Oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps are one of the most widely used industrial vacuum technologies for applications requiring deeper vacuum levels, continuous duty operation and high reliability. Commonly found in De-Gassing, Vacuum Bagging, Food packaging, Composites, Vacuum Forming, Hospital Vacuum, Laboratory, Autoclave plus many other industrial process industries, these pumps are valued for their excellent vacuum performance and long operational life.
What Is An Oil Lubricated Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump?
Oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps operate using a rotor mounted eccentrically inside a cylindrical stator housing. The rotor contains slots which hold sliding vanes. As the rotor turns, centrifugal force pushes the vanes outward against the cylinder wall, creating sealed chambers which compress and move air through the pump.
Unlike dry running rotary vane pumps, oil lubricated pumps use oil within the compression chamber itself. The oil performs several important functions:
- Lubricates internal components
- Helps seal the compression chamber
- Reduces wear
- Removes Heat
- Plastic thermoforming
- Allows the pump to achieve much deeper vacuum levels
Because the oil improves sealing efficiency, oil lubricated rotary vane pumps are capable of producing significantly deeper vacuum than most dry running pumps, often reaching vacuum levels below 1 mbar absolute depending on pump design.
Popular Rotary Vane Brands
Compared to dry running pumps, oil lubricated units are generally preferred where:
- Deeper vacuum is required
- Continuous industrial duty is expected
- Higher vacuum stability is important
- Faster evacuation times are needed
These pumps are commonly referred to as:
- Oil Sealed Vacuum Pumps
- Oil Lubricated Rotary Vane Pumps
- Wet Vane Vacuum Pumps
- High Vacuum Rotary Vane Pumps
Common Applications
Oil Lubricated rotary vane pumps are found across a huge range of industrial sectors due to their versatility and relatively simple operation.
- Vacuum Packaging Machinery
- Food Processing Systems
- CNC vacuum hold down
- Plastic Thermoforming
- Composite vacuum bagging
- Medical and laboratory systems
- Vacuum drying
- Central vacuum systems
- Vacuum chambers
- Print and print finishing
- Pick and place automation
- Degassing Systems
- Aerospace components
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
These pumps are especially common where vacuum levels below 100 mbar absolute are required continuously.
Popular Oil Lubricated Rotary Vane Pump Models 4m3/h – 40m3/h
DVP LC.4
- Type: Oil Lubricated Vacuum Pump
- Max. Vacuum: 2 mbar Abs
- Flow: 4 m3/h
- Std Motor Size : 0.12 kW
- Oil, Oil Separator, regular maintenance
- Equivalents : Becker O6.4
Becker O6.10
- Type: Oil Lubricated Vacuum Pump
- Max. Vacuum: 2 mbar Abs
- Flow: 10.5 m3/h
- Std Motor Size : 03.7 kW
- Oil, Oil Separators, regular maintenance
- Equivalents : DVP LC.12, Busch R5 RA 0010 C
DVP LC.25
- Type: Oil Lubricated Vacuum Pump
- Max. Vacuum: 0.5 mbar Abs
- Flow: 25 m3/h
- Std Motor Size : 0.75 kW
- OilOil Separator, regular maintenance
- Equivalents : Busch R5 RA 0025 F, Becker O6.25
Busch R5 RA 0040 F
- Type: Oil Lubricated Vacuum Pump
- Max. Vacuum: 0.1 mbar Abs
- Flow: 40 m3/h
- Std Motor Size : 1.4 kW
- Oil, Oil Separator, regular maintenance
- Equivalents : DVP LC.40, Becker U 5.40
Popular Oil Lubricated Rotary Vane Pump Models 70m3/h – 630m3/h
Becker U 5.71
- Type: Oil Lubricated Vacuum Pump
- Max. Vacuum: 0.1 mbar Abs
- Flow: 70 m3/h
- Std Motor Size : 1.5 kW
- Oil, Oil Separators, regular maintenance
- Equivalents : DVP LC.60, Busch R5 RA 0063 F
DVP LC.106
- Type: Oil Lubricated Vacuum Pump
- Max. Vacuum: 0.1 mbar Abs
- Flow: 106 m3/h
- Std Motor Size : 2.2 kW
- Oil, Oil Separators, regular maintenance
- Equivalents : Busch R5 RA 0100 F, Becker U5.101
Busch R5 RA 0305 D
- Type: Oil Lubricated Vacuum Pump
- Max. Vacuum: 0.1 mbar Abs
- Flow: 300 m3/h
- Std Motor Size : 8.3 kW
- Oil, Oil Separators, regular maintenance
- Equivalents : DVP LC.305, Becker U5.301
Leybold SV 630 B
- Type: Oil Lubricated Vacuum Pump
- Max. Vacuum: 0.08 mbar Abs
- Flow: 700 m3/h
- Std Motor Size : 15 kW
- Oil, Oil Separators, regular maintenance
- Equivalents : DVP LX.650, Busch R5 RA 0630 C
Common Problems with Oil Lubricated Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps
Although oil lubricated rotary vane pumps are extremely reliable, they still require regular servicing and maintenance to maintain performance and protect internal components.
Common faults include:
- Contaminated vacuum oil
- Exhaust smoke
- Worn vanes, although less common tan dry running pumps
- Blocked oil separators
- Reduced vacuum performance
- Overheating
- Oil leaks
- Pump seizure
- Noisy operation
- Water contamination inside oil
- Slow pump down times
- Motor overload trips
In many cases, poor performance is caused by overdue servicing rather than major pump failure.
Typical Service Items
Oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps require regular replacement of service components including:
- Vacuum pump oil
- Oil separators
- Inlet filters
- Exhaust filters
- Gaskets and seals
Failure to replace oil separators or contaminated oil can lead to:
-
- Excessive exhaust smoke
- Increased running temperatures
- Poor vacuum performance
- Premature internal wear
How VacAir Superstore Can Help
VacAir Superstore support customers throughout the UK with industrial vacuum pump supply, servicing and technical support.
We regularly assist customers with:
- Identifying existing pump models
- Supplying service kits and oils
- Vacuum pump repairs and overhauls
- Replacement pumps and upgrades
- Fault diagnosis and troubleshooting
- Emergency breakdown response
- Loan pumps to minimise downtime
- Vacuum system advice
Our engineering team regularly work on Becker, Busch, DVP, Elmo Rietschle and Leybold oil lubricated rotary vane pumps used throughout UK industry.
Whether you require:
- A replacement oil separator
- Routine maintenance parts
- A full workshop overhaul
- A replacement vacuum pump
- Technical application advice
VacAir Superstore can help identify the most suitable solution. We are a leading independent supply of Oil Lubricated Rotary Vane Pumps since 1996
Need an Oil Lubricated Vacuum Pump ?
Call our technical sales team for assistance.
0113 208 8501
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pump?
An oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pump uses oil inside the compression chamber to lubricate, seal and cool the pumping mechanism. This helps the pump achieve deeper vacuum levels and reliable continuous operation.
What is the difference between dry running and oil lubricated rotary vane pumps?
Dry running rotary vane pumps operate without oil in the compression chamber and use self-lubricating carbon vanes. Oil lubricated rotary vane pumps use oil internally, which improves sealing and allows much deeper vacuum levels.
What vacuum level can oil lubricated rotary vane pumps achieve?
Many oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps can achieve vacuum levels below 1 mbar absolute, depending on the pump model, condition and application.
Why is my oil lubricated vacuum pump smoking?
Exhaust smoke is commonly caused by contaminated oil, blocked oil separators, an overfilled oil reservoir, incorrect oil, or worn internal components.
How often should vacuum pump oil be changed?
Oil change intervals depend on the application, running hours and contamination level. Regular oil changes are important because poor oil condition can reduce vacuum performance and damage internal components.
What are oil separators on a vacuum pump?
Oil separators remove oil mist from the exhaust air before it leaves the pump. Blocked or saturated oil separators can cause exhaust smoke, poor performance and increased running temperatures.
Can VacAir repair oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps?
Yes. VacAir Superstore can service, repair and overhaul oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps from leading brands including Becker, Busch, DVP, Elmo Rietschle and Leybold.
Do oil lubricated vacuum pumps need regular servicing?
Yes. Regular servicing is essential to maintain vacuum performance, reduce wear, prevent overheating and avoid expensive internal damage.
What industries use oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps?
Oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps are widely used in packaging, food processing, plastics, composites, woodworking, medical, pharmaceutical, printing and general manufacturing applications.
Can VacAir help me replace an existing oil lubricated vacuum pump?
Yes. If you are replacing an existing pump, the easiest starting point is usually the information on the pump ID plate. VacAir can help identify a suitable replacement or advise on upgrades where required.
Trust VacAir Superstore for all your vacuum pump needs.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you save money and keep your operations running smoothly.