Why Your Vacuum Pump Needs Protection

Vacuum pumps are vital components in various industries, including laboratories, pharmaceuticals, and industrial processing. However, exposure to vapors, moisture, and contaminants can lead to:

• Corrosion: Moisture and reactive vapors can degrade internal components.
• Reduced Efficiency: Contaminated oil and internal damage hinder performance.
• Costly Repairs: Frequent maintenance and premature pump failure can result in unexpected downtime and expenses.

How an Inlet Cold Trap Works

An inlet cold trap serves as a protective barrier for your vacuum pump by:

• Cooling, condensing, and trapping harmful vapors before they reach the pump.
• Preventing contamination, keeping the vacuum system clean and efficient.
• Extending pump life by reducing exposure to corrosive or reactive substances.
• Prolonging vacuum pump oil life, minimizing the need for frequent oil changes.
• Lowering maintenance costs by preventing buildup and damage.

What Happens Without a Cold Trap?

Without adequate protection, your vacuum pump may experience:

• Corrosion: Water, acidic vapors, and reactive gases can deteriorate pump components.
• Oil Contamination: Vapors and chemicals degrade pump oil, reducing efficiency.
• Increased Maintenance: Contamination leads to clogs, reduced vacuum levels, and unexpected downtime.

Who Uses Cold Traps?

Cold traps are essential across multiple industries, including:

• Laboratories & Research: Prevent solvents and chemicals from reaching the pump.
• Pharmaceutical & Medical: Essential for freeze-drying applications to avoid contamination.
• Industrial Processing: Protect pumps from aggressive gases used in manufacturing and food processing.

Find Your Cold Trap

FluidX offers a variety of cold trap solutions designed to protect your vacuum system from moisture, solvents, and chemicals. Here are some of our most popular options:

• Offset Inline Dry Ice Trap: This trap utilizes a dry ice and alcohol slurry to cool to -75°C, effectively trapping most volatile materials. It features a 3.5-quart dry ice container, an 8-inch diameter by 10-inch tall 304 stainless steel housing with an electropolished finish, and a clear acrylic viewport for full visibility during operation. The offset inlet and outlet ports facilitate easy installation.
• LIT-1524-X Inline Dry Ice Trap: Designed for simple operation and easy maintenance, this trap is ideal for vacuum applications requiring the removal of condensable vapors or where the use of liquid nitrogen traps is not practical. It features offset inlet and outlet ports for ease of installation and a removable well for convenient cleaning and refilling.
• 4" Inline Liquid Nitrogen Trap: This liquid nitrogen refrigerant trap offers an extremely effective method for trapping condensable vapors such as water. Liquid nitrogen consumption is largely dependent on the level of vacuum maintained in the roughing line, with deeper vacuum levels resulting in longer LN₂ hold times.

To explore our full range of vacuum traps and filters, visit FluidX’s Vacuum Traps and Filters page or contact us for expert guidance.

Protect your investment and ensure optimal performance by choosing the right cold trap for your vacuum system.