Rotary vane vacuum pumps require the right oil to function at maximum capacity. The wrong oil can damage even the best pump. Consequently, it is important to select the correct oil for any pump.
At Pump Solutions Australasia, we carry Becker Rotary Vane Pumps and can recommend the correct oil by model number. For those who don’t have a Becker pump or for those who would like information now, here is a quick guide to selecting the right oil.
Oil for any rotary vane pump has to meet some pretty high standards. Even at high temperatures, it must have low vapour pressure. It must have superb lubricating qualities and low back flow. It must be resistant to ageing due to demanding usage characteristics. It must also have minimum oxidation and be resistant to chemical breakdown.
Rotary Vane Pump Oil B
Pump oil B has low vapour pressure and an excellent viscosity rating. It also has great resistance to chemical breakdown and oxidation. It is appropriate for pumping alkaline and acid vapours and strong oxidants. For operators, Pump Oil B is superior to mineral oils because it causes less damage when it contacts skin.
Rotary Vane Pump Oil K 8
K 8 is classified as a special oil. It is designed for applications that involve the extraction of acid vapours. It is very hygroscopic, which means that it won’t perform all that well with water vapours do to absorbing them from the air. K 8 has an alkaline additive that is used up protecting your pump from acid vapours, so it does have to be changed frequently. It also must be changed if you shut your pump down for very long.
Silicone SI 2
SI 2 is the oil of choice when high durability is needed. Its chemical composition makes it highly resistant to gases that damage other oils or vapours from solvents.
For more information about vacuum pumps, call our Perth office on 1300 922 973 today.