The Importance of Gas Ballast

The efficiency of a vacuum pump depends largely on the purity of the vacuum pump oil.  The gas ballast is a valving arrangement that permits relatively dry atmospheric air to enter the vacuum pump's second stage.  The air reduces the compression in the final stages, helping prevent moisture from condensing and mixing with the pump oil.

To use the gas ballast feature, open the valve after starting the vacuum pump.  Close the valve when the vacuum pump reaches about 2500 microns to allow the vacuum pump to pull down to its ultimate vacuum level.

Even the most efficient pump equipped with gas ballast, however, cannot handle large amounts of moisture without some of it condensing into the oil.  That's why we recommend frequent oil changes as the most effective way to protect your vacuum pump investment.