GAST Manufacturing Inc., a designer and manufacturer of precision air products and member of IDEX Corporation’s Health & Science division, introduced a new range of vacuum pumps and compressors to its portfolio. These new products are simple in operation, robust, and an effective source of compressed air, according to the company. The three pump and compressor ranges include sixteen oil-free and oil-lubricated rotary vane models and, in a first for the company, four claw pump models.
“These additions to our portfolio will provide customers with products that, compared to our traditional offering, can deliver even greater flow and deeper vacuum,” says Andre Goodson, business line vice president for rotary. “The addition of claw pumps also perfectly complements our portfolio and opens up new industries and sectors that we haven’t been able to participate in previously. Using simulation software and the latest manufacturing techniques, we believe that the performance of our new rotary vane and claw pump models are class-leading. The range is also more environmentally-friendly and, thanks to extended maintenance schedules, total cost of ownership is also significantly improved.”
Claw pumps
Claw pumps are an often-overlooked technology due to a slightly higher initial cost. However, compared to oil-free rotary vane, claw pumps use significantly less horsepower to provide similar vacuum capability. They also provide 100 percent duty cycle and, with no carbon vanes and significantly less gear lubricant to replace, are quicker, easier and cheaper to maintain, according to the company.
With only moderate energy consumption and high efficiency, GAST’s four new claw pump models—PA.155, PA.315, VA.155 and VA.315—use contactless rotors that are synchronized by gears without any lubrication in the pumping chamber. This frictionless operation avoids any residue (generated by rubbing during rotation) from contaminating the air supply; and means lower maintenance and operating costs, longer lasting performance, and improved total cost of ownership.
With nominal capacities from 186 to 360m3/h at 60Hz, vacuum capability to 25.5”HgV and pressures up to 17psi, the GAST claw pump range is ideal for numerous vacuum, compression, aeration, extraction and drying applications.
Oil-free rotary vane pumps
Adding to an already impressive portfolio of rotary vane pumps, two new oil-free models—SB.16 and SB.40—being introduced feature an industrial Monobloc design with the rotor assembled directly on the motor shaft. This direct-drive design means fewer moving parts, making these new dry vacuum pumps extremely compact, reliable and easy to maintain. Additionally, a rear centrifugal fan ensures optimal cooling of the pump and each model is equipped with protective filters at the inlet and silencers at the outlet. Both models are also suitable for use as compressors.
A third model, the SC.100, has the rotor installed on the shaft and fixed by two bearings, with the motor being connected by a flexible coupling. The fan is installed between the pump housing and motor to ensure optimal cooling; and a robust and compact housing provides protection and keeps noise levels low.
GAST’s new oil-free rotary vane models offer nominal capacities from 19 to 150m3/h at 60Hz. All models provide vacuum in excess of 26”HgV and are ideal for applications including printing, conveying, wood/plastic presses, automated packaging and pick and place operations.
Oil-lubricated rotary vane pumps
Ideal for applications such as laboratory conditioning/refrigeration appliances, mass spectrometry, packaging, medical equipment, thermoforming machines and glass and marble machining, GAST’s new ten-model range of oil-lubricated rotary vane pumps—including the LB.8, LC.12, LC20, LC.25, LC40, LC60, LC106, LC151, LC.205 and LC.305—are ideal where the intake flow may require higher flow and deeper vacuum.
Additionally, and for applications where intake vapor is considerable, a WR version also features an integral system that separates oil and water condensate, which is then expelled when the pump is stopped.
All six oil-lubricated models offer nominal capacities from 9 to 365m3/h at 60Hz and total final pressures between 1.5 and 0.08 Torr.
