Myth

All vacuum oils are the same.

Truth

Definitely Not. Oil types such as hydrocarbon, perfluoropolyether, ester, synthetic and additives all affect the achievable ultimate vacuum, oil lifetime and pump reliability.

Myth

Synthetic oils are the best type of vacuum oil

Truth

Not necessarily. Synthetic oils are manufactured directly from molecules so can have some well-defined properties, such as narrow molecular weight spread, which might be useful in some applications.

Highly purified mineral or hydrocarbon oils are generally cheaper and provide equal vacuum performance.

Myth

Turning my pump off after use will save energy.

Truth

Yes, it will save energy, but pump lifetime/reliability will be affected.  Switching off immediately after processing leaves the process residue inside the pump. It is much better to run the pump for an hour or two after processing finishes to clean the oil.

Another solution is to switch the unit into standby mode (slower speed) and leave the pump running and warm.

Myth

Turning my pump on and immediately running the process is energy efficient.

Truth

Yes, it will save energy, but reliability and longevity will be affected.  Switching the pump on immediately before processing means that the pump is cold. This can lead to process condensation, or pump wear. It is much more effective to run the pump for an hour before processing to warm it up, or to activate the pump from standby mode.

Myth

Gas ballast is just a gimmick.

Truth

No. Gas ballast allows the process vapours to travel through the pump without condensing in the oil, a factor which can have negative impact on lifetime performance. 

Gas ballast dramatically increases the life of the oil on dirty processes and it is recommended to use it as a regular part of a preventative maintenance programme.

Myth

My pump oil does not need to be changed.

Truth

Wrong. A typical vacuum pump has the same mechanical design features as a car, including components such as seals and shafts and rotates around two million automotive kilometres per year.

Regular oil changes are therefore recommended. Consult your system provider for product specifications.

For further best practice guidance, visit the BCAS knowledge base, where you will find a wealth of practical information including myth busters and FAQs, health and safety updates, best practice and a full document library. Visit www.bcas.org.uk/knowledge-base/overview to find out more.