Atlas Copco: Clean and environmentally friendly vacuum pumps certified by TÜV Rheinland

Three different types of oil-free vacuum pumps from Atlas Copco have been measured and certified with zero risk of oil contamination by the safety and quality organisation TÜV Rheinland. The oil-free claw vacuum pump DZS, oil-free screw vacuum pump DHS VSD⁺ and the latest oil-free liquid ring pumps LRP VSD⁺ have all been awarded ‘Class 0’ status. This assures users of their safety in sensitive industry sectors such as food processing and packaging, electronics, pharmaceuticals and paper. 

Testing was conducted without an oil removal device at the outlet between the pumps and measurement membrane. TÜV Rheinland confirmed that no traces of aerosol oil (concentration below 0.01 mg/m³) could be detected in the exhaust air flow.

The vacuum pumps were certified as being completely harmless to the quality of the ambient air during the process, eradicating the risk of oil-induced damage to sensitive applications and products. The certification also provides an assurance of sustainability by eliminating the potential harm to humans and the environment that can arise from the use of oil emitting vacuum pumps.

“The differences between the individual ISO classes can be decisive for vacuum users in many industries, similar to the classification in compressor technology. Only ‘Class 0’ vacuum pumps can guarantee oil-free exhaust air. Accordingly, only pumps of this class can be classified as safe for sensitive applications,” said Stephan Voellmecke, Product Manager for Utility Vacuum at Atlas Copco.

Completely oil-free vacuum pumps from Atlas Copco are used in a variety of sensitive areas, including food processing and packaging, the production of semiconductors and medicines, and in the paper industry. Even small traces of oil in these applications can damage products and pose risks to public health.