check |
Weekly |
Check oil sight glass, top up if below minimum |
| Visual Inspection |
Weekly |
Check for leaks, unusual noise, vibration, overheating |
| Oil Condition Check |
Monthly |
Check for discoloration, cloudiness (moisture), contamination |
| Oil Change (Clean Applications) |
3-6 months |
Drain old oil, flush with fresh oil, refill with specified oil |
| Oil Change (Vapor/Chemical) |
1-3 months |
More frequent changes for aggressive vapors or heavy use |
| Exhaust Filter Cleaning |
3-6 months |
Clean or replace oil mist filter element |
| Valve Inspection |
Annually |
Check inlet/outlet valves, clean or replace if worn |
| Vane Inspection |
1-2 years |
Check vane wear, replace if dimension below minimum |
| Major Service |
2-4 years |
Replace vanes, valves, seals, bearings as needed |
| Complete Overhaul |
5-7 years |
Full disassembly, part replacement, reassembly, testing |
🛢️ Oil Specifications & Recommendations:
| Application | Recommended Oil Type | Change Interval |
|---|
| Clean, Dry Gases |
Standard mineral vacuum oil |
6 months |
| Moderate Vapors |
Standard vacuum oil with gas ballast |
3 months |
| Heavy Vapor Loads |
Synthetic vacuum oil or frequent changes |
1 month |
| Corrosive Gases |
Perfluorinated vacuum oil (expensive) |
3-6 months |
🔧 Common Wear Parts:
- Vanes – primary wear part, typically 5,000-10,000 hours
- Inlet/Outlet valves – 10,000-20,000 hours
- Shaft seal – replace if leaking oil
- Bearings – 20,000-30,000 hours with proper oil maintenance
- O-rings & gaskets – replace during overhaul
- Oil mist filter elements – clean/replace quarterly
⚠️ Operating Best Practices:
✅ Do's:
- ✓ Use specified vacuum oil – never substitute with other oils
- ✓ Change oil regularly – contaminated oil reduces performance and life
- ✓ Open gas ballast when pumping vapors
- ✓ Allow pump to run briefly after venting before shutdown
- ✓ Install inlet filter to protect pump from particles
- ✓ Provide adequate ventilation around pump
- ✓ Check oil level before each use
❌ Don'ts:
- ❌ Never run pump without oil – will destroy pump immediately
- ❌ Don't exceed maximum inlet pressure – can blow oil out
- ❌ Avoid pumping large amounts of liquids – use cold trap
- ❌ Don't close gas ballast when pumping heavy vapors
- ❌ Never mix different oil types
- ❌ Don't block exhaust – causes overheating
🌟 Why Choose ULVAC Rotary Vane Pumps?
| 🇯🇵 Japanese Precision |
ULVAC quality manufacturing since 1952 |
| ⬇️ Deep Ultimate Vacuum |
< 5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar – among the best in class |
| 💪 Proven Reliability |
Decades of proven performance in demanding applications |
| 🔧 Easy Maintenance |
Accessible design, straightforward oil changes |
| 📐 Compact Design |
High performance in space-efficient package |
| 🔇 Quiet Operation |
Acoustically optimized for laboratory environments |
| 💰 Cost-Effective |
Excellent performance-to-price ratio |
| 🌍 Versatile |
Suitable for wide range of vacuum applications |
🔧 Our Service for ULVAC Rotary Vane Pumps:
| 🛒 Sales |
Complete ULVAC rotary vane pump range – GLD, GLD-N, VDN series |
| 💡 Application Support |
Help selecting right pump (single vs. two-stage, size) |
| ♻️ Complete Overhaul |
Full reconditioning: vane replacement, valve service, seal renewal, testing |
| ⚙️ Repair |
Expert repair of all components, performance restoration |
| 📦 Spare Parts |
Genuine ULVAC parts: vanes, valves, seals, bearings, filters |
| 🛢️ Vacuum Oil |
Genuine ULVAC vacuum oils and lubricants |
| 🔍 Performance Testing |
Ultimate vacuum measurement, pumping speed testing |
| 🎓 Training |
User training on proper operation and maintenance |
Need a ULVAC Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump?
Whether compact VDN series for benchtop laboratory use, economical GLD-N single-stage pumps for general applications, or high-performance GLD two-stage pumps for demanding analytical instruments – our ULVAC experts are happy to help you select the perfect rotary vane pump for your vacuum requirements.
Perfect for: Rotary evaporators, freeze dryers, mass spectrometers, electron microscopes, coating systems, vacuum ovens, distillation, and any application requiring reliable medium to high vacuum.
Japanese quality and precision – professional local service! Contact us today for expert consultation and proven rotary vane vacuum technology.
