Boiling Temperature of Diffusion Pump Oil

Explained

A lot of confusion exists in the vacuum industry about certain things, for
example

What should the optimum temperature be set in diffusion pump

heaters so as to get maximum level of vacuum in shortest possible
time?
How can the temperature in diffusion pumps be set in such a way that
the engineers are able to get maximum life from costly diffusion pump
oil?
Is boiling temperature of silicone diffusion pump oil different from
hydrocarbon diffusion pump oil?

Before attempting to understand optimum boiling temperature of diffusion

pump oil, let us take a brief look about working of diffusion pump.

Since efficiency of diffusion pump depends solely on the working cycle of

diffusion pump oil (diffusion pump has no moving parts) so this is evident
that a higher diffusion pump temperature will mean a higher ultimate
vacuum. Obviously a question comes to mind at this stage that why dont we
increase the boiling temperature to highest possible level. Answer to this is
that increasing the temperature of diffusion pump oil involves financial
implications (cost increase) because of the following reasons -

1. Diffusion pump oil works in very difficult environment where there is

vacuum and high temperature. So to increase the boiling temperature,
superior (obviously costlier) oil will be required which is capable of
withstanding these adverse conditions.
2. At higher temperature O-rings and oil seals may give way so better
quality sealing material is required (Costly again).
3. For handling higher temperature, construction of diffusion pump also
has to be stronger.
4. For attaining higher temperature higher energy charges will be
incurred.
5. For obtaining higher temperature longer time is required so vacuum
time increases.
Decision about boiling temperature is basically a balance between level of
vacuum required and cost incurred. Our guideline in line with the established
practice in the industry is as below S.
No.

Vacuum
Required

Temperatu
re in
Diffusion
Pump

Supervac
Products

Equivalent
Products

DC-705
1.

-9

10 to 10
Torr

-10

245 C

SV-SIGMA+

Hivac F5
DC-704

2.

3.

10-7 to 10-8
Torr

220oC

10-5 to 10-6
Torr

180oC

SV-SIGMA

CVC4
Hivac F4
Ulvoil D31

SV-SIGMA FAST

DC-702

Some myths are prevalent in the industry about diffusion pump oils. These
are clarified as underMyth no.1: Boiling temperature of hydrocarbon diffusion pump
oil is different from boiling temperature of silicone diffusion
pump oil- This myth is baseless as boiling temperature of both
hydrocarbon and silicone diffusion pump oil is same. For example- Well
known hydrocarbon diffusion pump oils like Supervac SV-DELTA, Lion S,
Ulvoil D11 and CVP300, all have boiling temperature of 220oC.
Myth no.2: My diffusion pump has been designed for
hydrocarbon/silicone diffusion pump oil only- This is also false.
You can use any diffusion pump oil (hydrocarbon or silicone) in any
diffusion pump based on your requirement. For details about merits of
hydrocarbon and silicone diffusion pump oil please read my blog posthttp://supervacindustries.blogspot.in/2013/04/silicone-diffusion-pumpoil-vs.html

Myth no.3: My equipment manufacturer asks me to use only a

particular brand of diffusion pump oil which is exorbitantly
priced- Your equipment manufacturer is trying to fleece you. For
details about equivalent vacuum oils manufactured by reputed and
established manufacturers anywhere in the world please read our blog
post
athttp://supervacindustries.blogspot.in/2014/03/vacuum-oilequivalents.html. In case you dont find it there then please contact us.
We will help you find an equivalent product.
Myth no.4: There is no need of topping up- Absolutely false and
dangerous myth prevailing in the industry. Topping up at regular
intervals is of utmost importance to get proper vacuum and avoiding
damage to the equipment.
Myth no.5: Charging less diffusion pump oil in diffusion pump
reduces vacuum time- Absolutely false. Charging less oil than
required will cause back streaming, burning of diffusion pump oil and
damage to costly equipment.
Myth no.6: My diffusion pump oil works at 170 oC- Diffusion
pumps do not work at temperature below 180oC. Your oil supplier is
supplying you cheaper vapor jet booster pump oil.

Conclusion:Based on the information given above I am sure that you will be able to
choose the right diffusion pump oil as per your requirement. For example- if
level of vacuum required is only up to 10 -5 Torr and equipment is old then
hydrocarbon diffusion pump oil will work more economical. Similarly if
vacuum level required is 10-7 Torr then there is no point in using SV-SIGMA+.
Furthermore by using simple precautions like frequent topping up you can
get a much longer life and value for money from your diffusion pump oil.

For more helpful tips about how to get your moneys worth from your
diffusion
pump
oil,
you
can
read
my
blog
posthttp://supervacindustries.blogspot.in/2013/09/how-to-get-maximum-lifefrom-your.html