Vacuum Pump Foreline Traps

Oil Mist Eliminators

Coaxial Foreline Traps	Assimilation Trap	Bakeable Molecular Sieve Adsorption Traps
Dry Ice Trap	LN2 Cold Trap

Correct vacuum levels are critical in the optimum operation of any mass spectrometer. Rough vacuum pumps are an important part of the vacuum system on mass specs, however in many labs they are not given the attention they require except when a problem is discovered in the mass spec operation. For efficient and safe operation the correct filters and traps should be installed on both the inlet and outlet of the vacuum pump. With the advance of electrospray and other LC/MS techniques this requirement becomes even more important, as more solvents and other materials are being pumped. This is especially critical if the vacuum pumps are not exhausted outside of the lab. The use of the correct filters and traps and the proper maintenance of these items can improve the life of the vacuum pump as well as minimize harmful emissions into the environment. Below is a chart which may be helpful in determining which filters and traps you may require. The following pages detail each of these items and list appropriate hardware to connect the traps and filters to both Alcatel and Edwards vacuum pumps. If you have a vacuum pump from another manufacturer give us a call and we will help you determine which traps, filters and hardware you may require.

Inlet Trap Selection Chart

Inlet Trap Description	Backstreaming	Corrosive	Polar Compounds / Acidic Vapor	Organic Chemicals	Particulates	Large Particles, Oil or Liquid	Water Vapor
SAT Coaxial Foreline Trap	Excellent	No	No	No	No	No	No
SAT Assimilation Trap with Copper Element	Excellent	No	No	Ex.	No	No	No
AT Assimilation Trap with S Steel Element	Excellent	Excellent	No	Excellent	No	No	No
MAT Molecular Sieve Trap	Excellent	Good	No	No	No	No	Good