Elmo Rietschle VGC/A15 Vacuum Pump
The Elmo Rietschle VGC/A15 is an oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pump with a nominal capacity of 15.0 / 18.0 m³/h at 50Hz / 60Hz and a stated ultimate pressure of 2.0 mbar absolute.
At 15.0 m³/h on 50Hz supply, the VGC/A15 is the largest of the VGC models in this particular published group. It combines a relatively compact pumping speed with a 2 mbar absolute ultimate pressure for machinery and process duties requiring a finer vacuum than typical rough-vacuum designs.
Replacement pumps, spares, service and technical support from Vacuum Pumps UK and VacAir Superstore.
Pump Type
Oil Lubricated
rotary vane
Capacity
15.0 / 18.0
m³/h 50Hz / 60Hz
Ultimate Vacuum
2.0 mbar
absolute
Motor 3PH
0.55 / 0.65
kW 50Hz / 60Hz
Elmo Rietschle VGC/A15 Overview
At 15.0 m³/h on 50Hz supply, the VGC/A15 is the largest of the VGC models in this particular published group. It combines a relatively compact pumping speed with a 2 mbar absolute ultimate pressure for machinery and process duties requiring a finer vacuum than typical rough-vacuum designs.
Published Rietschle operating information for the VGC family describes an inlet micro-fine filter, exhaust oil-mist separation with oil return, motor-fan cooling and a built-in inlet non-return valve.
Oil in this type of rotary vane pump performs several jobs: it lubricates internal moving parts, helps seal the pumping chamber and contributes to heat management. Oil condition, inlet cleanliness and effective exhaust separation can therefore have a direct effect on vacuum performance and service life.
The published three-phase motor rating for this model is 0.55 / 0.65 kW at 50Hz / 60Hz. Because older pumps can exist in different electrical and build configurations, the motor plate and pump nameplate should be checked before a replacement is selected.
Vacuum Pumps UK can assess a new replacement, while VacAir Superstore can support installed Elmo Rietschle pumps with servicing, repair, oil separators, oil and spare parts.
Elmo Rietschle VGC/A15 Technical Specifications
| Model | Nominal Capacity m³/h 50Hz / 60Hz |
Ultimate Vacuum mbar abs. 50Hz / 60Hz |
Motor 3PH kW 50Hz / 60Hz |
| VGC/A15 | 15.0 / 18.0 | 2.0 / 2.0 | 0.55 / 0.65 |
Typical Applications
› packaging and processing machinery
› printing and paper converting equipment
› vacuum lifting and handling
› plastics and composite processes
› small central vacuum duties
› general industrial machinery
The correct pump should be selected around the real operating point rather than nominal capacity alone. Required working pressure, evacuation time, inlet restrictions, process gas, vapour load, contamination and duty cycle can all change the result.
For an existing machine, sending Vacuum Pumps UK a photograph of the pump nameplate and installation is often the quickest way to begin a replacement check.
DVP MD16
Oil lubricated rotary vane vacuum pump
Comparable DVP Alternative
Consider the DVP MD16
The DVP MD16 is a particularly close capacity match, providing 16 / 19 m³/h against 15 / 18 m³/h for the VGC/A15, with the same stated 2 mbar absolute ultimate pressure.
The DVP MD16 provides a nominal capacity of 16 / 19 m³/h at 50Hz / 60Hz and a stated ultimate pressure of 2 mbar absolute.
A replacement still needs to be checked for mounting dimensions, inlet and exhaust connections, motor supply, orientation, available space and performance at the machine’s normal working pressure.
Vacuum Pumps UK is the UK and Ireland Master Agent for DVP Vacuum Technology.
Elmo Rietschle VGC/A15 Replacement Comparison
The figures below are useful for initial screening, but a replacement decision should also consider the pumping curve and the actual pressure at which the machine operates.
| Specification | VGC/A15 | DVP MD16 |
| Nominal Capacity 50Hz | 15.0 m³/h | 16 m³/h |
| Nominal Capacity 60Hz | 18.0 m³/h | 19 m³/h |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 2.0 mbar abs. | 2 mbar abs. |
Elmo Rietschle VGC/A15 Parts, Service and Repair
Replacement is not always the first answer. Older Elmo Rietschle oil-lubricated pumps can often remain useful when the fault is identified correctly and the condition of the main pumping components is still serviceable.
VacAir Superstore can assist with routine servicing, oil and separator changes, reduced vacuum, oil mist, unusual noise, overheating, leaks and workshop repair.
Spare Parts
Service and repair components for Elmo Rietschle pumps, subject to model and build version.
Oil Separators
Exhaust separation is important for controlling oil mist and maintaining the pump’s oil recovery system.
Vacuum Pump Oil
Correct oil condition supports lubrication, sealing and reliable vacuum performance.
Service & Maintenance
Planned servicing can include oil, filters, separators, inspection and vacuum testing.
Repair & Overhaul
Where servicing is insufficient, workshop investigation and rebuild may provide an alternative to replacement.
Elmo Rietschle VGC/A15 Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pump is the Elmo Rietschle VGC/A15?
It is an oil lubricated, or oil-flooded, rotary vane vacuum pump for industrial vacuum duty.
What is the nominal pumping capacity?
The published capacity is 15.0 m³/h at 50Hz and 18.0 m³/h at 60Hz.
What ultimate vacuum is specified?
The stated ultimate pressure is 2.0 mbar absolute.
Can an existing VGC/A15 be serviced or repaired?
Potentially, yes. The sensible route depends on pump condition, parts availability and the nature of the fault. VacAir can inspect and support Elmo Rietschle oil-lubricated pumps.
What replacement can be considered?
Where an exact Elmo Rietschle replacement is not essential, Vacuum Pumps UK can assess the DVP MD16 against the application and installation.
Need Support for an Elmo Rietschle VGC/A15?
Contact Vacuum Pumps UK for replacement advice, or VacAir support for spare parts, oil separators, oil, servicing and workshop repair.
We can help you decide whether to maintain, repair or replace the existing pump.




