Elmo Rietschle VCE15 Vacuum Pump
The Elmo Rietschle VCE15 is an oil lubricated rotary vane pump from the VCE range, designed for continuous industrial vacuum duties where a 10 mbar absolute final pressure is sufficient, with a nominal capacity of 15.0 / 18.0 m³/h and a stated ultimate pressure of 10.0 mbar absolute.
The VCE15 is the smallest model in the VCE15–100 family covered by Rietschle operating literature. Its 15 m³/h nominal 50Hz capacity suits smaller machinery, while the 10 mbar absolute ultimate pressure separates the VCE series from the deeper-vacuum VCA variants.
Replacement pumps, spares, service and technical support from Vacuum Pumps UK and VacAir Superstore.
Replacing an existing VCE15?
Send the pump nameplate plus photographs of the installation and connections.
Pump Type
Oil Lubricated
rotary vane
Capacity
15.0 / 18.0
m³/h 50Hz / 60Hz
Ultimate Vacuum
10.0 mbar
absolute
Motor 3PH
0.55 / 0.65
kW 50Hz / 60Hz
Elmo Rietschle VCE15 Overview
The VCE15 is the smallest model in the VCE15–100 family covered by Rietschle operating literature. Its 15 m³/h nominal 50Hz capacity suits smaller machinery, while the 10 mbar absolute ultimate pressure separates the VCE series from the deeper-vacuum VCA variants.
Rietschle operating literature for the VCE range identifies an inlet mesh filter, exhaust-side oil mist separation with oil recirculation, air cooling and an integrated non-return valve. The VCE15–100 models are specified with an ultimate pressure of 10 mbar absolute.
In an oil-lubricated rotary vane pump, the oil lubricates the pumping mechanism and contributes to sealing and temperature control. Keeping the oil, inlet filtration and exhaust separation system in good condition is therefore important when diagnosing loss of vacuum or deciding whether an older pump should be repaired.
The published three-phase motor rating is 0.55 / 0.65 kW at 50Hz / 60Hz. A single-phase configuration is also listed for this model at 0.75 kW at 50Hz / 1.30 kW at 60Hz. Exact electrical details should be confirmed from the fitted motor plate.
Elmo Rietschle VCE15 Technical Specifications
| Model | Nominal Capacity m³/h 50Hz / 60Hz |
Ultimate Vacuum mbar abs. 50Hz / 60Hz |
Motor 3PH kW 50Hz / 60Hz |
Motor 1PH kW 50Hz / 60Hz |
| VCE15 | 15.0 / 18.0 | 10.0 / 10.0 | 0.55 / 0.65 | 0.75 / 1.30 |
Typical Applications
› packaging and food processing machinery
› vacuum forming and bagging
› printing and paper handling
› woodworking equipment
› vacuum lifting and fixing
› general industrial automation
Application lists are only a starting point. Pump selection should be based on the required operating pressure and pumping speed, not simply the free-air capacity shown on the nameplate.
Where vapour, condensate, dust or process contamination is present, the inlet arrangement and pump specification may need additional consideration before a standard oil-lubricated pump is selected.
DVP MD16
Oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pump
Comparable DVP Alternative
Consider the DVP MD16
The DVP MD16 is close in capacity at 16 / 19 m³/h, compared with 15 / 18 m³/h for the VCE15. Its stated ultimate pressure is 2 mbar absolute, giving deeper vacuum capability than the VCE15’s 10 mbar rating.
The deeper final-pressure capability of the DVP pump, whilst often beneficial to the application, it does not by itself make it a direct replacement. What matters is whether it delivers the required pumping speed at the machine’s normal operating pressure and whether the physical and electrical installation is compatible.
Vacuum Pumps UK is the UK and Ireland Master Agent for DVP Vacuum Technology.
Elmo Rietschle VCE15 Replacement Comparison
This comparison is intended for initial replacement screening. The working-pressure pumping curve, pipework, mounting arrangement and process conditions should be considered before changing pump type or manufacturer.
| Specification | VCE15 | DVP MD16 |
| Nominal Capacity 50Hz | 15.0 m³/h | 16 m³/h |
| Nominal Capacity 60Hz | 18.0 m³/h | 19 m³/h |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 10.0 mbar abs. | 2 mbar abs. |
Elmo Rietschle VCE15 Parts, Oil, Service and Repair
An established Elmo Rietschle pump does not necessarily need replacing simply because performance has fallen. Contaminated oil, restricted filtration, worn separators, leakage or internal wear can all affect performance and should be considered during diagnosis.
VacAir Superstore supports Elmo Rietschle pumps with service parts, oil separators, vacuum pump oil, maintenance and workshop repair.
Spare Parts
Replacement service and repair components can be identified from the pump model and build details.
Oil Separators
Exhaust separator condition is important for oil-mist control and correct oil recovery.
Vacuum Pump Oil
Correct oil grade and condition help maintain lubrication, sealing and vacuum performance.
Service & Maintenance
Routine maintenance can include oil, filtration, separators, inspection and vacuum testing.
Repair & Overhaul
Workshop investigation can establish whether repair or overhaul remains economical.
Elmo Rietschle VCE15 Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vacuum pump is the Elmo Rietschle VCE15?
It is an oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pump designed for industrial vacuum service.
What is the pumping capacity of the VCE15?
The published nominal capacity is 15.0 m³/h at 50Hz and 18.0 m³/h at 60Hz.
What ultimate pressure is specified?
The stated ultimate pressure is 10.0 mbar absolute.
Was the VCE15 available with single-phase and three-phase motors?
Published data lists both motor configurations. The actual voltage, phase and motor details of an installed pump should be confirmed from its nameplate before replacement.
Can the existing pump be repaired?
Often it can, depending on internal condition and parts availability. VacAir can investigate reduced vacuum, oil mist, noise, leaks, overheating and mechanical wear.
Which DVP pump can be considered as an alternative?
Vacuum Pumps UK can assess the DVP MD16 as a possible alternative, subject to a full application and installation check.
Need Support for an Elmo Rietschle VCE15?
Contact Vacuum Pumps UK for replacement advice, or VacAir for spare parts, oil separators, oil, servicing and workshop repair.
Send us the existing pump details and we can help determine the most practical next step.
