Vacuum Oil Pump | Aether8 | Holland Green Science

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Affordable, oil-based vacuum pump
Significant noise development during operation
ATTENTION: The pump must be regularly serviced by a professional (we cannot do it)
ATTENTION: The pump may lose oil, which can enter the freeze dryer and damage the entire device and its contents

IMPORTANT: We do NOT recommend this pump. You will not be satisfied with it. In the worst case, you will have to completely disassemble your freeze dryer and thoroughly clean it from the oil. You will need to purchase and replace plastic parts as they are attacked by the oil.
We recommend the Anemos vacuum pump by HGS

Vacuum Oil Pump | Aether8 | Holland Green Science

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Description

Vacuum Pump Aether 8 suitable for Freeze Dryer Xiros Mikro

The vacuum pump of the Aether 8 series is a two-stage, oil-sealed high-speed rotary vane pump with direct drive motor. Suitable for use with inert gases in the low vacuum range with a small amount of non-condensable gas.

Aether 8

HGS SKU number 20611007
Voltage 220V, 60Hz
Free air flow rate 142L/min (5.0 CFM)
Maximum vacuum 0.003mbar / 3x10·1Pa
Oil capacity 340ml / 11.5oz
Net weight 11.4kg / 25.1 lbs
Dimensions 340 x 138 x 244 mm / 13.4 x 5.4 x 9.6 inches

Warning from Dirk

I know this affordable pump tempts you to buy it and use it with the freeze dryer from HGS. However, I advise against it! I guarantee you will not be happy with this type of vacuum pump. They are not maintenance-free and need to be regularly serviced by professionals. The special oil needs to be changed and refilled under pressure on a regular basis. There is always a risk of oil being drawn into your freeze dryer. Firstly, it will ruin everything inside the machine. Secondly, you will have to disassemble and clean the entire freeze dryer. Some plastic parts will need to be replaced as they are attacked by the oil and cannot be cleaned. Also, this pump is very loud during operation. A drying process takes between 3 and 24 hours!
I have searched and inquired for a long time, but in the end, oil-free vacuum pumps are by far more suitable. The investment is truly worth it.

Vacuum Pump: The Key to Successful Freeze Drying in the Laboratory

A vacuum pump is an essential instrument in modern laboratory technology, especially in freeze drying. Freeze drying is a process of removing moisture from materials by drying them at low temperatures below the freezing point. This process allows for the preservation and maintenance of a wide range of materials, such as proteins, enzymes, bacteria, cannabinoids, medications, and food, while retaining their effectiveness.

How is a vacuum pump used in freeze drying?

A vacuum pump like the Anemos is used to create a vacuum inside the freeze dryer. This vacuum reduces the vapor pressure difference between the interior of the chamber and the surroundings, allowing moisture to be drawn out of the material. This occurs before the material freezes.

Advantages of using a vacuum pump in freeze drying

Using a vacuum pump in freeze drying offers the following advantages:

Improved drying performance: The vacuum created by the vacuum pump allows for faster and more efficient removal of moisture from the material
Reduction of crystal formation: By removing moisture from the material before freezing, the formation of large ice crystals is prevented. This results in higher quality dried products.
Preservation of biological activity: Since the material is dried at low temperatures, the biological properties of the material are preserved.

Blog post

What is Freeze Drying?