Scientific Research and University Laboratory Solutions

Q: What is the difference between a dry scroll pump and a turbo‑molecular pumping station for a research lab?

A dry scroll pump alone achieves rough to medium vacuum (1 mbar to 0.02 mbar). It is sufficient for rotary evaporation, vacuum ovens, and freeze‑drying. A turbo‑molecular pumping station combines a turbo pump with a scroll backing pump to achieve high and ultra‑high vacuum (10⁻⁷ to 10⁻¹⁰ mbar). It is needed for surface science (XPS, STM), electron microscopy, and thin‑film deposition. Turbo stations are more expensive but necessary for UHV work. For most chemistry labs, a dry scroll pump is sufficient; for physics and materials science, a turbo station is recommended.

Q: Are your lab pumps safe for use with flammable solvents?

Dry scroll pumps are safe for pumping small amounts of flammable solvents (e.g., acetone, ethanol) because there is no oil to ignite and no hot surfaces (the pump runs at ambient temperature). However, we recommend installing a cold trap to condense solvents before they enter the pump. For continuous pumping of large solvent volumes, use an explosion‑proof configuration (ATEX / Class I Div 1) with inert gas purge. Our standard lab pumps are not ATEX certified but can be used with proper ventilation and solvent trapping.

Q: What vacuum gauge is best for a general‑purpose research chamber?

For a chamber that operates from atmosphere to high vacuum (10⁻⁶ mbar), we recommend a combination of a Pirani gauge (10⁻⁴ to 1000 mbar) and a cold cathode gauge (10⁻⁹ to 10⁻² mbar) with an auto‑ranging controller. This gives continuous reading over the entire range. For rough vacuum only (rotovap, vacuum oven), a single Pirani gauge is sufficient. For UHV systems (10⁻⁹ mbar and below), add a Bayard‑Alpert hot ionization gauge. Our VGC‑502 controller supports all three types and provides analog output for data logging.

Q: Do you offer custom chamber designs for research labs?

Yes. We design and fabricate custom vacuum chambers for research applications — spherical, cylindrical, rectangular, or any shape with any number of ports (CF, KF, ISO). We can integrate viewports, electrical feedthroughs, sample manipulators, and heaters. Typical lead time is 8–12 weeks. We provide CAD models, FEA stress analysis, and full documentation (material certs, weld maps, leak test certificates). Educational discounts apply to custom chambers as well.

Request a Quote

University laboratories and research institutes require vacuum equipment that is versatile, reliable, and easy to use — from benchtop pumping stations for chemistry to UHV chambers for surface science. AIMRSE offers a complete range of laboratory vacuum solutions: dry scroll pumps (1–35 m³/h, oil‑free), turbo‑molecular pumping stations (10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁹ mbar), multi‑port UHV chambers, and plug‑and‑play gauge controllers. Our systems are designed for shared lab environments — quiet operation (<50 dB(A)), chemical‑resistant materials, and intuitive controls. We also provide custom manifolds, feedthroughs, and safety interlocks for teaching labs. Every system includes a 2‑year warranty, free application support, and educational discounts. Ideal for chemistry synthesis, surface analysis (XPS, STM), thin‑film deposition, and vacuum physics experiments.

Consult Our Lab Vacuum Specialists

Discuss your experimental requirements, available space, and budget — we'll recommend the optimal lab vacuum configuration.

Educational discounts available, US‑based technical support

Laboratory Vacuum System Priorities

Quiet & Clean Operation

Dry scroll pumps run at 48–55 dB(A) — suitable for open labs. Oil‑free design eliminates fume hood requirement and chemical contamination.

Wide Pressure Range & Accuracy

From Pirani gauges (10⁻⁴ to 1000 mbar) to cold cathode and Bayard‑Alpert (10⁻¹⁰ mbar). Multi‑channel controllers with auto‑ranging.

Flexible & Expandable

Modular components — add ports, gauges, or valves as experiments evolve. KF and CF flanges for easy reconfiguration. Benchtop or cart‑mounted systems.

Research Vacuum System Engineering Workflow

From experimental needs to delivered system — supported by our application scientists.

Experiment & Application Review

Define required pressure range, chamber size, port count, and gas compatibility.

System Sizing & Component Selection

Choose pump type (scroll/turbo), gauge type, chamber geometry, and feedthroughs.

Assembly & Leak Testing

Assemble chamber, pump, gauges, and valves; perform helium leak test; bake out if needed.

Delivery & On‑Site Support

Ship fully assembled system, provide installation guidance and operator training.

Ongoing Technical Support

Free phone/email support, spare parts, and repair services. Loaner units available.

Educational Discount & Renewal

Annual maintenance plans, recalibration services, and upgrade paths for expanding labs.

The Advantages of AIMRSE

Reliable, safe, and easy to use — designed for shared lab environments.

Quiet & Oil‑Free

Dry scroll pumps: 48–55 dB(A), no oil mist. Suitable for open labs and teaching environments.

Plug‑&‑Play UHV Stations

Turbo‑molecular pumping stations pre‑assembled on carts. Includes controller, gauges, and vent valve — ready to use.

Educational Discounts & Support

Special pricing for universities and colleges. Free application consulting and access to online training resources.

2‑Year Warranty & US Service

All lab pumps and systems come with a 2‑year warranty. Loaner units available during repair. US‑based technical support.

University & Research Lab Success Stories

Real improvements in teaching, research productivity, and equipment reliability.

Chemistry Teaching Lab Pump Upgrade

Illinois, USA

A university chemistry department replaced 20 noisy, oil‑fuming rotary vane pumps with AIMRSE dry scroll pumps for student rotovap stations. The pumps run at 48 dB(A) — quiet enough for an open lab. No oil changes eliminated maintenance and spill risks. Students can now hear instructions while pumps are running.

UHV Surface Science Chamber

Michigan, USA

A materials science lab needed a portable UHV system for XPS and STM studies. AIMRSE supplied a turbo‑molecular pumping station (70 L/s turbo + dry scroll backing) achieving 2×10⁻⁹ mbar. The system includes a CF 6‑way cross chamber, viewports, and RGA port. Base pressure reached in 30 minutes, and the cart‑mounted design allows use in multiple labs.

Quantum Optics Lab Vacuum Station

Washington, USA

A quantum optics research group needed a vibration‑free, bakeable vacuum system for cold atom experiments. AIMRSE delivered a combination turbo‑molecular / ion pump station with a custom spherical chamber and six CF viewports. The system reaches 5×10⁻⁸ mbar after bakeout and maintains pressure without pump vibrations for weeks.

Customer Reviews

Real feedback from lab directors and research scientists.

C**ra B.

★★★★★

"Our chemistry teaching lab replaced 20 old oil-sealed pumps with AIMRSE dry scroll pumps, and the improvement is remarkable. At only 48 dB(A), they run quietly in open lab spaces, letting students hear instructions clearly. The oil-free design eliminates oil changes and spill risks, and we've had zero breakdowns in three years. The educational discount made this upgrade very cost-effective for our department."

D**ek W.

★★★★★

"The UHV surface science system from AIMRSE has transformed our materials research. The turbo-molecular pumping station reaches an ultra-low base pressure of 2×10⁻⁹ mbar in just 30 minutes, and the cart-mounted design lets us move it between labs easily. The CF-flanged chamber with viewports and RGA port is perfectly tailored for our XPS and STM experiments."

F**na G.

★★★★★

"Our quantum optics lab relies on AIMRSE's custom vacuum station for cold atom research. The combined turbo and ion pump setup is vibration-free, bakeable, and maintains a stable 5×10⁻⁸ mbar working pressure for weeks. The custom spherical chamber with CF viewports fits our experiment needs perfectly, and the technical support has been exceptional."

Technical FAQ

What is the difference between a dry scroll pump and a turbo‑molecular pumping station for a research lab?

A dry scroll pump alone achieves rough to medium vacuum (1 mbar to 0.02 mbar). It is sufficient for rotary evaporation, vacuum ovens, and freeze‑drying. A turbo‑molecular pumping station combines a turbo pump with a scroll backing pump to achieve high and ultra‑high vacuum (10⁻⁷ to 10⁻¹⁰ mbar). It is needed for surface science (XPS, STM), electron microscopy, and thin‑film deposition. Turbo stations are more expensive but necessary for UHV work. For most chemistry labs, a dry scroll pump is sufficient; for physics and materials science, a turbo station is recommended.

Are your lab pumps safe for use with flammable solvents?

Dry scroll pumps are safe for pumping small amounts of flammable solvents (e.g., acetone, ethanol) because there is no oil to ignite and no hot surfaces (the pump runs at ambient temperature). However, we recommend installing a cold trap to condense solvents before they enter the pump. For continuous pumping of large solvent volumes, use an explosion‑proof configuration (ATEX / Class I Div 1) with inert gas purge. Our standard lab pumps are not ATEX certified but can be used with proper ventilation and solvent trapping.

What vacuum gauge is best for a general‑purpose research chamber?

For a chamber that operates from atmosphere to high vacuum (10⁻⁶ mbar), we recommend a combination of a Pirani gauge (10⁻⁴ to 1000 mbar) and a cold cathode gauge (10⁻⁹ to 10⁻² mbar) with an auto‑ranging controller. This gives continuous reading over the entire range. For rough vacuum only (rotovap, vacuum oven), a single Pirani gauge is sufficient. For UHV systems (10⁻⁹ mbar and below), add a Bayard‑Alpert hot ionization gauge. Our VGC‑502 controller supports all three types and provides analog output for data logging.

Do you offer custom chamber designs for research labs?

Yes. We design and fabricate custom vacuum chambers for research applications — spherical, cylindrical, rectangular, or any shape with any number of ports (CF, KF, ISO). We can integrate viewports, electrical feedthroughs, sample manipulators, and heaters. Typical lead time is 8–12 weeks. We provide CAD models, FEA stress analysis, and full documentation (material certs, weld maps, leak test certificates). Educational discounts apply to custom chambers as well.

Featured Solutions

Note: Our vacuum equipment is for research and industrial testing only. Industrial-grade components are fully rated for field deployment.

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Scientific Research and University Laboratory Solutions

Consult Our Lab Vacuum Specialists

Laboratory Vacuum System Priorities

Quiet & Clean Operation

Wide Pressure Range & Accuracy

Flexible & Expandable

Research Vacuum System Engineering Workflow

The Advantages of AIMRSE

Quiet & Oil‑Free

Plug‑&‑Play UHV Stations

Educational Discounts & Support

2‑Year Warranty & US Service

University & Research Lab Success Stories

Chemistry Teaching Lab Pump Upgrade

UHV Surface Science Chamber

Quantum Optics Lab Vacuum Station

Customer Reviews

C**ra B.

D**ek W.

F**na G.

Technical FAQ

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