What kind of oil do you use in a vacuum pump?
Rachel Newton
Updated on June 04, 2026
Considering this, what oil can I use in a vacuum pump?
Vacuum pump oil is pretty much just mineral oil (unless you're doing oxygen service, but that's a different problem). But, don't use anything other than vacuum pump oil if you want to actually pull a vacuum.
Also, what is the function of vacuum pump oil? Description. Vacuum pump oil serves as a mechanical lubricant and a medium for trapping gas molecules. It's chemically stable, unreactive to most gases and materials, and has a low-vapor pressure.
Considering this, what is vacuum pump oil made of?
Many of the oils used in vacuum pumps are not traditional oils at all, but made of silicone or other non-hydrocarbon fluids. In all vacuum pumps, the oil vapor pressure is important because the oil is exposed to the gas being pumped from the chamber.
What is the viscosity of vacuum pump oil?
Typical Properties
| Test Method | Test | Mobil Vacuum Pump Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Kinematic Viscosity at 40°C | D445 | 64 |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C | D445 | 8.5 |
| Flash Point COC (PM) | D92 | 240 |
| Pour Point | D97 | -15 |
Related Question Answers
Can you use air tool oil in a vacuum pump?
Vacuum pump oil is pretty much just mineral oil (unless you're doing oxygen service, but that's a different problem). But, don't use anything other than vacuum pump oil if you want to actually pull a vacuum. Vacuum pump oil is specified to have very low outgassing so the partial pressure form the oil itself is low.Can I use vacuum pump oil in a compressor?
Oil-free rotary pumps can run continuously both at atmospheric pressure and at the highest vacuum. However, they cannot be used when the aspirated air contains moisture, oil or other liquids traces. At a certain pressure, the rotary compressors benefit of supplying air without pulsations.Does vacuum pump oil go bad?
Vmaxol and Duratex brand vacuum pump oils have an indefinite shelf life under the right conditions. As long as the container has not been opened or left outside, there should not be a reason for the lubricant to deteriorate.What vapors does a deep vacuum pull out of the system?
Remember that the vacuum pump dries the system out by pulling water out as a vapor; if you shut the pump down and don't change the oil while it is warm, the water and oil will separate—water on the bottom, oil on the top.How do you maintain a vacuum pump?
The 7 Golden Rules of Vacuum Pump Maintenance- Rule 1: Read your manual and check the oil regularly.
- Rule 2: Warm up the pump with the inlet blocked.
- Rule 3: Never block a pump outlet.
- Rule 4: Use an inlet cold trap to protect the pump from corrosive vapors.
- Rule 5: Use gas ballast (continuous purge) when working with condensable vapors.