DVP DC16DEX ATEX High Vacuum Pump
The DVP DC16DEX is a double-stage oil-lubricated rotary vane high vacuum pump developed for laboratory, research and industrial systems that need to evacuate clean air, flammable gases and small quantities of water vapour under defined ATEX operating conditions.
Delivering 16 m³/h at 50Hz and 17 m³/h at 60Hz, the DC16DEX reaches a stated ultimate pressure of 0.005 mbar absolute and is suitable for analytical equipment, leak detection, freeze drying, mass spectrometry, metallurgy and semiconductor processes.
Vacuum Pumps UK is the UK & Ireland Master Agent for DVP Vacuum Technology.
Pump Design
Two Stage
oil-lubricated rotary vane
Capacity
16 / 17 m³/h
50Hz / 60Hz
Ultimate Pressure
0.005 mbar
absolute
Motor Power
0.55 / 0.66 kW
50Hz / 60Hz
DVP DC16DEX Overview
The DVP DC16DEX is a specialised double-stage high vacuum pump based on DVP’s DC high-vacuum platform and configured for defined ATEX process conditions.
Its two pumping stages operate in series, enabling the pump to reach a stated ultimate pressure of 0.005 mbar absolute while providing 16 m³/h of nominal pumping capacity at 50Hz.
A flexible coupling connects the motor and pump mechanism. This arrangement supports reliable operation, long service life and straightforward mechanical maintenance.
The pump may process clean air, flammable gases within Groups IIA, IIB and IIC, and small quantities of water vapour where the complete application remains within the manufacturer’s stated operating limits.
The DC16DEX includes a gas ballast, hydraulic non-return system, anti-vibration mounts, lifting and transport eyebolt and a starter pack of DVP SW100 vacuum pump oil.
Why Choose the DVP DC16DEX?
The DC16DEX combines true double-stage high-vacuum performance with an internal ATEX process configuration for applications involving potentially flammable gases.
This makes it suitable where a standard laboratory rotary vane pump would not provide the required process protection or certification basis.
The pump also offers stable 16 m³/h pumping capacity, low vibration, a compact footprint and integrated protection against reverse airflow and oil migration.
Because ATEX suitability depends on the complete installation and operating conditions, the application must be reviewed carefully before purchase or commissioning.
Understanding the DC16DEX ATEX Configuration
The DC16DEX was developed in accordance with the ATEX framework applicable to equipment intended for use with potentially explosive atmospheres.
The pump is configured for internal ATEX process conditions and may handle clean air and suitable flammable gases from Groups IIA, IIB and IIC within the manufacturer’s stated limits.
The internal ATEX designation relates to the gas passing through the pump. It does not automatically mean that the complete pump assembly may be installed in an externally classified hazardous area.
The manufacturer’s information specifically states that, because the pump carries internal ATEX marking and certification, it must not be installed in an externally classified ATEX zone unless the complete installation has been separately assessed and approved for that environment.
Important ATEX Installation Conditions
The process gas, surrounding environment, electrical equipment, controls, valves, instrumentation and pipework must all be assessed as part of the complete system.
The DC16DEX should only be installed where the external atmosphere is not classified as hazardous, unless a competent ATEX specialist has confirmed otherwise for the full installation.
The temperature of the gas, vapour and surrounding environment must remain between +12°C and +40°C.
The pump is intended to evacuate closed containers sized so that the minimum pressure can be reached within 20 minutes.
Gas composition, concentration, temperature, pressure, ignition characteristics and compatibility with the pump oil and materials must be confirmed before operation.
ATEX classification and risk assessment should be completed by a competent person familiar with the process, equipment category and applicable UK or European requirements.
Suitable Gases and Process Conditions
The DC16DEX is intended for clean air, suitable flammable gases in Groups IIA, IIB and IIC, and small quantities of water vapour.
The pump is not a universal solution for every flammable, corrosive, toxic or reactive gas.
Process contamination, solids, liquid carryover and aggressive vapours may damage the pump, contaminate the oil or change the ignition risk.
Suitable inlet filtration, condensate separation, cold trapping or process isolation may be required depending on the application.
Where gas composition is uncertain, the application should not proceed until compatibility and ATEX suitability have been confirmed.
Double-Stage High Vacuum Performance
The DC16DEX uses two oil-lubricated rotary vane pumping sections connected in series.
The first stage removes most of the air or process gas from the connected chamber and reduces the pressure below atmospheric level.
The second stage receives the exhaust from the first and compresses the remaining gas further before discharge.
This arrangement enables the pump to achieve a much lower final pressure than a comparable single-stage pump.
The stated ultimate pressure is 0.005 mbar absolute under suitable conditions with the correct oil, closed gas ballast and a leak-tight system.
Key DC16DEX Features
ATEX Process Configuration
Designed for defined internal process conditions involving suitable flammable gases.
0.005 mbar Ultimate Pressure
The double-stage design provides true high-vacuum performance for laboratory and analytical duties.
Hydraulic Non-Return System
Helps isolate the vacuum line and reduce reverse airflow and oil migration when the pump stops.
Low Vibration Installation
Shock mounts help reduce vibration transmission to laboratory equipment and machine frames.
Laboratory, Scientific and Industrial Applications
The DC16DEX may be used where both high-vacuum performance and defined internal ATEX process suitability are required.
› Laser systems
› Leak detectors
› Freeze dryers
› Mass spectrometers
› Chromatography equipment
› Microscopy systems
› Vacuum distillation
› Metallurgy and metallisation
› Semiconductor processing
› Space simulation equipment
Backing Pump for High Vacuum Systems
The DC16DEX may be used as a backing pump for compatible turbomolecular, diffusion or other high-vacuum pumps.
The backing pump reduces the system pressure and maintains the foreline pressure required for the connected high-vacuum pump to operate correctly.
The connected pump’s gas throughput, maximum foreline pressure and process gas must all be reviewed.
Where flammable gases are present, the complete foreline, exhaust, controls and isolation system must be included in the ATEX assessment.
Gas Ballast and Water Vapour
The gas ballast admits a controlled quantity of gas during the compression stage.
This can help reduce condensation of small quantities of water vapour within the pump oil and internal mechanism.
Operating with the gas ballast open normally increases the achievable final pressure.
The gas ballast does not make the pump suitable for unrestricted vapour loads, liquid carryover or unknown gas mixtures.
Hydraulic Non-Return System
The DC16DEX includes a hydraulic non-return system designed to help isolate the vacuum line when the pump stops.
This reduces reverse airflow and can help limit oil migration towards the connected chamber or process equipment.
Where positive or safety-critical isolation is required, a separately assessed external isolation valve may also be necessary.
Standard Equipment
› On/off switch on single-phase versions
› Cable without plug on single-phase versions
› 130°C thermal protector on single-phase versions
› Gas ballast
› Lifting and transport eyebolt
› Anti-vibration shock mounts
› Pack of DVP SW100 vacuum pump oil
› Hydraulic non-return system
SW100 Oil and Planned Maintenance
The DC16DEX is supplied with a starter pack of DVP SW100 vacuum pump oil.
Oil condition directly affects lubrication, sealing, cooling and ultimate-pressure performance.
Contamination, oxidation, water, solvent vapour or process gas absorption may reduce pump performance and alter the process risk.
Maintenance should include oil inspection and replacement, gas-ballast checks, leak testing, valve inspection and general mechanical checks.
Only oils, seals and service parts suitable for the DC16DEX and its certified configuration should be used.
DC16DEX Selection Guide
Gas Group
Confirm the process gas group, concentration, ignition characteristics and compatibility.
External Area Classification
The pump is not intended for installation in an externally classified ATEX zone without separate approval of the complete installation.
Temperature Range
Process gas and ambient temperature must remain between +12°C and +40°C.
Pump-Down Time
The connected vessel should be sized so the required minimum pressure can be reached within 20 minutes.
Need Help Reviewing an ATEX Vacuum Application?
ATEX pump selection must consider the process gas, internal classification, external area classification, temperature, controls, pipework and operating sequence.
Send us the full application details and any existing risk assessment or equipment classification information.
Send us the pump details and information about the application.
DVP DC16DEX Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pump is the DVP DC16DEX?
It is a double-stage oil-lubricated rotary vane high vacuum pump configured for defined internal ATEX process conditions.
What pumping capacity does the DC16DEX provide?
It provides 16 m³/h at 50Hz and 17 m³/h at 60Hz.
What ultimate pressure can it achieve?
The stated ultimate pressure is 0.005 mbar absolute.
What motor power does it use?
The listed motor power is 0.55 kW at 50Hz and 0.66 kW at 60Hz.
Which gas groups may be processed?
The manufacturer’s information identifies suitable flammable gases within Groups IIA, IIB and IIC, subject to the complete application remaining within the stated limits.
Can the pump be installed in an external ATEX Zone 2 area?
No. The manufacturer’s information states that the pump has internal ATEX marking and certification and must not be installed in an externally classified ATEX area without separate assessment and approval of the complete installation.
What temperature range applies?
The process gas, vapour and ambient temperature must remain between +12°C and +40°C.
Can the pump handle water vapour?
It may handle small quantities of water vapour within the manufacturer’s operating limits.
What does the gas ballast do?
The gas ballast can help reduce condensation of small quantities of water vapour within the pump.
What does the hydraulic non-return system do?
It helps isolate the vacuum line when the pump stops and reduces reverse airflow and possible oil migration.
Can the DC16DEX be used as a backing pump?
Yes, where the connected high-vacuum pump, gas throughput and ATEX process conditions are compatible.
What oil does the pump use?
The pump is supplied with a starter pack of DVP SW100 vacuum pump oil.
Can Vacuum Pumps UK help assess the application?
Yes. We can review the pump duty and technical information, although the final ATEX classification and risk assessment must be completed by a competent person responsible for the full installation.
Can Vacuum Pumps UK repair a DC16DEX?
Inspection and service support may be available, but any repair must preserve the pump’s certified configuration and use suitable approved parts and procedures.
Need a DVP DC16DEX ATEX High Vacuum Pump?
Contact Vacuum Pumps UK for DC16DEX prices, availability, technical advice and application review.
Send us the gas, chamber, temperature, area classification and target-pressure details so the duty can be assessed correctly.




