VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK Chemistry Diaphragm Vacuum Pump System – Brand New
The VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK Chemistry Diaphragm Vacuum Pump System is a high-performance, oil-free laboratory vacuum system designed for rotary evaporation, high-boiling solvent evaporation, vacuum concentration, vacuum drying, evacuation, degassing, and continuous pumping of corrosive gases and vapors. Built around VACUUBRAND's proven four-head, three-stage MD 1C chemistry diaphragm pump, this configuration adds a protective AK inlet separator and a highly efficient EK waste-vapor condenser for liquid protection and solvent recovery.
With an ultimate vacuum of 2 mbar (1.5 Torr) and maximum pumping speed of 0.88 cfm at 60 Hz, the MD 1C +AK+EK provides the deep diaphragm-pump vacuum required for demanding chemistry applications while avoiding the oil maintenance associated with rotary vane pumps. The AK inlet separator helps capture particles and liquid droplets before they reach the pump, while the EK exhaust condenser enables efficient recovery of condensable solvent vapor.
This brand-new VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK Chemistry Vacuum System, Catalog Number 20696623, is available from American Instrument Exchange for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medicinal chemistry, analytical, academic, and industrial laboratories seeking deep chemical vacuum with integrated solvent-management capability.
VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK Chemistry Vacuum System Key Features
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Brand-new VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK chemistry vacuum system
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Catalog number 20696623
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Oil-free chemistry diaphragm pump technology
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2 mbar / 1.5 Torr ultimate vacuum
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0.88 cfm maximum pumping speed at 60 Hz
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1.3 m³/h maximum pumping speed at 50 Hz
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Four diaphragm heads
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Three pumping stages
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Outstanding chemical resistance
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Excellent vapor tolerance
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Chemically resistant fluoroplastic wetted components
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PTFE sandwich diaphragms
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Integrated gas ballast valve
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4 mbar / 3 Torr ultimate vacuum with gas ballast
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AK protective inlet separator
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AK separator captures particles and liquid droplets
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EK high-efficiency waste-vapor condenser
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Near-100% solvent recovery under suitable operating conditions
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Excellent for high-boiling solvents
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Well suited for rotary evaporators
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Suitable for vacuum concentrators
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Suitable for compatible vacuum drying ovens
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Quiet operation at approximately 45 dBA
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Very low vibration
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Maintenance-free drive system
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Long diaphragm service life
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NRTL C/US certified
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Available brand new from American Instrument Exchange
VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK Chemistry Vacuum System Overview
The VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK is designed for laboratories that need deep vacuum, chemical resistance, liquid protection, and solvent recovery in one integrated system.
At the heart of the system is the MD 1C, a four-head, three-stage chemistry diaphragm pump capable of reaching 2 mbar ultimate vacuum. This significantly deeper vacuum distinguishes the MD platform from shallower ME- and MZ-series chemistry diaphragm pumps and makes it especially useful for evaporation of high-boiling solvents and other processes where lower pressure is required.
The AK inlet separator is constructed from protective-coated glass and captures particles and liquid droplets before they can enter the vacuum pump. This is particularly important during rotary evaporation and vacuum concentration, where bumping, foaming, or accidental liquid carryover can introduce liquid into the vacuum line.
On the exhaust side, the EK waste-vapor condenser cools vapors leaving the pump and condenses them for collection. VACUUBRAND describes this condenser as highly efficient and capable of enabling near-100% solvent recovery under appropriate process conditions.
Together, these features create a complete chemistry vacuum system for laboratories that want deep oil-free vacuum while also controlling liquid carryover and solvent emissions.
VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK Key Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
VACUUBRAND |
| Model |
MD 1C +AK+EK |
| Equipment Type |
Chemistry Diaphragm Vacuum System |
| Catalog / Article Number |
20696623 |
| Pump Design |
Oil-Free Chemistry Diaphragm |
| Number of Heads |
4 |
| Number of Stages |
3 |
| Maximum Pumping Speed at 60 Hz |
0.88 cfm |
| Maximum Pumping Speed at 50 Hz |
1.3 m³/h |
| Ultimate Vacuum |
2 mbar / 1.5 Torr |
| Ultimate Vacuum with Gas Ballast |
4 mbar / 3 Torr |
| Maximum Inlet Pressure |
1.1 bar absolute |
| Maximum Outlet Pressure |
1.1 bar absolute |
| Inlet Separator |
AK Protective-Coated Glass Separator |
| Exhaust Condenser |
EK Waste-Vapor Condenser |
| Inlet Connection |
Hose Nozzle DN 8–10 mm |
| Outlet Connection |
Hose Nozzle DN 8–10 mm |
| Coolant Connections |
2 × Hose Nozzle DN 6–8 mm |
| Rated Motor Power |
0.08 kW / 80 W |
| Rated Motor Speed |
1500 rpm at 50 Hz / 1800 rpm at 60 Hz |
| Operating Ambient Temperature |
10°C to 40°C |
| Storage Temperature |
-10°C to 60°C |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) |
316 × 239 × 405 mm (12.4 × 9.4 × 15.9 in.) |
| Weight |
11 kg (24.3 lb) |
| Sound Pressure Level |
Approximately 45 dBA
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| Protection Class |
IP40 |
| ATEX Conformity |
II 3/- G Ex h IIC T3 Gc X, Internal Atmosphere Only |
| Electrical Requirements |
100–115 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 120 VAC, 60 Hz; 220–230 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Plug |
U.S. power cord on catalog number 20696623 |
| Certification |
NRTL C/US |
| Condition |
Brand New |
VACUUBRAND confirms catalog number 20696623 for the configuration supporting 100–115 V, 120 V, and 220–230 V operation with a U.S. power cord.
Energy Efficiency & Operating Costs
The MD 1C +AK+EK uses an 80-watt motor and operates completely without vacuum pump oil. This eliminates oil purchases, routine oil changes, contaminated-oil disposal, oil mist, and oil backstreaming.
For chemistry laboratories, the absence of pump oil is particularly valuable because solvent and reagent vapors cannot contaminate an oil reservoir. This can significantly simplify maintenance compared with conventional rotary vane pumps used in the same solvent-processing environment.
The EK condenser provides an additional economic and environmental advantage by recovering solvent vapor at the pump exhaust. Depending on solvent purity, laboratory procedures, and process requirements, recovered solvent may potentially be recycled or collected for more controlled disposal.
The AK separator can also help extend pump life by preventing liquid droplets and particles from entering the diaphragm heads.
Common Applications
The VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK is particularly well suited for rotary evaporation, high-boiling solvent evaporation, vacuum concentration, vacuum drying ovens, solvent removal, evacuation, degassing, and continuous pumping of corrosive gases and vapors.
VACUUBRAND specifically identifies rotary evaporators, vacuum concentrators, and vacuum drying ovens as typical applications for this system.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The MD 1C +AK+EK is an excellent choice for pharmaceutical research laboratories, medicinal chemistry groups, biotechnology companies, organic chemistry laboratories, analytical facilities, university research laboratories, contract research organizations, process-development groups, materials laboratories, and industrial R&D facilities.
It is particularly valuable in laboratories that routinely process solvents and want a complete vacuum system rather than a bare pump.
Deep Three-Stage Chemistry Vacuum Performance
The defining performance advantage of the MD 1C platform is its four-head, three-stage design.
This architecture allows the pump to reach approximately 2 mbar / 1.5 Torr, providing much deeper vacuum than most single- or two-stage chemistry diaphragm pumps.
The deeper ultimate pressure allows many solvents to evaporate at substantially reduced temperatures and makes the system particularly useful for high-boiling solvent workflows.
Despite this deeper vacuum, the system remains completely oil-free.
Chemical Resistance & Corrosive Vapor Handling
VACUUBRAND designs the MD 1C for continuous pumping of corrosive gases and vapors.
Major wetted components are manufactured from chemically resistant fluoroplastics, while PTFE sandwich diaphragms provide a durable barrier between process gases and the mechanical drive.
This construction makes the MD 1C +AK+EK particularly useful for pharmaceutical development, medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and analytical workflows where solvent vapor exposure is routine.
Chemical compatibility should still be confirmed for the specific chemicals, concentrations, temperatures, and operating conditions involved.
Gas Ballast for High-Boiling & Condensable Solvents
The MD 1C incorporates an integrated gas ballast valve to improve handling of condensable vapors.
With gas ballast closed, the pump reaches approximately 2 mbar / 1.5 Torr.
With gas ballast operating, it still achieves approximately 4 mbar / 3 Torr, maintaining strong vacuum performance while helping reduce internal condensation during vapor-intensive processes.
This makes the system particularly useful for evaporation and drying applications involving high-boiling or easily condensable solvents.
Protective AK Inlet Separator
The AK separator provides a physical barrier between the process and the vacuum pump.
Constructed from protective-coated glass, it captures particles and liquid droplets before they can reach the diaphragm heads.
This can be especially valuable during rotary evaporation, concentration, and vacuum drying. Bumping or foaming can occasionally send liquid into the vacuum line, and the AK separator provides a collection point before that liquid reaches the pump.
Reducing liquid carryover helps protect the pump, reduce contamination, and minimize unplanned maintenance.
High-Efficiency EK Waste-Vapor Condenser
The EK exhaust condenser is one of the strongest features of this configuration.
After vapor passes through the vacuum pump, the EK condenser cools the exhaust stream and condenses suitable vapors for collection.
VACUUBRAND specifically states that the condenser enables near-100% solvent recovery under appropriate operating conditions, supporting efficient solvent recycling and reducing vapor discharge.
Potential benefits include:
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Reduced solvent emissions
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Improved solvent recovery
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Controlled collection of condensate
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Potential solvent recycling
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Reduced vapor load on building exhaust systems
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Improved environmental performance
The condenser uses two DN 6–8 mm coolant connections and requires an appropriate cooling source.
MD 1C +AK+EK for Rotary Evaporators
The MD 1C +AK+EK is particularly well suited as a vacuum system for laboratory rotary evaporators.
Its 2 mbar ultimate vacuum supports evaporation of both common and higher-boiling solvents at reduced temperatures.
The AK inlet separator helps protect the pump from liquid carryover caused by bumping or foaming, while the EK exhaust condenser provides an additional solvent-recovery stage after vapor passes through the pump.
This combination creates a strong solution for laboratories seeking deep, oil-free rotary evaporation vacuum with integrated solvent recovery.
MD 1C +AK+EK for High-Boiling Solvents
High-boiling solvents often require deeper vacuum than many standard diaphragm pumps can provide.
The MD 1C's three-stage pumping design reaches 2 mbar, allowing difficult solvents to boil at much lower temperatures than they would at atmospheric pressure.
VACUUBRAND specifically notes that the MD 1C is optimized for pumping easily condensable vapors and high-boiling solvents, particularly when gas ballast is used.
This makes the system particularly valuable in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, pharmaceutical development, and process-development laboratories.
MD 1C +AK+EK for Vacuum Concentrators
VACUUBRAND also identifies vacuum concentrators as a typical application for the MD 1C +AK+EK.
Vacuum concentration frequently generates substantial solvent vapor loads. The MD 1C's chemistry-resistant, oil-free design handles these vapors without exposing vacuum oil to solvent contamination.
The AK separator provides protection against accidental liquid aspiration, while the EK condenser captures vapor leaving the pump.
MD 1C +AK+EK for Vacuum Drying Ovens
The MD 1C +AK+EK is also well suited for compatible vacuum drying ovens requiring chemically resistant deep vacuum.
Reducing chamber pressure can accelerate removal of moisture and residual solvent while allowing drying at lower temperatures.
When solvent vapor is produced, the chemistry-resistant diaphragm pump and EK exhaust condenser offer advantages over a basic oil-sealed vacuum pump.
Actual compatibility should always be checked against the oven manufacturer's required ultimate vacuum, pumping speed, chamber volume, and expected vapor load.
MD 1C +AK+EK vs. Standard MD 1C
The standard MD 1C and MD 1C +AK+EK provide the same core pump performance:
The difference is system integration.
The standard MD 1C is the bare pump, making it ideal when a laboratory already has external vapor traps, separators, condensers, or vacuum infrastructure.
The MD 1C +AK+EK adds inlet liquid protection and exhaust solvent recovery, creating a more complete solution for solvent-intensive evaporation and drying workflows.
MD 1C +AK+EK vs. MZ 2C NT +AK+EK
Both systems combine an AK inlet separator with an EK exhaust condenser, but their ultimate vacuum differs significantly.
The MZ 2C NT +AK+EK reaches approximately 7 mbar.
The MD 1C +AK+EK reaches approximately 2 mbar.
The MZ configuration provides higher pumping speed and may be entirely sufficient for many common solvents.
The MD 1C +AK+EK becomes more attractive when high-boiling solvents, deeper evaporation vacuum, or more demanding drying applications require lower pressure.
MD 1C +AK+EK vs. PC 3001 VARIO Select TE
Both systems reach approximately 2 mbar and are designed for demanding solvent evaporation.
The MD 1C +AK+EK is a fixed-speed chemistry vacuum system with an inlet separator and actively cooled EK exhaust condenser.
The PC 3001 VARIO Select TE adds automatic VACUU·SELECT pressure control, variable-speed operation, automatic boiling-pressure detection, and a dry-ice exhaust condenser.
For laboratories that already have suitable vacuum regulation or prefer straightforward fixed-speed operation, the MD 1C +AK+EK provides excellent deep-vacuum chemistry performance.
For highly automated rotary evaporation and automatic solvent-pressure tracking, the PC 3001 VARIO Select TE provides more advanced process control.
MD 1C +AK+EK vs. RZ Rotary Vane Pumps
VACUUBRAND specifically notes that the MD 1C +AK+EK can often replace rotary vane pumps in applications involving high-boiling solvents.
An RZ rotary vane pump can reach substantially deeper ultimate vacuum, but it requires vacuum oil and is more susceptible to oil contamination from solvent vapors.
The MD 1C +AK+EK reaches only 2 mbar, but for many evaporation and drying applications that is more than sufficient—and it provides:
For true fine-vacuum applications such as freeze drying or Schlenk-line work requiring pressures in the 10⁻³ mbar range, an RZ rotary vane pump remains more appropriate.
Recommended Laboratory Applications
The VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK is recommended for:
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Rotary evaporation
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High-boiling solvent evaporation
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Vacuum concentration
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Vacuum drying ovens
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Solvent recovery
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Organic synthesis
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Medicinal chemistry
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Pharmaceutical process development
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Reaction workup
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Chemical-vapor pumping
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Corrosive gas pumping
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Vacuum drying
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Degassing
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Evacuation
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Analytical sample preparation
Application suitability should always be evaluated based on required ultimate pressure, pumping speed, chemical compatibility, coolant availability, vapor load, and process safety.
Why Choose the VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK?
The MD 1C +AK+EK is especially attractive when a laboratory needs deep chemical vacuum plus integrated vapor management.
Its combination of:
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2 mbar ultimate vacuum
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Four heads and three pumping stages
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Chemistry-resistant oil-free construction
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AK inlet liquid separator
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EK exhaust condenser
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Near-100% solvent recovery under suitable conditions
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80-watt motor
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Approximately 45 dBA operation
makes it a compelling complete system for demanding evaporation and drying applications.
Brand-New VACUUBRAND Vacuum Systems from American Instrument Exchange
American Instrument Exchange offers the VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK brand new, giving laboratories access to VACUUBRAND's deep-vacuum chemistry diaphragm technology with integrated liquid protection and solvent recovery.
American Instrument Exchange offers a growing VACUUBRAND lineup spanning filtration pumps, chemistry-resistant ME and MZ models, deeper-vacuum MD systems, VARIO automatic-control pumps, rotary vane pumps, and Chemistry-HYBRID technology.
This allows laboratories to select vacuum equipment based on actual process requirements rather than trying to use one pump type for filtration, evaporation, concentration, drying, and fine-vacuum applications.
Shipping and Installation Considerations
The VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK, catalog number 20696623, is supplied as a completely mounted, ready-to-use pumping system with manual.
The system supports 100–115 VAC at 50/60 Hz, 120 VAC at 60 Hz, and 220–230 VAC at 50/60 Hz and is supplied with a U.S. power cord for this catalog configuration.
Vacuum connections use DN 8–10 mm hose nozzles, while the EK condenser uses two DN 6–8 mm coolant hose connections.
An appropriate coolant source must be provided for condenser operation. Vacuum and coolant tubing should be chemically compatible with the solvents and process conditions involved.
Laboratories processing hazardous, toxic, flammable, or corrosive vapors should also provide appropriate ventilation, exhaust routing, and process-specific engineering controls.
Related Laboratory Equipment
Laboratories purchasing deep-vacuum chemistry diaphragm systems frequently also require rotary evaporators, vacuum concentrators, vacuum ovens, recirculating chillers, cold traps, solvent-recovery equipment, laboratory reactors, analytical balances, and chemical fume hoods.
American Instrument Exchange offers new and refurbished laboratory equipment for pharmaceutical development, medicinal chemistry, biotechnology, analytical research, academic laboratories, process development, and industrial R&D.
VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK primarily used for?
The MD 1C +AK+EK is designed for evacuation, evaporation, vacuum concentration, vacuum drying, and continuous pumping of corrosive gases and vapors. Typical applications include rotary evaporators, vacuum concentrators, and vacuum drying ovens.
What is the ultimate vacuum of the MD 1C +AK+EK?
The system reaches an ultimate vacuum of 2 mbar, or approximately 1.5 Torr.
What is the pumping speed of the MD 1C +AK+EK?
Maximum pumping speed is approximately 0.88 cfm at 60 Hz or 1.3 m³/h at 50 Hz.
What do AK and EK mean?
The AK is the protective inlet separator, which captures particles and liquid droplets before they enter the pump. The EK is the high-efficiency waste-vapor condenser installed at the exhaust for solvent recovery.
How much solvent can the EK condenser recover?
VACUUBRAND states that the EK condenser can enable near-100% solvent recovery under suitable operating conditions. Actual recovery depends on solvent properties, coolant temperature, vapor load, and process conditions.
Does the EK condenser require coolant?
Yes. The condenser includes two DN 6–8 mm coolant hose connections and requires an appropriate cooling source.
Is the MD 1C +AK+EK oil-free?
Yes. The system uses completely oil-free chemistry diaphragm technology, eliminating vacuum oil changes, oil mist, and oil backstreaming.
Can it be used with a rotary evaporator?
Yes. VACUUBRAND specifically identifies rotary evaporators as a typical application for the MD 1C +AK+EK.
Can it be used with a vacuum concentrator?
Yes. VACUUBRAND also lists vacuum concentrators among its application examples.
Is it suitable for high-boiling solvents?
Yes. The MD 1C's three-stage design and gas ballast capability make it particularly well suited for high-boiling and easily condensable solvents.
What is the vacuum with gas ballast operating?
VACUUBRAND specifies approximately 4 mbar / 3 Torr ultimate vacuum with gas ballast.
What is the difference between the MD 1C +AK+EK and standard MD 1C?
Both use the same core four-head, three-stage pump and reach the same 2 mbar ultimate vacuum. The +AK+EK system adds inlet liquid protection and exhaust-side solvent recovery.
What is the difference between MD 1C +AK+EK and MZ 2C NT +AK+EK?
The MD system reaches a deeper 2 mbar vacuum, while the MZ system reaches approximately 7 mbar. The MD configuration is better suited for high-boiling solvents and more demanding evaporation or drying workflows.
What are the dimensions of the MD 1C +AK+EK?
The system measures approximately 12.4" L × 9.4" W × 15.9" H and weighs approximately 24.3 lb.
What are the electrical requirements?
Catalog number 20696623 supports 100–115 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 120 VAC, 60 Hz; and 220–230 VAC, 50/60 Hz with a U.S. power cord.
Is this VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK refurbished or used?
No. This VACUUBRAND MD 1C +AK+EK Chemistry Diaphragm Vacuum Pump System is brand new, not refurbished or previously used, and is available from American Instrument Exchange.
