The Case for Dedicated Laboratory Vacuum Systems

Vacuum Pump System with Wireless Remote Control

By Roland Anderson, Lab Products Manager, KNF Neuberger, Inc.

KNF Neuberger’s new SC920 vacuum pump system includes a wireless remote control to allow easy monitoring and control of all vacuum system functions, even in a safety vent hood from across the lab.

Whether adjusting the system pressure or opening/closing the coolant valve, researchers can instantly make a change using the touch screen and control knob on the hand-held remote control.

Thanks to this remote control capability, it is no longer necessary for the vacuum system to occupy valuable bench space. Instead, the SC920 system can be easily stored under the lab bench or in a fume hood, without sacrificing convenience or control.

Why use an oil-free vacuum system? (Faster Process Times and Lower Maintenance)
The key benefits of modern vacuum pump systems are faster process times, more accurate vacuum control and improved solvent recovery. Advances in vacuum pump design and control have made these systems ideal for use in a growing number of laboratory applications. Systems powered by oil-free vacuum pumps offer modern laboratories a clean, reliable vacuum source without the hassles of monitoring, changing and disposing of contaminated pump oils or tainted aspirator water.

The most successful applications for oil-free vacuum pump systems involve the evaporation of solvents at elevated temperature and reduced pressure. Rotary evaporation is the most popular example of this technique. The ability of the SC920 system to provide a reliable vacuum source without the need for expensive maintenance or cold traps makes it an ideal choice for rotary evaporation.

How does the SC920 system work? (Intelligent Control System)
An important feature of the SC920 vacuum pump system is its intelligent control system. A pressure sensor measures the actual pressure in the system several times per second, and compares it with your programmed setpoints. The microprocessor then monitors any changes in pressure and adjusts the pump’s performance instantly.

At the start of a process, the pump’s motor operates at low speed to prevent any overreaction to small chamber volumes or low boiling solvents. If there is a difference between the actual pressure and the setpoint pressure, the pumping speed is increased to speed up the process. As the actual pressure approaches the setpoint pressure, the pumping speed slows. This ensures fast process times with exceptional accuracy and repeatability.

The SC920 vacuum pump system offers the flexibility of four different operating modes
Evacuation (Unregulated pumping): The vacuum system pumps down a chamber at full speed.
Pressure Control (Single Point Control): The vacuum system regulates the pumping speed to accurately achieve and maintain the desired vacuum setpoint.
Automatic Mode (Self-Adapting Operation): The vacuum controller automatically finds the vapor pressure of the sample and regulates the pumping speed to maximize evaporation. The system then monitors the vacuum level for irregularities in the pressure curve and optimizes the pumping speed accordingly.
Individual Pressure Function (User Programmable): The vacuum pump system regulates the process according to a user-defined pressure curve. The setpoint pressure and the opening and closing of the coolant valve are easily entered for a set range of times. A repeat function allows successive repetitions of the programmed pressure curve.

Is the system easy to use? (Intuitive Operation)
Yes. All system functions can be controlled using the touch screen and control knob on the remote control unit. Simply touch the various menus to modify the operating parameters, such as the operating mode and vacuum setpoint. The remote control allows you to monitor and adjust the operation of your SC920 vacuum pump system from anywhere in your lab.

Can the system be controlled using a PC? (Data Logging Options)
Yes. Windows-based software is included with the SC920 system to facilitate remote control using a personal computer. Like the hand held remote control, the software also makes it possible to display pressure curves as a chart (target/actual shown), which can then be saved and exported to a spreadsheet or text file. Communication with the PC is achieved using a USB interface.

How does the SC920 system shorten process times? (Diaphragm Stabilization)
The SC920 pump is fitted with a patented, diaphragm stabilization system that ensures high pumping speeds even at low pressures. Achieving an ultimate vacuum of 2 mbar absolute, the pump delivers up to 20 liters per minute of vapor. All wetted parts are made from premium chemical-resistant materials. The system will vaporize all types of solvents, including the increasingly popular DMF.

Why is the SC920 system so quiet? (Optimized Pumping Speed)
Another advantage of the SC920 system is that it is extremely quiet. During operation, the system slows the pump to a stop as the target pressure is reached and restarts the pump slowly to offset any drops in vapor pressure. The integrated SC920 vacuum pump is designed to produce a clean, reliable vacuum with very little operating noise.

What is the benefit of improved vacuum control? (No Bumping or Foaming)
The SC920’s intelligent control system measures the actual pressure in the system several times per second, compares it with your programmed setpoint and adjusts the pumping speed instantly. This ensures fast process times with exceptional accuracy and repeatability. For rotary evaporation, this maximizes the rate of evaporation without bumping or foaming.

What makes the SC920 Environmentally Friendly? (Green Product)
The integrated inlet separator and high efficiency outlet condenser are designed to support solvent recovery. Optimizing the pumping speed during regulated operation increases the effectiveness of the condenser, increasing solvent recovery yields and further reducing effluents. This, coupled with the increases in energy efficiency over traditional vacuum pumps, make the SC920 vacuum system a green, environmentally friendly product.

How does the SC920 Improve Lab Safety? (Remote Operation)
The remote control SC920 vacuum system allows the researcher to monitor and control vacuum process from anywhere in the lab. This allows for the operation of the vacuum equipment such as rotary evaporators, within closed safety hoods reducing the exposure to solvent vapors, glass breakage and chemical spills. In addition, issues arising within the evaporative process are more quickly identified and addressed from anywhere in the lab.

SC920 Technical Specifications
Flowrate (l/min): 20 l/min
Vacuum (mbar): 2 mbar
Universal power source: 100-230 VAC, 50-60 Hz
Power consumption: 135 W
Current consumption: 1.7 A max.
Hose connections for vacuum: ID 10 mm (3/8 in.)
Hose connections for coolants: ID 8 mm (5/16 in.)
Weight: 15 kg
Dimensions : 423H x 366W x 294D (mm)
Control using Windows-based computer
Over current motor protection and fuse protection
Optional Coolant Valve ID#117121