'The laboratory whisperer' - an intelligent way of downsizing

6th March 2017
Source: Leybold
Posted By : Anna Flockett
'The laboratory whisperer' - an intelligent way of downsizing

 

Requirements for modern systems and analytical instruments are changing: users in laboratories and research facilities increasingly rely on low-noise, oil-free vacuum solutions to avoid contamination and, above all, unnecessary noise in laboratory environments.

With the newly developed family of dry-compressing multi-stage Roots vacuum pump ECODRY plus, Leybold has now launched a new fore-vacuum pump for the analytics market. The most striking competitive advantages: apart from its quiet and low-vibration operation, it features a modern, space-saving design with extremely powerful performance.

The basic idea of the ECODRY plus was to develop a clean, compact and low-maintenance pump in the size class 40-60m3/h, as used in analytical or research laboratories. This pump class is positioned exactly in the transition area between small laboratory equipment and large machines.

The most important innovation, however, is undoubtedly the reduction in the noise level that the Leybold developers were able to achieve: "We have managed to build the pump as compact, easy to operate and quiet as is otherwise known only from much smaller devices", explained Product Manager, Alexander Kaiser. The ECODRY plus was developed to match the requirements for systems such as mass spectrometers and electron microscopes. It is also suitable for large-scale accelerators due to the absence of dust or oil contamination. It offers a high degree of comfort, suction power and flexibility. The pump family, available in the sizes 40 plus and 65 plus, offers short delivery times and can also be obtained via the Leybold Online Shop.

The most important feature of this new vacuum pump range is the extremely low noise level. With an average value of 52dB (A), it works below the noise limit that is harmful to human health. The sound level of the ECODRY plus is below a conversation at room volume. In every day operation and compared to the relevant competitive products of its class, the pump, which is designed for ergonomic working environments, yields the lowest noise emissions.

Such low values are the result of an ingenious development and construction strategy. Integrated into the pump housing, the ECODRY offers sound insulation, an optimised silencer in the exhaust and a quiet air cooling system. At Leybold, the insulation is installed as standard.

The non-contact rotor design is not only designed for a whisper-quiet operation, but also for energy-efficiency and low vibration. In order to be able to produce high-resolution images, such as in electron and scanning tunnel microscopes, the pump must not transmit vibrations. The elementary feature is that the rotors and the housing rotate without friction even at high speeds of up to 12,600min-1. In addition, as measured by industry-standard solutions, it generates less heat, which means lower operating costs for air-conditioning.

In class comparison, the ECODRY plus is also one of the lightest and most compact vacuum components. Users appreciate this feature, as systems for research and development have to deliver their performance in a narrow space. Concerning performance, this pump range was designed to deliver what is needed for the relevant applications.

Kaiser added: "This is why we were able to design compact mechanical components and use a smaller motor and smaller electronic components."

The lubrication takes place only in the area of the bearing of the shafts, which are separated from the pump chamber by a wear-free sealing system. Thus, neither lubricant nor particles penetrate into the pump chamber and the recipient, thereby causing no deterioration of the final pressure or suction. This, in turn, results in only occasional maintenance, as appreciated in ultrahigh-vacuum applications. Users can focus on their experiments.

Equipped with two flexible interfaces, the pump can also be remotely controlled. When used in commercial analysis systems, the pump is frequently integrated into the plant control system, and started, stopped, speed-varied and monitored as required.

With the ECODRY plus from Leybold, a new optimised product is launched, which is unrivalled quiet and meets the increasing performance requirements of the applications.


You must be logged in to comment

Write a comment

No comments




Sign up to view our publications

Sign up

Sign up to view our downloads

Sign up

GISEC Global
23rd April 2024
United Arab Emirates Halls 2-8 - Dubai World Trade Centre
The Magnetics Show US
22nd May 2024
United States of America The Pasadena Convention Center
2024 World Battery & Energy Storage Industry Expo (WBE)
8th August 2024
China 1st and 2nd Floor, Area A, China Import and Export Fair Complex