DVP RC8M and RC8D Laboratory High Vacuum Pumps
The DVP RC8M and RC8D are compact oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps developed primarily for laboratory, scientific and analytical equipment requiring stable high-vacuum performance, low vibration and dependable operation.
Both models deliver 8 m³/h at 50Hz and 9.5 m³/h at 60Hz. The single-stage RC8M reaches 0.1 mbar absolute, while the two-stage RC8D achieves the deeper final pressure of 0.01 mbar absolute.
Vacuum Pumps UK is the UK & Ireland Master Agent for DVP Vacuum Technology.
Need help selecting a laboratory vacuum pump?
Send us the chamber volume, target pressure, process details, vapour load and desired pump-down time.
We can advise whether the single-stage RC8M or two-stage RC8D is the better fit.
Pump Design
1 or 2 Stage
oil-lubricated rotary vane
Capacity
8 / 9.5 m³/h
50Hz / 60Hz
Ultimate Pressure
0.1 / 0.01 mbar
RC8M / RC8D
Motor Power
0.37 kW
50Hz / 60Hz
RC8M and RC8D Model Comparison
The two pumps 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 |
| RC8M | 8 / 9.5 | 0.1 | 1 | 0.37 / 0.37 |
| RC8D | 8 / 9.5 | 0.01 | 2 | 0.37 / 0.37 |
Choosing Between the RC8M and RC8D
DVP RC8M
The RC8M is the single-stage version and reaches 0.1 mbar absolute.
It is suited to general laboratory vacuum, filtration, small chambers, sample preparation, degassing and scientific equipment that does not require the deeper final pressure of a two-stage pump.
DVP RC8D
The RC8D is the two-stage version and reaches 0.01 mbar absolute.
It is better suited to laboratory and analytical processes requiring deeper vacuum, lower base pressure or more demanding chamber evacuation.
Because both pumps provide the same nominal pumping speed, selection is mainly determined by the required ultimate pressure, vapour load and process conditions.
DVP RC8M and RC8D Overview
The DVP RC8M and RC8D are compact high-vacuum rotary vane pumps intended primarily for laboratory, research, scientific and analytical equipment.
Both models provide 8 m³/h at 50Hz and 9.5 m³/h at 60Hz, giving approximately twice the nominal capacity of the RC4 range.
A coupling drive connects the motor and pump mechanism. This arrangement supports reliable operation, long service life and straightforward maintenance.
The RC8M uses one pumping stage and reaches 0.1 mbar absolute. The RC8D uses two pumping stages connected in series and reaches 0.01 mbar absolute.
The pumps include a gas ballast, transport handle and shock mounts, making them suitable for bench-mounted laboratory equipment, mobile rigs and compact OEM installations.
Applications involving start-up while the inlet remains under vacuum require a suitable three-way solenoid valve or the appropriate dedicated pump version.
Laboratory and Scientific Applications
The RC8M and RC8D are well suited to scientific and analytical equipment requiring compact high-vacuum generation and stable pumping performance.
Laboratory vacuum chambers
Vacuum filtration equipment
Sample preparation systems
Vacuum degassing
Small vacuum ovens
Analytical instruments
Refrigeration Systems
Airconditioning Systems
Research and development rigs
Educational laboratory equipment
OEM scientific machinery
Pilot-scale process equipment
Secondary Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Applications
Although laboratory and scientific use is the primary focus of this page, the RC8M and RC8D may also be used for refrigeration and air-conditioning evacuation.
Their 8 m³/h nominal capacity makes them more suitable than the RC4 range for larger systems or duties requiring faster evacuation.
The RC8M may suit general evacuation work, while the RC8D provides deeper final pressure for more demanding dehydration and commissioning requirements.
The complete duty, refrigerant compatibility, hose arrangement and target pressure should be reviewed before selection.
Single-Stage vs Two-Stage Laboratory Vacuum
A single-stage rotary vane pump draws gas into one pumping section before compression and discharge.
A two-stage pump uses two pumping sections arranged in series. The second stage receives gas from the first and compresses it further.
This allows the RC8D to achieve a final pressure ten times lower than the RC8M, despite both models having the same nominal pumping capacity.
The RC8M is suitable for many general laboratory duties, while the RC8D should be selected where deeper vacuum or a lower base pressure is required.
Key RC8M and RC8D Features
Laboratory-Scale Capacity
The 8 m³/h pumping speed supports larger laboratory chambers, faster evacuation and higher gas loads than the RC4 range.
Choice of Final Pressure
Select the 0.1 mbar RC8M or the deeper-vacuum 0.01 mbar RC8D according to the process requirement.
Reliable Coupling Drive
The motor-to-pump coupling supports dependable operation, long service life and straightforward maintenance.
Low Vibration and Portable Design
Shock mounts reduce transmitted vibration, while the integral handle supports movement between laboratory rigs and service locations.
Starting the Pump Under Vacuum
The standard RC8M and RC8D configuration should not repeatedly restart against a vacuum load unless the system is arranged correctly.
Where the pump must start while the inlet remains evacuated, DVP specifies the use of a suitable three-way solenoid valve or a dedicated version designed for that operating condition.
The valve allows the pump inlet or internal mechanism to equalise appropriately during stopping and restarting.
Vacuum Pumps UK can review the control sequence and advise on the correct configuration for automated laboratory equipment.
Gas Ballast for Vapour-Handling Applications
The gas ballast admits a controlled quantity of air during compression.
This helps reduce condensation of moderate quantities of moisture or solvent vapour within the pump oil and internal mechanism.
It can be useful in laboratory drying, degassing and processes where vapour enters the pump during the early stages of evacuation.
Operating with the gas ballast open generally raises the achievable final pressure, so it should be closed when the deepest vacuum is required.
Heavy vapour loads may require additional filtration, cold trapping or a different pump configuration.
RC8M Oil Check Valve and RC8D Oil Check System
The RC8M includes an oil check valve, while the RC8D uses an oil check system appropriate to its two-stage arrangement.
These systems help reduce reverse oil movement towards the vacuum chamber or connected instrument when the pump stops.
This is particularly important where sensitive laboratory equipment remains connected to an evacuated line.
Where complete chamber isolation is critical, an additional external vacuum isolation valve may still be required.
Standard Equipment
Thermal protector on single-phase versions
Start/stop switch on single-phase versions
Power cord with Schuko plug on single-phase versions
Gas ballast
Transport handle
Oil check valve on RC8M
Oil check system on RC8D
Anti-vibration shock mounts
Laboratory Installation Considerations
The effective pumping speed at the chamber depends on the conductance of the connecting line as well as the nominal capacity of the pump.
Long hoses, narrow tubing, restrictive fittings and contaminated inlet filters can substantially reduce the pumping speed available at the process.
For the best performance, the pump should be positioned close to the chamber using correctly sized vacuum pipework.
The shock mounts help reduce vibration transmission, while suitable flexible connections can further isolate sensitive instruments.
The pump should be installed where cooling airflow is available and routine oil checking and servicing can be completed safely.
Vacuum Pump Oil and Planned Maintenance
Oil condition directly affects lubrication, sealing and ultimate-pressure performance.
Moisture, solvents, process vapours and fine contamination can degrade the oil and prevent the pump from reaching its expected pressure.
Oil should be inspected regularly and replaced according to running hours, contamination and process 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 supply oil, seals, gaskets, service parts and workshop support for the RC8M and RC8D.
RC8M and RC8D Selection Guide
Target Pressure
Choose the RC8M for duties satisfied by 0.1 mbar or the RC8D where 0.01 mbar performance is required.
Chamber Volume
The 8 m³/h pumping speed is suited to larger laboratory chambers or faster evacuation than the RC4 range can provide.
Gas and Vapour Load
Consider the process gas, moisture or solvent vapour and whether gas-ballast operation or additional trapping is required.
Starting Conditions
Automated systems that restart under vacuum may require a three-way solenoid valve or a dedicated pump version.
Need Help Choosing the Correct Laboratory Pump?
Choosing between the RC8M and RC8D depends on more than the nominal capacity.
Send us the chamber size, target pressure, process gas, vapour load, pump-down requirement and operating sequence. We will review the duty and recommend the most suitable model.
Send us the pump details and information about the application.
Oil, Service Parts and Technical Support
Vacuum Pump Oil
Correct vacuum pump oil supports lubrication, sealing, cooling and final-pressure performance.
Seals and Gaskets
Replacement seals, gaskets and service components are available for planned maintenance and repair.
Valves and Control Options
Support is available for gas-ballast components, oil protection systems and three-way solenoid-valve arrangements.
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 RC8M and RC8D Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pumps are the DVP RC8M and RC8D?
They are oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps designed primarily for laboratory, scientific and analytical applications.
What is the difference between the RC8M and RC8D?
The RC8M is a single-stage pump reaching 0.1 mbar absolute, while the RC8D is a two-stage pump reaching 0.01 mbar absolute.
Do both models provide the same pumping speed?
Yes. Both provide 8 m³/h at 50Hz and 9.5 m³/h at 60Hz.
What motor power do the pumps use?
Both models use a 0.37 kW motor at 50Hz and 60Hz.
Which pump is better for deeper laboratory vacuum?
The RC8D is the better choice where 0.01 mbar performance or a lower base pressure is required.
What laboratory applications suit the RC8M?
The RC8M may suit general laboratory vacuum, filtration, sample preparation, degassing and chambers that do not require very deep vacuum.
What laboratory applications suit the RC8D?
The RC8D is better suited to more demanding analytical equipment, deeper chamber evacuation and processes requiring lower pressure.
Can these pumps be used for refrigeration?
Yes. They may also be used for refrigeration and air-conditioning evacuation where the capacity and final pressure suit the application.
What does the gas ballast do?
The gas ballast helps reduce condensation of moderate quantities of moisture or solvent vapour within the pump oil and mechanism.
Does using the gas ballast affect ultimate pressure?
Yes. Operating with the gas ballast open normally raises the achievable final pressure.
Can the pumps start while connected to a vacuum?
Applications involving start-up under vacuum require a suitable three-way solenoid valve or a dedicated pump version.
What oil protection does the RC8M use?
The RC8M uses an oil check valve to help reduce reverse oil movement when the pump stops.
What oil protection does the RC8D use?
The RC8D uses an oil check system appropriate to its two-stage arrangement.
Are the pumps suitable for sensitive instruments?
The standard shock mounts help reduce transmitted vibration, although the complete installation should also use suitable pipework and isolation where required.
What is supplied on single-phase versions?
Single-phase versions include a thermal protector, start/stop switch and power cord 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, leaks, restrictive pipework, open valves, vapour release, internal wear or an unsuitable vacuum-gauge arrangement.
Can Vacuum Pumps UK repair an RC8M or RC8D?
Yes. Inspection, servicing and repair support is available through Vacuum Pumps UK and our sister company, VacAir Superstore.
Need a DVP RC8M or RC8D Laboratory Vacuum Pump?
Contact Vacuum Pumps UK for prices, availability, technical advice and laboratory pump selection.
Send us the chamber, process and target-pressure details and we will advise the most suitable model.
