Graphite Rotors for Vacuum Pumps and Radial Blowers

Graphite Rotors and Vanes – An Essential Part of Vacuum Pump

The working principle of vacuum pump is to compress gas and discharge it by rotating the graphite rotors and vanes. Specifically, as the graphite rotor rotates, the space between the vacuum pump graphite vanes and the pump body continuously changes, thus sucking, compressing, and discharging gas. The main function of the graphite blades is to capture the gas and move it from the low pressure area to the high pressure area when they rotate inside the vacuum pump. The quality, shape, and material of the graphite vanes have an influence on the performance and service life of the vacuum pump.

Vacuum pump graphite rotors and vanes have good self-lubrication and wear resistance and can work normally in dry-running state without additional lubricating oil or grease. Therefore, they can effectively avoid the contamination and damage to the vacuum pump caused by lubricating oil or grease. Meanwhile, they have good corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, and can adapt to harsh working environments, so they are widely used in dry vacuum pumps.

Graphite Rotors Features

Low friction, low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Excellent self-lubrication.

High thermal conductivity and thermal stability.

Good chemical corrosion resistance.

Wear resistance and high mechanical strength.

Common Applications

Vacuum Pumps: Used in laboratory equipment, packaging machines, semiconductor manufacturing, and other applications requiring clean vacuum. They often operate as sliding vane pumps with graphite vanes against a metal rotor or housing.

Air Compressors: Small air compressors for medical devices, dental equipment, and other applications where clean, oil-free air is required. Often found in scroll compressors as well.

Chemical Processing: Pumps for handling corrosive chemicals.

Food and Beverage Industry: Pumps and compressors where oil-free operation is critical to prevent contamination.

Printing Industry: Vacuum pumps for paper handling in printing presses.

Medical Devices: Pumps for aspirators, ventilators, and other medical equipment.

Fuel Pumps: Used in some niche applications such as model airplane fuel pumps.

Materials Used

Graphite: The base material.

Resin-Impregnated Graphite: Graphite can be impregnated with resins (e.g., phenolic, epoxy) to improve its strength, reduce porosity, and enhance wear resistance.

Carbon-Graphite Composites: Graphite can be combined with other materials (e.g., carbon fibers, metal powders) to create composites with tailored properties.

Coatings: Coatings can be applied to graphite components to further improve wear resistance or reduce friction.