DVP RC4M and RC4D High Vacuum Pumps
The DVP RC4M and RC4D are compact oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps designed for refrigeration, air-conditioning and laboratory applications requiring dependable evacuation and portable operation.
Both models provide 4 m³/h at 50Hz and 4.6 m³/h at 60Hz. The single-stage RC4M reaches 0.1 mbar absolute, while the two-stage RC4D achieves a deeper final pressure of 0.01 mbar absolute.
Vacuum Pumps UK is the UK & Ireland Master Agent for DVP Vacuum Technology.
Need help choosing between the RC4M and RC4D?
Send us the system type, required final pressure, expected evacuation time and electrical supply.
We can advise whether the single-stage RC4M or two-stage RC4D is the better fit.
Pump Design
1 or 2 Stage
oil-lubricated rotary vane
Capacity
4 / 4.6 m³/h
50Hz / 60Hz
Ultimate Pressure
0.1 / 0.01 mbar
RC4M / RC4D
Motor Power
0.37 kW
50Hz / 60Hz
RC4M and RC4D Model Comparison
The two models share the same nominal pumping speed and motor power, but differ in the number of pumping stages and achievable final pressure.
| Model | Nominal capacity m³/h 50Hz / 60Hz |
Ultimate pressure mbar absolute |
Stages | Motor power kW 50Hz / 60Hz |
| RC4M | 4 / 4.6 | 0.1 | 1 | 0.37 / 0.37 |
| RC4D | 4 / 4.6 | 0.01 | 2 | 0.37 / 0.37 |
Which Model Should You Choose?
DVP RC4M
The RC4M is the single-stage version and reaches 0.1 mbar absolute.
It is suited to general refrigeration and air-conditioning evacuation, automotive systems and laboratory duties where a dependable compact pump is required without the deeper final pressure of a two-stage model.
DVP RC4D
The RC4D is the two-stage version and reaches 0.01 mbar absolute.
It is better suited to applications requiring deeper evacuation, improved dehydration performance or higher-vacuum laboratory operation.
Both models provide the same nominal pumping speed, so the choice is primarily determined by the required final pressure and application conditions.
DVP RC4M and RC4D Overview
The DVP RC4M and RC4D are compact high-vacuum rotary vane pumps developed for refrigeration, air-conditioning and laboratory use.
Both models provide a nominal capacity of 4 m³/h at 50Hz and 4.6 m³/h at 60Hz. A 0.37 kW motor is fitted at both frequencies.
A coupling drive connects the motor and pump mechanism. This design supports reliable operation, long service life and straightforward maintenance.
The RC4M uses a single pumping stage and reaches 0.1 mbar absolute. The RC4D uses two pumping stages arranged in series and reaches the lower final pressure of 0.01 mbar absolute.
The pumps include a transport handle and shock mounts, supporting mobile service work and reducing vibration transmission.
Both models also include a gas ballast and model-specific oil protection system.
Typical Applications
The RC4M and RC4D are suitable for refrigeration, air-conditioning and laboratory systems requiring compact and portable vacuum generation.
Residential air-conditioning systems
Commercial refrigeration equipment
Heat-pump installation and service
Refrigeration system commissioning
Automotive air-conditioning systems
Mobile refrigeration service equipment
Laboratory vacuum systems
OEM scientific and analytical equipment
Single-Stage vs Two-Stage Vacuum Pumps
A single-stage rotary vane pump uses one pumping section to draw in and compress the gas before discharge.
A two-stage pump uses two pumping sections connected in series. The second stage receives the exhaust from the first and compresses the remaining gas further.
This allows the RC4D to achieve a final pressure ten times lower than the RC4M while retaining the same nominal pumping speed.
The RC4M may be sufficient for general evacuation duties, while the RC4D is the better choice where deeper vacuum, improved dehydration or higher-vacuum laboratory performance is required.
Key RC4M and RC4D Features
Choice of Final Pressure
Select the 0.1 mbar single-stage RC4M or the deeper-vacuum 0.01 mbar two-stage RC4D.
Reliable Coupling Drive
The motor-to-pump coupling supports dependable operation, long service life and easier mechanical maintenance.
Gas Ballast
The gas ballast helps the pump handle moderate quantities of condensable vapour during refrigeration and laboratory duties.
Portable and Low Vibration
A transport handle supports mobile use, while shock mounts help reduce transmitted vibration.
Why Final Vacuum Matters
The nominal pumping speed describes how much gas the pump can move, but the ultimate pressure describes how deeply it can evacuate a sealed system.
Both RC models move the same nominal volume of air, but the RC4D can continue reducing pressure to a substantially lower level.
In refrigeration work, deeper vacuum can support more effective removal of moisture and non-condensable gases before charging.
In laboratory applications, the required final pressure may determine whether a single-stage or two-stage pump is suitable.
System leaks, hose restrictions, contaminated oil and vapour load can all prevent the installed system from reaching the pump’s stated ultimate pressure.
Using the Gas Ballast
The gas ballast admits a controlled quantity of air during the compression phase.
This helps reduce condensation of moderate quantities of moisture or other vapours within the pump oil and internal mechanism.
It can be useful during the initial stages of evacuating systems that may contain residual moisture.
Operating with the gas ballast open generally raises the achievable final pressure, so it should be closed when the deepest vacuum is required.
Oil condition should still be monitored because heavy vapour loading can contaminate the oil and reduce pump performance.
RC4M Oil Check Valve and RC4D Oil Check System
The RC4M is fitted with an oil check valve, while the RC4D uses an oil check system appropriate to its two-stage configuration.
These arrangements help reduce reverse oil movement towards the connected vacuum system when the pump stops.
This is particularly important when the pump remains connected to an evacuated refrigeration circuit or laboratory chamber.
Good system design should still include suitable isolation procedures and external valves where complete chamber isolation is required.
Standard Equipment
Thermal protector on single-phase versions
On/off switch on single-phase versions
Cable with Schuko plug on single-phase versions
Gas ballast
Transport handle
Oil check valve on RC4M
Oil check system on RC4D
Anti-vibration shock mounts
Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Evacuation
Evacuating a refrigeration circuit removes air, moisture and other non-condensable gases before refrigerant charging.
Moisture can freeze at restrictions, react with refrigerant and oil, contribute to acid formation and reduce long-term system reliability.
Non-condensable gases can increase system pressures and reduce heat-transfer efficiency.
The RC4M is suitable for general evacuation duties, while the RC4D provides deeper final pressure where more demanding dehydration or commissioning performance is required.
Actual evacuation time depends on system volume, hose size, valve restrictions, leakage and moisture content.
Laboratory Vacuum Applications
The compact size, low vibration and choice of final pressure make the RC4M and RC4D suitable for a range of laboratory and OEM equipment.
The RC4M may suit general vacuum apparatus, filtration, small chambers and systems that do not require very deep vacuum.
The RC4D may be more appropriate where a lower base pressure is needed or where the pump is used as part of a more demanding scientific process.
Gas compatibility, vapour load, contamination risk and required pressure should always be reviewed before selecting the pump.
Installation and Effective Pumping Speed
The effective pumping speed at the system can be considerably lower than the nominal pump capacity if the connecting line is restrictive.
Long or narrow hoses, small manifold passages, valve cores, contaminated filters and unnecessary fittings can all increase evacuation time.
The pump should be positioned on a stable surface with adequate ventilation and access for oil checking and servicing.
A suitable vacuum gauge should be connected close to the system being evacuated rather than relying only on a manifold gauge.
Single-phase versions are supplied with a Schuko plug, so an appropriate UK electrical connection arrangement may be required.
Vacuum Pump Oil and Planned Maintenance
Oil condition has a direct effect on lubrication, sealing and final-pressure performance.
Moisture, refrigerant, process vapour and dirt can contaminate the oil and prevent the pump from achieving its expected vacuum.
Oil should be inspected regularly and replaced according to running hours, contamination and application conditions.
Routine maintenance may also include gas-ballast checks, valve inspection, leak testing, coupling inspection and general cleaning.
Vacuum Pumps UK and our sister company, VacAir Superstore, can provide oil, seals, gaskets, service parts and workshop support for the RC4M and RC4D.
Should You Repair or Replace an Existing Pump?
A pump that no longer achieves its expected pressure may require fresh oil, leak correction, valve attention, vane replacement or workshop servicing rather than complete replacement.
Warning signs can include increased evacuation time, poor final pressure, excessive noise, oil contamination, overheating 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.
We can help compare repair, overhaul and replacement options and advise whether the RC4M or RC4D is the nearest suitable DVP model.
RC4M and RC4D Selection Guide
Required Final Pressure
Choose the RC4M for duties satisfied by 0.1 mbar or the RC4D where 0.01 mbar performance is required.
System Volume
Both models provide 4 m³/h at 50Hz, so larger systems or faster evacuation requirements may need a higher-capacity pump.
Moisture and Vapour Load
Consider the amount of moisture or process vapour and whether gas-ballast operation will be required.
Portable or Fixed Installation
Both models include a transport handle and shock mounts, making them suitable for portable service use or compact fixed equipment.
Need Help Choosing the Correct Model?
Choosing between the RC4M and RC4D depends primarily on the required final pressure, but the full system duty should also be reviewed.
Send us the system type, volume, target pressure, desired evacuation time and process details. We will advise whether the RC4M or RC4D is the better fit.
Send us the pump details and information about the application.
Oil, Service Parts and Support
Vacuum Pump Oil
Correct vacuum pump oil supports lubrication, internal sealing, cooling and final-pressure performance.
Seals and Gaskets
Replacement seals, gaskets and service components are available for planned maintenance and repair.
Valve and Oil-System Support
Support is available for the RC4M oil check valve, RC4D oil check system and gas-ballast components.
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 RC4M and RC4D Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pumps are the DVP RC4M and RC4D?
They are oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps designed for refrigeration, air-conditioning and laboratory applications.
What is the difference between the RC4M and RC4D?
The RC4M is a single-stage pump reaching 0.1 mbar absolute, while the RC4D is a two-stage pump reaching 0.01 mbar absolute.
Do both models have the same pumping speed?
Yes. Both provide 4 m³/h at 50Hz and 4.6 m³/h at 60Hz.
What motor power do the pumps use?
Both models are fitted with a 0.37 kW motor at 50Hz and 60Hz.
Which pump is better for deeper vacuum?
The RC4D provides the deeper final pressure and is the better choice where 0.01 mbar performance is required.
Is the RC4M suitable for refrigeration work?
Yes. It is suitable for general refrigeration and air-conditioning evacuation where its 0.1 mbar final pressure meets the requirement.
Is the RC4D suitable for refrigeration work?
Yes. Its two-stage design provides deeper evacuation and may be preferred for more demanding dehydration and commissioning duties.
Are the pumps suitable for laboratories?
Yes. Their compact size, low vibration and choice of final pressure make them suitable for many laboratory and OEM vacuum applications.
What does the gas ballast do?
The gas ballast helps reduce condensation of moderate quantities of moisture or process vapour within the pump oil and internal mechanism.
Does opening the gas ballast affect the final vacuum?
Yes. Operating with the gas ballast open generally increases the achievable final pressure.
What oil protection does the RC4M use?
The RC4M is fitted with an oil check valve to help reduce reverse oil movement when the pump stops.
What oil protection does the RC4D use?
The RC4D includes an oil check system designed for its two-stage pumping arrangement.
Are the pumps portable?
Yes. Both models include a transport handle and anti-vibration shock mounts.
What is supplied on single-phase versions?
Single-phase versions include a thermal protector, on/off switch and cable with Schuko plug.
Will the Schuko plug fit a standard UK socket?
No. A Schuko plug is a continental European connection and may require an appropriate UK electrical arrangement installed by a competent person.
Why might the pump fail to reach its expected pressure?
Possible causes include contaminated oil, system leaks, restrictive hoses, open valves, moisture release, internal wear or an unsuitable vacuum-gauge arrangement.
Do the pumps need routine oil changes?
Yes. Oil condition directly affects lubrication, sealing and final-pressure performance.
Can Vacuum Pumps UK repair an RC4M or RC4D?
Yes. Inspection, servicing and repair support is available through Vacuum Pumps UK and our sister company, VacAir Superstore.
Need a DVP RC4M or RC4D Vacuum Pump?
Contact Vacuum Pumps UK for prices, availability, technical advice and model selection.
Send us the refrigeration, air-conditioning or laboratory system details and we will advise the most suitable model.
