A Vacuulan local-area vacuum network offers a compromise between dedicated pumps and a reticulated central vacuum system.
It offers lab bench-space savings and easily adaptable vacuum supply with a moderate capital investment.
The vacuum supply by a single corrosion-resistant diaphragm pumping unit to several vacuum ports on one lab bench, a row of fume hoods, or a complete laboratory, is a cost- and space-saving alternative to individual pumps for every application.
At the same time, Vacuulan networks preserve many of the advantages of dedicated pumps versus a central system,and offer the following advantages: local vacuum supply, meaning one chemical-resistant, oil-free pump operates almost noiselessly in the lab, providing vacuum to as many as 10 workstations as a row of fume hoods, a lab bench, or even for an entire small laboratory; precisely adapted specifications; avoid overbuilding or under-capacity by providing vacuum in accordance with real user demand; active environmental protection and safer operation; dry-running chemistry diaphragm pumps do not consume resources such as oil or water; users of local vacuum networks within a laboratory will know the substances with which they are working and can consider the risks of interactions, hence the risk of forming explosive or harmful mixtures is reduced; chemistry diaphragm pumps permit corrosive vapours to flow through the pump, allowing solvent recovery at pump's exhaust and proper recycling or disposal; uncontrolled emission of solvents is minimised; pumping speed and ultimate vacuum of the vacuum pump can be chosen with regard to the actual demands of the local users; cross contamination and interference among applications are minimised by highly efficient non-return valves (check valves) that are integrated into the vacuum ports; and reduced maintenance, energy and service costs.
Service intervals can be scheduled by directly considering the actual running time of the system.
The tubing and vacuum ports are made from fluoropolymers and other materials offering chemical resistance.
They can easily be disassembled and cleaned or disinfected by the laboratory staff without the use of special tools.
The system is operated only as needed, reducing energy consumption and extending service intervals.
The system can easily be expanded and the vacuum ports can be modified as demands change.
