Did You Know? Schlenk Lines are Only as Good as Their Vacuum Pump

Did you know that the vacuum pump is one of the most important components of a Schlenk line? Schlenk lines allow chemists to work with air- and moisture-sensitive compounds by repeatedly evacuating glassware and replacing the atmosphere with an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon. These vacuum/inert gas cycles help remove oxygen and moisture that could interfere with sensitive reactions. Vacuum is also used for solvent removal and drying materials, making the pump an essential part of everyday synthetic chemistry workflows. But not every vacuum pump is suited for every Schlenk line application. The right choice depends on factors such as the vacuum level required, pumping speed, chemical compatibility, and the types and amounts of solvents or vapors being handled.

Did you know that deeper vacuum isn't always the only consideration when choosing a pump? Traditional rotary vane pumps can provide the deep vacuum often associated with Schlenk line work, but they use oil and may require regular maintenance, including oil changes and gas ballasting. More importantly, exposure to aggressive chemical vapors can affect pump performance and service life. Oil-free diaphragm pumps offer excellent chemical resistance and low maintenance, but may not provide the vacuum levels required for more demanding applications. Hybrid pumps and modern oil-free screw pumps can provide another option, combining deep vacuum performance with greater resistance to chemical vapors. Choosing the right pump can help maintain consistent vacuum performance, protect your equipment, reduce maintenance, and keep your chemistry moving without unnecessary interruptions.

Did you know that BRANDTECH Scientific offers vacuum solutions designed specifically for the demands of chemistry labs? With VACUUBRAND pumps, BRANDTECH offers a range of vacuum technologies that can be matched to different Schlenk line requirements. The VACUU·PURE 10C screw pump provides oil-free operation and deep vacuum down to the 10⁻³ mbar range while offering strong resistance to aggressive gases and vapors. For applications where the performance of a rotary vane pump is desired with enhanced chemical resistance, the RC 6 Chemistry-HYBRID pump combines rotary vane and diaphragm technologies. BRANDTECH also offers a broad selection of chemistry diaphragm pumps, rotary vane pumps, vacuum gauges, controllers, and accessories to help build a complete vacuum solution for your Schlenk line.