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Mechanical Pump Oils

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Whenever selecting mechanical pump fluids for use in mass spectrometers, it is important to select the fluid with the lowest vapor pressure, as this determines the ultimate vacuum the pump can achieve, minimizes backstreaming, significantly reduces pumpdown time and maximizes vacuum. The major three mineral based oils used for rough pumps in mass spectrometers include Inland 19, Invoil 20 and Inland 45. Any of these pump fluids can be used in all Edward, Adixen, Welch and other mechanical rough pumps.

Compare Oils

ProductsVapor Pressure @25 °C (Torr)Boiling Point @.01 Torr (°C) Viscosity @40 °C (CST) Viscosity @100 °C (CST)Pour Point (°C) Flash Point (°C) Fire Point (°C) Density @25 °C (gm/cc) Reclaimable
Inland 19 3 x 10 -5 112 51 8.1 -15 213 244 0.86 No
Invoil 20 3 x 10 -6 127 58 8.5 -10 224 259 0.86 Yes
Invoil 21 3 x 10 -5 112 54 8.1 -15 213 244 0.86 No
Inland 45 1 x 10 -6 133 49 6.9 -59 268 288 0.83 Yes
Inland TW <1 x 10 -6 158 56 8.9 -12 243 270 0.86 Yes
Fomblin Y06/6 6 x 10 -6 >250 22 4 -45 None None 1.88 Yes
Fomblin Y14/6 3 x 10 -6 >250 47 7.5 -40 None None 1.89 Yes
Fomblin Y16/6 3 x 10 -6 >250 54 8.6 -45 None None 1.89 Yes
Fomblin Y25/6 1 x 10 -6 >250 72.4 10 -35 None None 1.89 Yes
Inland 33 <1 x 10 -6 166 67 9.3 -10 247 275 0.86 Yes

The selection of a specific grade of pump oil utilized depends on the users needs including the mass range of the mass spectrometer, the system cleanliness required, the sensitivity required and the cost the user is willing to pay.

  • Inland 19 is the basic mineral oil used in most mass spectrometer vacuum pumps. It has been engineered for use with all mechanical vacuum pumps, providing for minimal backstreaming.
  • Invoil 20 is a better grade of mineral oil for use in mechanical rough pumps. It has been distilled to remove the majority of the light fractions present in the base oil. These light fractions represent weak links in oil and tend to provide a source of attack for reactive gases. In addition they can easily migrate into the vacuum system to increase mass spec background. Invoil 20 will provide for better pumping efficiency, lower vacuum and longer vacuum pump life in comparison to Inland 19 or similar oils.
  • Inland 45 is the newest and best grade of oil for mechanical vacuum pumps for mass spectrometers. It is a highly refined and distilled pump oil which will provide for optimum vacuum levels and minimal mass spectrometer background. It is recommended for mass spectrometers such as high resolution instruments which require the cleanest system, highest vacuum levels and optimum pumping efficiency. This oil is now recommended for the H.P. mass spectrometer systems.
  • Inland TW mechanical pump fluid is specifically recommended for applications where exposure to reactive or corrosive gases is prevalent, such as electrospray and particle beam.
  • Fomblin PFPE oils are non-flammable chemically inert fluids for use in areas where there are high levels of oxygen or where serious corrosion is a problem. This oil is identical to Krytox. Several manufacturers recommend this pump fluid for uses such as in the H.P. Particle Beam mass spectrometer.

Fluids Shelf Life

Here is a summary of expected shelf life for various Inland® vacuum pump fluids.

  • HYDROCARBON: Hydrocarbon fluids have an indefinite shelf life when material is kept unopened in the original container at ambient temperatures out of direct sunlight.
  • FOMBLIN: Fomblin Y, including Y-LVACs, Y-HVACs and LCs, M and Z neutral fluids and greases and FOMBLIN DA additives have a guaranteed shelf life of a minimum of FIVE (5) YEARS from date of shipment if stored in the original sealed container at ambient temperature. Retained samples, in some cases exceeding TWENTY (20) YEARS, have consistently shown no degradation or change in properties. During this time span, FOMBLIN GREASES may show some oil separation which is normal. Mixing the grease by stirring or kneading the tube will redisperse oil.
  • GALDEN: Galden Inert Heat Transfer Fluids have a guaranteed shelf life of a minimum of TWO (2) YEARS from date of shipment if stored in the original sealed container at ambient temperature.
  • HALOVAC: Halovac Fluids, shelf life based on customer experience, is considered indefinite when material is kept unopened in original container at ambient temperature.
  • SILICONE: Useable shelf life is five years, when material is kept unopened in the original container at ambient temperatures out of direct sunlight.
  • SANTOVAC 5: The shelf life of Santovac 5 is indefinite, depending upon conditions under which its stored. If the product is packaged in a sealed, amber bottle, and is maintained at ambient temperatures, it may last 30 - 40 years. However, we suggest it be tested after five (5) years, particularly if its stored in a metal container.
  • APIEZON® PRODUCTS: Shelf life is 10 years in original unopened containers stored at ambient temperate temperatures from date of manufacture.
  • DC 976 GREASE: Shelf life is 5 years from date of manufacturer.
  • EXCELLIN GREASE: Shelf life is 10 years in original unopened containers stored at ambient temperate temperatures.
  • CELVACENE GREASE: Shelf life is 5 years in original unopened containers stored at ambient temperate temperatures.
  • MIS CELVACENE: MIS-20217 and DWG 639AS4607 specifications have a shelf life of 24 months stored at ambient temperate temperatures.