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Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps and Compressors

Our products Operating principle
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Types of rotary vane pumps and compressors

Rotary vane vacuum pumps are available in single- and two-stage versions and can be operated with different types of lubrication or dry-running. In single-stage versions, compression is carried out once. In two-stage versions, the pumped medium is compressed again in a second stage to allow for higher vacuum levels.

Rotary vane compressors operate according to the same principle.

Oil helps seal the clearance between the vanes and the housing in R5, HUCKEPACK and ZEBRA vacuum pumps. SECO vacuum pumps and compressors use graphite dust for lubrication. This is created when the graphite vanes grind along the edge of the cylinder.

Product family
Rotary vane vacuum pump version
Oil-lubricated or dry-running
Characteristics
R5
single-stage
oil-lubricated
Proven and reliable. Over 3 million pumps in operation worldwide.
HUCKEPACK
two-stage
oil-lubricated
The robust and proven solution for difficult applications.
ZEBRA
two-stage
oil-lubricated
Reliable medium vacuum for demanding applications in industry and research.
SECO
single-stage
dry-running
Reliable medium vacuum for demanding applications in industry and research.

Exceptionally durable design

R5 SECO ZEBRA HUCKEPACK

Applications

Rotary vane vacuum pumps and compressors are used in various industries. They are suitable for applications ranging from pick-and-place to freeze-drying.

Each industry and application has different needs. To find out which vacuum solution fits your needs best, get in touch with our Busch experts.

Find out more about how rotary vane technology is used in different applications.

Your application is not mentioned? Check out our product finder!

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Customized vacuum systems

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Hygenic design

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Improved Exhaust Filter

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FAQ

What is a rotary vane vacuum pump?

A rotary vane vacuum pump is a type of positive displacement pump that uses rotating vanes to generate vacuum. A rotor with several vanes is mounted eccentrically inside a housing. Due to centrifugal force, the vanes slide out and form chambers between themselves and the housing. They separate a specific volume of the pumped medium, trapping it inside the chambers. Within one rotation, the chamber size shrinks until the pumped medium has reached maximum compression and is expelled at the outlet. The chamber size expands again at the end of the revolution.

Rotary vane vacuum pumps are available in single- and two-stage versions and can be operated with different types of lubrication or dry-running. In single-stage versions, compression is carried out once. In two-stage versions, the pumped medium is compressed again in a second stage to allow for higher vacuum levels. Vacuum pumps with this technology are used for various applications in industries ranging from packaging to hospital and healthcare facilities, as well as wastewater treatment.

How does a rotary vane vacuum pump work?

Rotary vane technology is synonymous with a robust and functional construction. In a cylindrical housing, a rotor with several vanes is mounted eccentrically. Due to centrifugal force, these vanes slide out and form chambers between themselves and the housing.

The pumped medium is trapped inside these chambers. Within one rotation, the chamber size shrinks. The volume of the pumped medium is constantly reduced until the gas has reached maximum compression and is expelled at the outlet. At the end of the revolution, the chamber size expands again.

Rotary vane compressors operate according to the same principle.

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    Illustration of rotary vane technology

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    Illustration of rotary vane technology

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Vacuum generation in rotary vane vacuum pumps explained in three steps

1. Inlet

  • The pumped medium enters via the inlet.
  • The rotor turns continuously.
  • Due to centrifugal force, the vanes slide out and form chambers between themselves and the housing.

2. Compression

  • The eccentric position of the rotor changes the chamber volume constantly, compressing the gas with each rotation.
  • In oil-lubricated pumps, a special oil helps seal the space between the vanes and the housing.
  • Compression is carried out once in single-stage versions and twice in two-stage versions to achieve higher vacuum levels.

3. Outlet

  • The compressed gas is expelled at the outlet.
  • A valve stops backflow into the vacuum pump.
  • Oil-lubricated vacuum pumps are fitted with an oil mist separator, consisting of an oil filter and an exhaust filter.
  • The oil filter removes contaminants, such as dust and debris, from the oil, ensuring that it remains clean, and retains excellent lubrication and sealing properties.
  • The exhaust filter captures oil particles in the discharged gas, ensuring that oil emissions to the ambient air are reduced to an absolute minimum.

  • 3d_animation_rotary_vane_inlet

    Inlet

  • 3d_animation_rotary_vane_compression

    Compression

  • 3d_animation_rotary_vane_outlet

    Outlet

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    Inlet

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    Compression

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    Outlet

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What is the difference between a rotary vane vacuum pump and a rotary vane compressor?

Compressors produce overpressure while vacuum pumps generate vacuum.

Basically, a rotary vane compressor is built the same way as a rotary vane vacuum pump, only the inlet and outlet are connected the other way around.

Are rotary vane vacuum pumps positive displacement pumps?

Yes, they are. A positive displacement pump is used to move gas or air by repeatedly trapping a fixed volume of the pumped medium and moving it mechanically through a system. It maintains a consistent flow and speed regardless of changes in pressure.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of rotary vane vacuum pumps and compressors?

Rotary vane vacuum pumps and compressors from Busch are robust, reliable, and cost-efficient. They have several benefits:

  • Easy maintenance
  • Energy-efficient
  • Proven performance
  • Robust design
  • High-performance vanes

A disadvantage of oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps and compressors is the use of oil, which emits oil mist into the ambient air. However, 99% of oil mist can be caught by Busch genuine exhaust filters. Over two days, as little as a single puff of nasal spray is released. Oil mist is made completely harmless through the use of food-grade or Halal and Kosher-certified oils from Busch, and regular maintenance further minimizes its presence.

Graphite vanes in SECO vacuum pumps and compressors create graphite dust as they grind along the edge of the cylinder. Thus, small amounts of this dust mix with the pumped medium during operation. Depending on the application, these particles will need to be filtered out of the pumped medium afterwards.

How do I select the appropriate vacuum solution?

Several factors have to be considered when selecting the right vacuum solution. These factors vary depending on the application and the specific needs of your process.

Use our product finder to find your ideal vacuum pump. Or contact us to find out which vacuum solution fits your needs best. Our Busch experts are happy to help!

What makes Busch one of the leading manufacturers of rotary vane vacuum pumps and compressors?

Busch has been manufacturing rotary vane vacuum pumps and compressors for over 50 years. With the HUCKEPACK, Dr Karl Busch developed the first vacuum pump especially for the vacuum packaging of foodstuffs. This was a revolution for the packaging industry.

Moreover, all rotary vane vacuum pumps and compressors from Busch are manufactured in Europe. Our vanes are specially developed by us for our vacuum pumps. They are made of robust materials to ensure durability, reliability, and longevity. Discover more about the materials we use on our product detail pages.