Elmo Rietschle VC400 Vacuum Pump
The Elmo Rietschle VC400 is a industrial oil-sealed rotary vane vacuum pump designed for demanding continuous-duty applications requiring a 0.1 mbar final pressure.
With a nominal pumping speed of 400 / 480 m³/h and a stated ultimate pressure of 0.1 mbar absolute, it remains relevant to a wide range of machinery and industrial vacuum installations.
Replacement pumps, spares, service and technical support from Vacuum Pumps UK and VacAir Superstore.
Pump Type
Oil Lubricated
rotary vane
Capacity
400 / 480
m³/h 50Hz / 60Hz
Ultimate Vacuum
0.1 mbar
absolute
Motor 3PH
9 / 11
kW 50Hz / 60Hz
Elmo Rietschle VC400 Overview
The VC range is widely associated with deep-vacuum industrial service, combining high pumping speeds with a stated 0.1 mbar ultimate pressure.
Oil inside the pump lubricates the moving components, contributes to sealing between the vanes and pump body and assists heat control during operation. Correct oil condition and effective exhaust separation are therefore important to long-term performance.
The three-phase motor rating is 9 / 11 kW at 50Hz / 60Hz. Motor voltage and exact build configuration should always be confirmed from the existing pump nameplate.
Vacuum Pumps UK can assess replacement requirements, while VacAir Superstore can support existing pumps with parts, oil separators, oil, servicing and workshop repair.
Elmo Rietschle VC400 Technical Specifications
| Model | Nominal Capacity m³/h 50Hz / 60Hz |
Ultimate Vacuum mbar abs. 50Hz / 60Hz |
Motor 3PH kW 50Hz / 60Hz |
| VC400 | 400 / 480 | 0.1 / 0.1 | 9 / 11 |
Typical Applications
› food packaging and processing
› thermoforming machinery
› central vacuum systems
› plastics and composite processing
› printing and paper machinery
› vacuum lifting and handling
Actual suitability depends on the required working vacuum, process gas, contamination level and duty cycle. Applications involving significant vapour or aggressive process gases should be reviewed before selecting a standard oil-lubricated pump.

DVP LX550
Oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pump
Comparable DVP Alternative
Consider the DVP LX550
Where an exact Elmo Rietschle replacement is not essential, Vacuum Pumps UK can assess the DVP LX550 as a higher-capacity, lower initial cost and lower life cost alternative for the application.
The DVP LX550 provides a nominal capacity of 550 / 600 m³/h at 50Hz / 60Hz, compared with 400 / 480 m³/h for the Elmo Rietschle VC400.
The Elmo Rietschle pump reaches a deeper stated ultimate vacuum than the DVP LX550, so the actual operating pressure must be checked carefully before changing pump model.
Final suitability should be checked against the machine duty, mounting dimensions, inlet position, connection size, motor voltage and the actual pressure at which the pump operates.
Vacuum Pumps UK is the UK and Ireland Master Agent for DVP Vacuum Technology.
Elmo Rietschle VC400 Replacement Comparison
The principal figures below provide a quick comparison. They do not replace an application check because pumping speed at the actual working pressure can be more important than nominal free-air capacity.
| Specification | VC400 | DVP LX550 |
| Nominal Capacity 50Hz | 400 m³/h | 550 m³/h |
| Nominal Capacity 60Hz | 480 m³/h | 600 m³/h |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 0.1 mbar abs. | 0.5 mbar abs. |
| Motor Power 50Hz | 9 kW | 15 kW |
| Motor Power 60Hz | 11 kW | 18 kW |
Elmo Rietschle VC400 Parts, Oil Separators, Oil, Service and Repair
Many Elmo Rietschle oil lubricated pumps remain in service for long periods, so maintaining the existing unit can be a very practical option. Our sister company VacAir Superstore specialises in consumable service parts and workshop support for Elmo Rietschle vacuum pumps.
VacAir can assist with routine maintenance, reduced vacuum, exhaust smoke or oil mist, oil leaks, overheating, unusual noise and more extensive internal pump damage.
Spare Parts
Replacement service and repair components including gaskets, seals, couplings, valves, filters and internal mechanical parts where required.
Oil Separators
Correct exhaust separators are essential for controlling oil mist, maintaining exhaust back pressure and returning separated oil to the pump.
Vacuum Pump Oil
Correct oil grade and regular oil changes help protect internal components, maintain sealing and preserve vacuum performance.
Service & Maintenance
Planned servicing can include oil and filter changes, separator replacement, inspection, vacuum testing and investigation of performance loss.
Repair & Overhaul
Where routine servicing is not sufficient, workshop strip-down, dimensional inspection, repair, rebuild and performance testing may restore the pump for continued service.
Elmo Rietschle VC400 Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vacuum pump is the Elmo Rietschle VC400?
It is an oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pump intended for industrial vacuum duty.
What is the pumping capacity?
The stated nominal capacity is 400 m³/h at 50Hz and 480 m³/h at 60Hz.
What vacuum level can it achieve?
The stated ultimate pressure is 0.1 mbar absolute.
Can the existing pump be serviced or repaired?
Yes. Depending on internal condition, many Elmo Rietschle pumps can be maintained, repaired or fully overhauled. VacAir can also supply oil separators, oil and replacement parts.
What replacement pump should I use?
Where an exact Elmo Rietschle replacement is not essential, Vacuum Pumps UK can assess the DVP LX550 as a higher-capacity alternative for the application.
Need Support for an Elmo Rietschle VC400 ?
Contact Vacuum Pumps UK for replacement advice, or VacAir support for spare parts, separators, oil, servicing and workshop repair.
We can help you decide whether to maintain, repair or replace the existing pump.




