DVP DC4D, DC8D and DC16D Two-Stage High Vacuum Pumps
The DVP DC4D, DC8D and DC16D are compact two-stage oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps designed for laboratories, research institutions, universities, analytical equipment and high-vacuum systems requiring reliable performance down to 0.005 mbar absolute.
Available with nominal pumping capacities from 5.6 m³/h to 17 m³/h, the three-model range allows the pumping speed to be matched to the chamber volume, process load and backing-pump requirement.
Vacuum Pumps UK is the UK & Ireland Master Agent for DVP Vacuum Technology.
Need help selecting a laboratory or high-vacuum backing pump?
Send us the chamber size, required pressure, gas load, process details and existing pump information.
We can help determine whether the DC4D, DC8D or DC16D provides the most appropriate pumping speed.
Pump Design
Two Stage
oil-lubricated rotary vane
Capacity Range
5.6–17 m³/h
depending on model and frequency
Ultimate Pressure
0.005 mbar
absolute
Motor Power
0.55 / 0.66 kW
50Hz / 60Hz
DC4D, DC8D and DC16D Model Comparison
The three pumps share the same two-stage high-vacuum design and ultimate pressure, but provide different pumping capacities.
| Model | Nominal capacity m³/h 50Hz / 60Hz |
Ultimate pressure mbar absolute |
Stages | Motor power kW 50Hz / 60Hz |
| DC4D | 5.6 / 6.4 | 0.005 | 2 | 0.55 / 0.66 |
| DC8D | 8.2 / 9.6 | 0.005 | 2 | 0.55 / 0.66 |
| DC16D | 16 / 17 | 0.005 | 2 | 0.55 / 0.66 |
Which DC High Vacuum Pump Should You Choose?
DVP DC4D
The DC4D is the smallest pump in the range, providing 5.6 m³/h at 50Hz.
It is suited to smaller laboratory instruments, compact vacuum chambers, leak-detection systems and analytical equipment with relatively low gas loads.
DVP DC8D
The DC8D provides 8.2 m³/h at 50Hz and offers an intermediate pumping speed.
It may suit medium-sized laboratory systems, microscopy, chromatography, smaller freeze dryers and high-vacuum equipment requiring increased backing capacity.
DVP DC16D
The DC16D is the largest model in this group, providing 16 m³/h at 50Hz.
It is suited to larger chambers, higher gas loads, metallurgy, semiconductor equipment and more demanding backing-pump applications.
The correct model depends on chamber volume, required pump-down time, process gas load, conductance, operating pressure and the requirements of any connected high-vacuum pump.
DVP DC High Vacuum Pump Overview
The DC4D, DC8D and DC16D are two-stage oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps designed to achieve significantly deeper vacuum than a typical single-stage industrial rotary vane pump.
Each pump uses two pumping stages arranged in series. The first stage reduces the pressure from atmospheric conditions, while the second stage further compresses and removes the remaining gas to achieve a stated ultimate pressure of 0.005 mbar absolute.
This makes the range suitable for scientific, analytical and industrial high-vacuum applications where stable low pressure, low vibration and reliable operation are essential.
A coupling drive connects the motor and pump mechanism. This arrangement supports reliable operation, long service life and straightforward maintenance.
Shock mounts help isolate vibration from the surrounding machine or laboratory bench, while the transport handle makes positioning and movement easier.
The pumps are supplied with SW100 vacuum pump oil and include a gas ballast and hydraulic non-return system.
Typical High Vacuum Applications
The DC4D, DC8D and DC16D are designed for scientific, laboratory and industrial processes requiring a stable high-vacuum source or dependable backing pump.
Laser systems
Helium leak detectors
Laboratory freeze dryers
Mass spectrometers
Chromatography equipment
Microscopy systems
Vacuum distillation
Gel dryers and centrifuges
Laboratory autoclaves
Space simulation chambers
Metallurgy and metallisation
Semiconductor processing
What Is a Two-Stage High Vacuum Pump?
A two-stage rotary vane vacuum pump uses two pumping sections connected in series within the same pump.
The first stage removes the majority of the air and reduces the system pressure. The exhaust from the first stage then enters the second stage, where the remaining gas is compressed further before being discharged.
This arrangement allows a two-stage pump to achieve a much lower ultimate pressure than a conventional single-stage rotary vane pump.
For the DC4D, DC8D and DC16D, the stated ultimate pressure is 0.005 mbar absolute, making the range suitable for true high-vacuum duties and backing applications.
Key DC Series Features
0.005 mbar Ultimate Pressure
The two-stage design provides the deep vacuum required for laboratory, analytical and high-vacuum backing applications.
Low Vibration
Shock mounts help isolate mechanical vibration, supporting use alongside sensitive laboratory instruments and analytical equipment.
Low Operating Noise
The pump design and coupling-drive arrangement support quieter operation in laboratory and research environments.
Gas Ballast
The gas ballast allows controlled air admission during compression, helping the pump handle moderate quantities of condensable vapour.
Backing Pumps for Ultra-High Vacuum Systems
The DC4D, DC8D and DC16D can be used as backing pumps (also known as roughing pumps) for turbomolecular pumps, diffusion pumps and other high-vacuum technologies.
A high-vacuum pump cannot normally exhaust directly to atmospheric pressure. The backing pump first reduces the system pressure and then maintains a sufficiently low exhaust pressure for the high-vacuum pump to operate correctly.
The backing pump must be matched to the gas throughput and exhaust-pressure requirements of the connected high-vacuum pump.
An undersized backing pump may increase pump-down time, limit ultimate pressure or cause the high-vacuum pump to operate outside its intended range.
Vacuum Pumps UK can review the high-vacuum pump specification and help determine whether the DC4D, DC8D or DC16D provides the required backing capacity.
What Does the Gas Ballast Do?
The gas ballast admits a controlled quantity of air into the pump during the compression stage.
This helps prevent moderate quantities of condensable vapour from condensing inside the oil and pumping mechanism.
The gas ballast can be useful in processes involving moisture or solvent vapours, including freeze drying, vacuum distillation and some laboratory drying applications.
Operating with the gas ballast open may increase the ultimate pressure and should therefore be limited to the periods when vapour handling is required.
The process vapour, gas compatibility and oil condition should be considered when planning the pump’s operating and maintenance regime.
Hydraulic Non-Return System
The DC series includes a hydraulic non-return system designed to help isolate the vacuum line when the pump stops.
This helps reduce reverse airflow from the pump towards the vacuum chamber and can also help limit oil migration into the connected system.
The effectiveness of the complete isolation arrangement depends on the system design, pressure conditions and condition of the pump and valve components.
Where complete chamber isolation is critical, an additional external vacuum isolation valve may still be required.
Standard Equipment
The DC4D, DC8D and DC16D are supplied with equipment intended to simplify installation, operation and routine maintenance.
On/off switch on single-phase versions
Cable without plug on single-phase versions
Thermal protection on single-phase versions
Gas ballast
Transport handle
Anti-vibration shock mounts
Pack of DVP SW100 vacuum pump oil
Hydraulic non-return system
Vacuum Pump Oil and Planned Maintenance
Oil condition is critical to the performance of a two-stage high-vacuum rotary vane pump.
The oil provides lubrication, sealing and heat transfer within the pumping mechanism. Contaminated, oxidised or vapour-loaded oil may reduce pumping performance and prevent the pump from achieving its expected ultimate pressure.
Maintenance intervals should reflect running hours, operating pressure, gas load, vapour exposure and process cleanliness.
Routine attention may include oil inspection and replacement, inlet filtration, exhaust filtration where fitted, leak checking, gas-ballast operation and general mechanical inspection.
Vacuum Pumps UK and our sister company, VacAir Superstore, can provide DVP SW100 oil, filters, seals, gaskets and workshop support for the DC4D, DC8D and DC16D.
Installation Considerations
The vacuum line should be kept as short and unrestricted as reasonably possible to reduce conductance losses between the pump and chamber.
Undersized pipework, long flexible hoses, restrictive fittings and contaminated filters can substantially reduce the effective pumping speed at the process.
The pump should be installed on a stable surface with sufficient ventilation and access for oil checking, servicing and electrical work.
Sensitive instruments may benefit from the standard anti-vibration mounts and suitable flexible vacuum connections.
Where hazardous, corrosive or reactive gases are involved, the complete application and material compatibility must be assessed before selecting the pump.
Should You Repair or Replace an Existing High Vacuum Pump?
A pump that no longer achieves its expected pressure may require fresh oil, leak correction, vane replacement, valve attention or workshop servicing rather than complete replacement.
Common warning signs include increased pump-down time, poor ultimate pressure, excessive noise, oil contamination, increased operating temperature or recurring oil mist.
Replacement becomes more attractive where internal wear is extensive, the motor or pump mechanism is badly damaged or repair costs have become uneconomical.
Vacuum Pumps UK can help assess whether servicing, overhaul or replacement with a DC4D, DC8D or DC16D provides the best long-term solution.
High Vacuum Pump Selection Guide
Required Ultimate Pressure
Confirm the lowest system pressure required and whether the pump will operate directly on the chamber or as a backing pump.
Chamber Volume and Pump-Down Time
Larger chambers and faster evacuation requirements generally require greater pumping capacity.
Gas and Vapour Load
The type and quantity of gas, moisture or solvent vapour entering the pump can affect capacity, oil life and maintenance intervals.
Backing Pump Requirement
For turbomolecular or diffusion pumps, the backing capacity and maximum permitted foreline pressure must be checked carefully.
Need Help Selecting the Correct Model?
Choosing between the DC4D, DC8D and DC16D requires more than matching the nominal pumping speed.
Send us the chamber volume, target pressure, process details, gas load, desired pump-down time and any connected high-vacuum pump specification. We will review the duty and recommend the most suitable DVP model.
Send us the pump details and information about the application.
Oil, Filters, Service Parts and Support
DVP SW100 Oil
Correct high-vacuum pump oil supports sealing, lubrication, cooling and ultimate-pressure performance.
Inlet Filtration
Inlet filters and replacement elements help protect the pump from dust and process contamination.
Seals and Service Parts
Seals, gaskets, valves and service components are available for planned maintenance and pump repair.
Workshop Support
Inspection and repair support is available through our sister company, VacAir Superstore, one of the UK’s leading independent vacuum pump service specialists.
DVP DC4D, DC8D and DC16D Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pumps are the DVP DC4D, DC8D and DC16D?
They are two-stage oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps designed for laboratory, analytical and high-vacuum applications.
What ultimate pressure can the DC pumps achieve?
All three models have a stated ultimate pressure of 0.005 mbar absolute.
What is the pumping capacity of the DC4D?
The DC4D provides 5.6 m³/h at 50Hz and 6.4 m³/h at 60Hz.
What is the pumping capacity of the DC8D?
The DC8D provides 8.2 m³/h at 50Hz and 9.6 m³/h at 60Hz.
What is the pumping capacity of the DC16D?
The DC16D provides 16 m³/h at 50Hz and 17 m³/h at 60Hz.
What motor power do the pumps use?
All three models are listed with motor power of 0.55 kW at 50Hz and 0.66 kW at 60Hz.
What is the difference between a single-stage and two-stage vacuum pump?
A two-stage pump uses two pumping sections in series, allowing it to achieve a significantly lower ultimate pressure than a comparable single-stage rotary vane pump.
Can the DC pumps be used as backing pumps?
Yes. The DC4D, DC8D and DC16D are suitable as backing pumps for compatible turbomolecular, diffusion and other high-vacuum pumps.
What does a backing pump do?
The backing pump reduces the system pressure and maintains the foreline pressure required for the connected high-vacuum pump to operate correctly.
What is the purpose of the gas ballast?
The gas ballast helps the pump handle moderate quantities of condensable vapour by reducing condensation within the oil and pumping mechanism.
Does using the gas ballast affect ultimate pressure?
Yes. Opening the gas ballast normally increases the achievable ultimate pressure, so it should be used when vapour handling is needed rather than continuously.
What does the hydraulic non-return system do?
It helps isolate the vacuum line when the pump stops and reduces reverse airflow and potential oil migration towards the chamber.
Are the pumps suitable for laboratories?
Yes. Their low vibration, low noise, compact construction and high-vacuum performance make them suitable for laboratories, universities and research institutions.
Which model is best for a small laboratory instrument?
The DC4D is generally the smallest-capacity option, but the correct model depends on chamber volume, gas load, target pressure and pump-down time.
Which model provides the highest pumping speed?
The DC16D provides the highest pumping speed in this group, delivering 16 m³/h at 50Hz.
What oil do the DC pumps use?
The pumps are supplied with DVP SW100 vacuum pump oil.
Do the pumps need routine oil changes?
Yes. Oil condition directly affects lubrication, sealing and ultimate-pressure performance, so it should be inspected and replaced at suitable intervals.
Can Vacuum Pumps UK help select the correct backing pump?
Yes. We can review the connected high-vacuum pump, chamber size, gas throughput and required foreline pressure before recommending the appropriate model.
Can you repair an existing laboratory vacuum pump?
Yes. Inspection, servicing and repair support is available through Vacuum Pumps UK and our sister company, VacAir Superstore.
Need a DVP DC4D, DC8D or DC16D High Vacuum Pump?
Contact Vacuum Pumps UK for prices, availability, technical advice and high-vacuum pump selection.
Send us your chamber, process or backing-pump requirements and we will advise the most suitable model.
