Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps and Compressors

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 and HUCKEPACK 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.
SECO	single-stage	dry-running	Reliable medium vacuum for demanding applications in industry and research.

Exceptionally durable design

R5 SECO 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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Tailored to your needs. Including installation of pipework and control units.

Customized vacuum systems

Our experience. Our success stories.

Enhancing Culinary Experiences with Vacuum

De Groene Olifant (The Green Elephant)
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Glass Coating Under Vacuum

Pumps and boosters from Busch Vacuum Solutions are used for the coating of low-E glass (low-emissivity glass) under vacuum.
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Faithful Service for 36 Years

An R5 oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pump from Busch Vacuum Solutions has been in service since 1987 in the production area of bakery and cake shop Feinbäckerei Ruch. It is still in use twelve hours a day for flour conveying at the bakery in Rosdorf, in the German upland region of Harz.
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Busch Vacuum Solutions Introduces New R5 RA

The new rotary vane vacuum pump R5 RA 0520 A from Busch increases energy savings by up to 25%. It features a compact and hygienic design, reduced heat emissions, and enables faster and easier maintenance. The optional ECOTORQUE variable speed drive provides up to 50% additional energy savings and a 20% increase in pumping speed.
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Apple Syrup Production Under Vacuum

Busch Austria provided an R5 RA 0025 F to a technical school in Neufelden, Austria, for a high school graduation project that allowed a student to develop a gentle method of producing apple syrup.
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Vacuum Pumps for Pneumatic Suction Conveying

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Star Wars Merchandise Thanks to Efficient Vacuum Technology

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Vacuum Technology in the Extraction of Cannabinoids

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Vacuum in Woodworking – Part 3

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Vacuum in Woodworking – Part 2

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Energy-Efficient Packaging of Pizza Toppings

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Hygienically packaging fresh meat
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Quality Resin Infusion Processes in Boatbuilding with R5 Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps

Mader shipyard
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Cost-Effective Vacuum Technology in Food Packaging: Part 2

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Cost-Effective Vacuum Technology in Food Packaging: Part 1

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High Efficiency with Our Leading Technology

Rotary vane vacuum pump wins vacuum efficiency test by direct comparison
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Greater Efficiency and Reduced Cycle Times in Packaging Poultry Sausage with R5

Drobimex
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The Role of Vacuum Technology in Freeze Drying

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Saving Energy when Generating Vacuum for Clamping Aluminum Sheets

A&T Group
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Pressure-Controlled Vacuum Technology Helps Save Energy

IAC Group AB
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Energy-Efficient and Safe Packaging Thanks to Centralized Vacuum Supply

Südbayerische Fleischwaren GmbH
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Production of Disinfectants with Busch Vacuum Technology

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Vacuum Pumps for a Hospital in Palestine

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Urgent Vacuum Pump Delivery for US Healthcare

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Vacuum System for a Rapidly Built Emergency Hospital in Madrid

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Fine Ham Perfectly Packaged

Basedahl Schinkenmanufaktur
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Close Cooperation between Busch AG and Busch France to Save Lives

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Busch Vacuum Solutions Honored as World Market Leader 2020

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Self-Regulating Vacuum Pump Helps Save Energy

Ready for Industry 4.0
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Energy Savings of 55 Percent in Vacuum Supply

Duni Group
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Less Maintenance Thanks to the Centralization of the Vacuum Supply

Mar-Bal
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Premium Gorgonzola Packaged with Reliable Vacuum Technology from Busch

Igor
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Self-priming Pump Systems with Robust Vacuum Technology from Busch

Pannon-Hidrostal Kft.
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Efficiency and Energy Savings Achieved in Food Packaging with a Central Vacuum Supply

Goodvalley Polska
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Reliable Vacuum Supply for Plasma Nitriding

HWL Löttechnik GmbH
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Energy Savings and Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions Thanks to Centralization of Vacuum Supply

Block House Fleischerei GmbH
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Energy-efficient and reliable vacuum supply

Suttero Bazenheid
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Hygienic removal of dead fish in RAS

Osland Settefisk SA
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Innovation Meets Tradition in Centralized Vacuum for Thermoforming Machines in Food Packaging

Salzbrenner
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Centralized Vacuum Supply for Reliable and Efficient Packaging

Westfleisch
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Manufacturing Salmon Products Using State-Of-The-Art Vacuum Technology

Nordlaks Produkter AS
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Economical and Safe Packaging of Sausages and Convenience Products in an Oxygen Atmosphere

Packaging in an oxygen atmosphere
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Fish Product Packaging with Central Vacuum Supply

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Innovation in Vacuum Busch Award 2013

Gea Food Solutions GmbH
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Hygenic design

We have increased pump hygiene significantly. By thinking outside the box. Literally.

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Improved Exhaust Filter

Our patented filter. Exchange it in less than a minute. Welcome to the future of service.

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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.

Illustration of rotary vane technology

Illustration of rotary vane technology

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.

Inlet
Compression
Outlet

Inlet
Compression
Outlet

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.

Why can I no longer find ZEBRA two-stage rotary vane vacuum pumps on the Busch website?

The global Busch Group now offers a unified portfolio of two-stage rotary vane vacuum pumps under its brand Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions. It combines the best models of this technology from Busch Vacuum Solutions and Pfeiffer, both members of the Group. The new portfolio simplifies product selection, offering an even broader range of pumping speeds from 1.6 to 300 m³/h.

All two-stage rotary vane vacuum pumps will now be named DuoVane and are available on the Pfeiffer website. These vacuum pumps provide all the benefits of the previous ZEBRA product family from Busch, such as robustness, wide compatibility, and reliability. At the same time, they offer additional features like compact size and low power consumption.

Discover the Pfeiffer portfolio

Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps and Compressors

Types of rotary vane pumps and compressors

Exceptionally durable design

Applications

Get your turnkey vacuum system with our R5 vacuum pumps now!

Our experience. Our success stories.

Enhancing Culinary Experiences with Vacuum

Glass Coating Under Vacuum

Faithful Service for 36 Years

Busch Vacuum Solutions Introduces New R5 RA

Apple Syrup Production Under Vacuum

Vacuum Pumps for Pneumatic Suction Conveying

Star Wars Merchandise Thanks to Efficient Vacuum Technology

Vacuum Technology in the Extraction of Cannabinoids

Vacuuming of Fresh Food

Vacuum Packaging with the Latest Vacuum 4.0 Technology

Vacuum Preserves Food

Vacuum in Woodworking – Part 3

Vacuum in Woodworking – Part 2

Energy-Efficient Vacuum Supply for Meat-Processing Plants

Energy-Efficient Packaging of Pizza Toppings

Vacuum Packaging of Fresh Meat

Quality Resin Infusion Processes in Boatbuilding with R5 Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps

Cost-Effective Vacuum Technology in Food Packaging: Part 2

Cost-Effective Vacuum Technology in Food Packaging: Part 1

Efficiency Comparison for Vacuum Pumps

High Efficiency with Our Leading Technology

Greater Efficiency and Reduced Cycle Times in Packaging Poultry Sausage with R5

The Role of Vacuum Technology in Freeze Drying

Saving Energy when Generating Vacuum for Clamping Aluminum Sheets

Pressure-Controlled Vacuum Technology Helps Save Energy

Energy-Efficient and Safe Packaging Thanks to Centralized Vacuum Supply

Production of Disinfectants with Busch Vacuum Technology

Vacuum Pumps for a Hospital in Palestine

Urgent Vacuum Pump Delivery for US Healthcare

Vacuum System for a Rapidly Built Emergency Hospital in Madrid

Fine Ham Perfectly Packaged

Close Cooperation between Busch AG and Busch France to Save Lives

Busch Vacuum Solutions Honored as World Market Leader 2020

Self-Regulating Vacuum Pump Helps Save Energy

Energy Savings of 55 Percent in Vacuum Supply

Less Maintenance Thanks to the Centralization of the Vacuum Supply

Premium Gorgonzola Packaged with Reliable Vacuum Technology from Busch

Self-priming Pump Systems with Robust Vacuum Technology from Busch

Efficiency and Energy Savings Achieved in Food Packaging with a Central Vacuum Supply

Reliable Vacuum Supply for Plasma Nitriding

Energy Savings and Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions Thanks to Centralization of Vacuum Supply

Energy-efficient and reliable vacuum supply

Hygienic removal of dead fish in RAS

Innovation Meets Tradition in Centralized Vacuum for Thermoforming Machines in Food Packaging

Centralized Vacuum Supply for Reliable and Efficient Packaging

Manufacturing Salmon Products Using State-Of-The-Art Vacuum Technology

Economical and Safe Packaging of Sausages and Convenience Products in an Oxygen Atmosphere

Fish Product Packaging with Central Vacuum Supply

Innovation in Vacuum Busch Award 2013