VACUUBRAND oil-free, chemical-resistant pumps used in VACUU•LAN® networks have a recommended service interval of 15,000 operating hours. Network pumps should be expected to operate many years without service. Should the pumps need service because of misuse (e.g., sucking liquids or particulates into the networks), service on individual pumps is simple, and leaves other vacuum users in [...]
Not at all. Many VACUU•LAN® local vacuum networks are installed in small teaching laboratories with only four to eight vacuum ports. We have even installed VACUU•LAN® networks in high school labs. Networks can be a very economical way to provide vacuum to a small number of users with simple vacuum requirements.
Absolutely. An advantage of a VACUU•LAN® vacuum network is that it can serve a range of vacuum applications at once, while preserving the performance of each port on the vacuum network. We suggest some care in applying this rule. Certain vacuum applications — such as rotary evaporation of complex samples that are subject to bumping and [...]
VACUU•LAN® networks are modular in several ways. One aspect of modularity is that the vacuum needs only be installed where the need exists today. A VACUU•LAN® network can be installed as needed today, with additional vacuum capacity added after the fact when a need for vacuum is determined in a new location. This contrasts with central [...]
VACUU·LAN® networks are designed differently than other in-lab vacuum systems. Central Vacuum Systems and other in-lab vacuum systems are designed to allow uncontrolled flow through the vacuum turrets. They generate vacuum by simply pumping air and other gases/vapors out faster than gases/vapors can flow in to the system. As long as that happens, the system will [...]
A central vacuum system (CVS) is designed to serve a number of users who are connecting and disconnecting from the CVS unpredictably. When they do, this creates sudden pressure changes. An example is that, when a filtration is completed, air can flow freely through the filter and into the vacuum system because the liquid no longer [...]
Millibar and Torr are units of pressure that are on an “absolute” scale. That is, they begin at zero pressure and get larger as pressure builds – all pressure is positive. Because they have an absolute reference point, these scales are favored in many scientific applications. When using these absolute scales, “vacuum” means simply pressure that [...]
Pumps used in VACUU•LAN® networks typically operate at 45-50 dBA. Common reference materials describe face to face conversation as 60 dBA. This means that you will never have to shout over a VACUU•LAN® network pump. In fact, it is much quieter than the typical fume hood, so it is entirely likely that you will not realize [...]
The pumps vary in size depending on the capacity chosen, but most have a footprint just a little over a square foot, and even our largest pumps will fit under fume hoods or in cabinet space in most lab furniture.
We recommend a limit of 30 meters (100 feet). For networks with a large number of vacuum workstations, shorter runs are advisable, and the pump should be installed near the center of the network to optimize performance.