Rotary Piston Vacuum Pumps and Vacuum Generators
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Rotary piston vacuum pumps are devices designed to evacuate air and gases from a sealed volume to create a vacuum. They achieve this by using a rotating piston mechanism that compresses and displaces air through a check valve, effectively reducing the pressure within the chamber.
Working Principle
Rotary piston vacuum pumps operate on the principle of positive displacement. The rotary piston or cam rotates eccentrically within a chamber, creating a vacuum by evacuating air through a check valve during the compression or evacuation stroke. As the piston rotates, it draws air from the vacuum application into the chamber, compresses it, and then expels it, thus maintaining a continuous vacuum. This mechanism is particularly useful for applications requiring a stable vacuum over a wide range of pressures.
Applications
Rotary piston vacuum pumps are extensively used as backing pumps for large roots pumps and diffusion pumps, especially in production-sized vacuum furnaces. They are also suitable for applications in analytical equipment and leak detectors where a clean vacuum is essential.
Advantages over other Vacuum Pumps and Vacuum Generators
Rotary piston vacuum pumps offer several advantages over other types of vacuum pumps. They are capable of achieving high ultimate vacuums, making them suitable for applications requiring deep vacuum levels. Their design allows for efficient evacuation of air, providing a stable vacuum characteristic over a wide pressure range. Additionally, they are well-suited for use in environments where a clean vacuum is necessary, as they do not introduce contaminants into the system.
Limitations
One of the limitations of rotary piston vacuum pumps is their unsuitability for pumping corrosive or abrasive media. The mechanical components of the pump can be damaged by such substances, leading to reduced performance and increased maintenance requirements.
Considerations
When selecting a rotary piston vacuum pump, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can vary depending on the size and capacity of the pump, but they generally offer a good balance between cost and performance. Operating expenses may include energy consumption and regular maintenance, such as oil changes and component inspections, to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Durability is a key advantage, as these pumps are designed for continuous operation in demanding environments. However, users should be aware of the potential need for replacement parts and maintenance to address wear and tear over time.
from Rogers Machinery Company, Inc.
All MD-Kinney rotary piston vacuum pumps offer no metal-to-metal contact between pump piston and cylinder and clearances are filled with oil. With options between duplex or triplex piston design and air-cooled or water-cooled, you are guaranteed to find a high pumping capacity solution tuned... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Pumping Speed: 15
from Rogers Machinery Company, Inc.
All MD-Kinney rotary piston vacuum pumps offer no metal-to-metal contact between pump piston and cylinder, and clearances are filled with oil. With options between duplex or triplex piston design and air-cooled or water-cooled, you are guaranteed to find a high pumping capacity solution tuned... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Pumping Speed: 33
from Rogers Machinery Company, Inc.
KT single-stage models include an integral, positive pressure lubrication system to insure reliable lubrication at all pressure levels. KT pumps are water-cooled. Optional air-cooling systems are available. Adjustable gas ballast valves are standard for handling water and other vapor loads. An... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Ultimate Vacuum: 0.0100
- Pumping Speed: 150
from Rogers Machinery Company, Inc.
All MD-Kinney rotary piston vacuum pumps offer no metal-to-metal contact between pump piston and cylinder and clearances are filled with oil. With options between duplex or triplex piston design and air-cooled or water-cooled, you are guaranteed to find a high pumping capacity solution tuned... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
from Titus Company (The)
With an efficient space saving design, excellent performance and reliability, our GLS rotary piston pump is synonymous with efficiency and dependability. [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Food; Packaging
from Tuthill Corporation / Vacuum & Blower Systems
Kinney ® Booster/Rotary Piston Vacuum Pumping Systems pump high volumes at very low pressures. A high-capacity dry rotary lobe vacuum booster is matched to a smaller rotary piston vacuum pump. For continuous operation below 1 Torr (1.3 mbar a), the vacuum booster can increase the pumping speed... [See More]
- Mechanical: Lobed Rotor; Rotary
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Scientific; Chemical; Manufacturing; Packaging; Pharm/Sanitary; Semiconductor
from Edwards Vacuum
Stokes MB Multi-stage pumping systems are available in two options, consisting of a Microvac piston pump and a Stokes 607 mechanical booster pump. The compact direct mounted packages provide high performance pumping from atmosphere. The MB systems are ideal for high cycling arduous applications. [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder. Stainless steel valves. Long-life, high performance. Teflon ®-PTFE compound piston ring. Lightweight, die cast aluminum components. Hard-coated aluminum cylinder for maximum heat tranfer. Range Technical Overview. Capacity up to... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Tuthill Corporation / Vacuum & Blower Systems
Kinney ® Booster/Rotary Piston Vacuum Pumping Systems pump high volumes at very low pressures. A high-capacity dry rotary lobe vacuum booster is matched to a smaller rotary piston vacuum pump. For continuous operation below 1 Torr (1.3 mbar a), the vacuum booster can increase the pumping speed... [See More]
- Mechanical: Lobed Rotor; Rotary
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Scientific; Chemical; Manufacturing; Packaging; Pharm/Sanitary; Semiconductor
from Edwards Vacuum
Stokes MB Multi-stage pumping systems are available in two options, consisting of a Microvac piston pump and a Stokes 607 mechanical booster pump. The compact direct mounted packages provide high performance pumping from atmosphere. The MB systems are ideal for high cycling arduous applications. The... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated bearings. Stainless steel valves. Aluminum valve plates. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Long-life, high performance PTFE compound piston seal. Range Technical Overview. Capacity up to 4.3 cfm / 122... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Medical / Laboratory
from Tuthill Corporation / Vacuum & Blower Systems
KD vacuum pumps are belt-driven, low-speed rotary piston pumps. Since these pumps have no metal-to-metal contact from the clearances being filled with oil, these pumps are rugged and reliable; some have been in system operation for over 70 years. Gas ballast and large oil capacity enable the KD... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Packaging
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Brushless DC. One-piece connecting rod with TFE piston seal. Cylinder hard coated for wear resistance. Easily serviced replaceable piston seal. Lightweight construction. Range Technical Overview. Capacity up to 1.2 cfm / 34.3 l/min. Vacuum to 22 in.Hg / -745 mbar. Possible... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Tuthill Corporation / Vacuum & Blower Systems
KT pumps are quiet running vacuum pumps with high pumping capacity at both high and low pressures. The triplex piston design is practically vibration-free. All KT models include an integral, positive pressure lubrication system to insure reliable lubrication at all pressure levels. Adjustable gas... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Packaging
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Custom designed for Refrigerant Recovery applications. All wetted aluminum parts treated for corrosion protection from moisture. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Oil-less, non-lubricated piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated ball bearings. Balanced for smooth,... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Tuthill Corporation / Vacuum & Blower Systems
Kinney ® KTC ™ rotary piston vacuum pumps achieve the lowest possible pressures from. mechanical pumps and are recommended for applications where the operating pressure is. below 0.1 Torr (0.13 mbar). As there is no metal-to-metal contact from the clearances being filled with oil, these. [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Semiconductor
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated bearings. Stainless steel valves. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Long-life, high performance piston seal. Thin wall, hard coated aluminum cylinder for maximum heat transfer. Range Technical Overview. [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Medical / Laboratory
from Tuthill Corporation / Vacuum & Blower Systems
Kinney ® CB Compact Booster Systems combine the features of Kinney KT ™ Pumps and Integral Drive (C-face) Boosters into a space efficient package capable of continuous high pumping capacity down to 10 microns (0.13 Pa). They are suitable for use in vacuum furnace, vacuum coating,... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Vacuum Pump System or Station
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical; HighVac
- Application: Industrial; Packaging
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated bearings. Stainless steel valves. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Long-life, high performance piston seal. Thin wall, hard coated aluminum cylinder for maximum heat transfer. Range Technical Overview. [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Medical / Laboratory
from Tuthill Corporation / Vacuum & Blower Systems
KT-LP pumps are quiet running vacuum pumps with high pumping capacity at both high and low pressures. The triplex piston design is practically vibration-free. All KT-LP models include an integral, positive pressure lubrication system to insure reliable lubrication at all pressure levels. Adjustable... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Manufacturing; Packaging; Semiconductor
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Two cylinder, in-line. Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated bearings. Stainless steel valves with Patented recessed inlet valve. Head design allows easily replaced piston seal. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Range Technical Overview. [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Medical / Laboratory
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated bearings. Stainless steel valves and aluminum valve plate. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Long-life, high performance piston seal. Thin wall, hard-coated aluminum cylinder for maximum heat transfer. [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Medical / Laboratory
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Oil-less. Die cast aluminum components. Steel mounting brackets with vibration isolators. Stainless steel valves. PTFE piston ring. Thermally protected motor. Range Technical Overview. Capacity up to 0.75 cfm / 21.2 l/min. Vacuum to 26.75 in.Hg / -904.1 mbar. Possible... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Designed for heavy-duty applications. Oil-less, non-lubricated piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated bearings. Stainless steel valves. Aluminum valve plates. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Long-life, high performance piston cup. Thin wall, hard coated... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Pharm/Sanitary
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Custom designed for Refrigerant Recovery applications. All wetted aluminum parts treated for corrosion protection from moisture. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Oil-less, non-lubricated piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated ball bearings. Balanced for smooth,... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Custom designed for Refrigerant Recovery applications. All wetted aluminum parts treated for corrosion protection from moisture. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Oil-less, non-lubricated piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated ball bearings. Balanced for smooth,... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated bearings. Stainless steel valves. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Long-life, high performance piston seal. Thin wall, hard coated aluminum cylinder for maximum heat transfer. Range Technical Overview. [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Medical / Laboratory
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated bearings. Stainless steel valves. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Long-life, high performance piston seal. Thin wall, hard-coated aluminum cylinder for maximum heat transfer. Low noise design. High... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Medical / Laboratory
from Edwards Vacuum
Whether you need to increase the capacity of your existing system or achieve peak performance for a new installation; Edwards makes taking advantage of the latest technology easy. These field-proven pumping systems are the workhorse of countless industrial and large chamber applications. Each... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary; Dry-lobe Booster
- Configuration: Combination
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Service free and oil-less. Compact design. Balanced for smooth, low vibration operation. Suitable for continuous running. Wetted parts. Heat resistant high performance plastic, Elastomer valves. Long-life, high performance piston seal. Range Technical Overview. Capacity up... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Manufacturing; Medical / Laboratory
from Edwards Vacuum
The Stokes Microvac rotary piston pump sets the standard for performance and reliability as the industrys most efficient, space-saving design. The Stokes Microvac rotary piston pump has been improved, upgraded, and fine-tuned to deliver even better dependability and productivity combined with... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Chemical; Manufacturing; Pharm/Sanitary; Metallurgy, Coating
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Service free and oil-less. Compact design. Balanced for smooth, low vibration operation. Suitable for continuous running. Wetted parts. Heat resistant high performance plastic, Elastomer valves. Long-life, high performance piston seal (Teflon ® compound). Range Technical... [See More]
- Mechanical: Rotary
- Configuration: Individual Vacuum Pump
- Vacuum Pump Type: Mechanical
- Application: Industrial; Manufacturing; Medical / Laboratory