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Perfluoropolyether (PFPE) Oils for Vacuum Pumps

2025-04-25

Perfluoropolyether PFPE oils are thermally stable, chemically inert, and compatible with metals, hydrogenated polymers, oxygen and aggressive gases even at very high temperatures.It is not flammable and non-toxic.

PFPE oils are specially engineered for specific vacuum pump structures where their unique properties provide significant advantages.

If you're struggling to choose the right vacuum pump oil for your needs, you've come to the right place. Today, we're focusing on perfluoropolyether (PFPE) vacuum pump oils - explaining which types of pumps they work best with and how they differ from other vacuum pump oils.

1.What Type Of Vacuum Pumps Work Best With PFPE Oils?

Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps

PFPE oils excel in rotary vane pumps by providing exceptional sealing between vanes and stator, reducing friction, and maintaining optimal performance even under challenging operating conditions.Fomblin Y 25/6 PFPE oils are typical PFPF vacuum pumps oils for Vanes vacuum pumps.

Diffusion Pumps

The extremely low vapor pressure of PFPE oils makes them ideal for diffusion pumps where backstreaming must be minimized. They maintain stability at high temperatures required for vapor jet formation.

Turbomolecular Pumps

For bearing lubrication in turbomolecular pumps, PFPE oils provide the necessary performance with minimal outgassing, ensuring the highest vacuum levels can be achieved.

2.Key Characteristics of PFPE Vacuum Oils

√ Extremely low vapor pressure: Typically 10-10 to 10-13 torr at 20°C, enabling ultra-high vacuum performance.

√ Chemical inertness: Resistant to most chemicals, acids, bases, and oxidizing agents.

√ Wide temperature performance: it can be used for extremely high and low temperature application.

√ Radiation resistance: Maintains properties under exposure to ionizing radiation.

√ Non-flammability: Will not burn or support combustion, enhancing safety.

√ Long service life: Reduces maintenance frequency and operating costs.

√ Oxygen compatibility: Safe for use in oxygen-rich environments without risk of oxidation.

How PFPE Oils Differ from Other Vacuum Pump OilsCompared to Mineral Oils & Synthetic Hydrocarbon Oils

Property	PFPE Oils	Mineral Oils	Synthetic Hydrocarbon Oils
Vapor Pressure at 20°C	10^-10 to 10^-13 torr	10^-7 to 10^-8 torr	10^-8 to 10^-9 torr
Ultimate Vacuum Achievable	10^-9 to 10^-10 mbar	10^-3 to 10^-4 mbar	10^-5 to 10^-6 mbar
Temperature Range	-90°C to +250°C	-10°C to +150°C	-40°C to +200°C
Chemical Resistance	Excellent	Poor	Moderate
Oxidation Resistance	Excellent	Poor	Good
Radiation Resistance	Excellent	Poor	Moderate
Service Life	Very Long	Short	Moderate
Cost	High	Low	Moderate

Applications Where PFPE Oils Are Essential

√ Semiconductor manufacturing: Where ultra-high vacuum and chemical cleanliness are critical.

√ Laboratory research: For sensitive scientific equipment requiring minimal contamination.

√ Space simulation chambers: Where extreme conditions and reliability are paramount.

√ Chemical processing: In environments with aggressive chemicals and gases.

√ Pharmaceutical production: Where product purity is essential.

√ Nuclear applications: Due to radiation resistance properties.

√ Oxygen service: Where conventional oils would pose safety hazards.