Vacuum pump oils are hugely popular for their specific viscosity and chemical composition which makes them chemically and thermally more stable than the rest of the options out there. This refined oil has low sulfur contents and provides you with a better working machine. However, the sudden hike in prices and low supply can make it difficult to find the original pump oil.
This is the time to find the right substitute, equipped with the right viscosity, temperature range, and chemical stability. Here, you can choose from synthetic, mineral, natural, and silicon-based formulas, with low sulfur contents. Wondering what can be the right choice for you?
To save your day, I have included some popular vacuum pump oil along with some buying instructions. So, let’s get in for more.
Why Do I Need to Know about Substitutes for Pump Oil?
Well, understandably so, you would need a substitute if there is a deficiency of the main product for whatsoever reason. The most common purpose here could be the hike in the price that can easily impact the supply of pump oil in the market. Therefore, having the right piece of knowledge can save you from irrationally investing.
How to Find the Right Vacuum Pump Oil Substitute?
To find the best substitute for your pump oil, there are some basic characteristics you might need to consider;
- Viscosity is absolutely important as pump oil itself has a relatively thick composition and high vegetable oil contents that make it chemically and thermally stable. In this case, an ISO 22 or 32 viscosity can work best.
- Temperature or thermal ratings are other things you need to look into for a pump oil replacement. Here, you must make sure that it lies in between a certain degree of Celsius, so in case of heat irregularities, it doesn’t have any chemical or oxidation reactions.
- Price Range can also influence your decision of choosing the substitute. For instance, if you are going to be using the oil substitute every day, you should go for a cost-friendly option like a refrigerator or motor oil.
Substitutes of a Vacuum Pump Oil
Here are some of the popular pump oil substitutes you can find out there;
- Hydro-treated Oil is undoubtedly the closest to the original composition, because of its high contents of hydrocracking vegetable oils. It remains stable in both low and high temperatures, providing you with absolute thermal and oxidation stability.
- Motor Oil is best known for its high viscosity and high oxidation value, hence, you are provided with thermal stability and conductivity. All in all, it lies between 100 and 107 degrees C which is best for vacuum oils and makes up a cheap deal for routine usage.
- Polyalphaolefin is synthetic oil and has a highly viscous formula. It remains most stable between -60 degrees and +125 C. It also provides you with thermal and chemical stability that works great as a replacement for pump oil.
- Refrigeration Oil or mineral oil can be used as a pump oil because it has high thermal conductivity and stable chemical composition. Its pour and flash points are -40 and 168 degrees C.
How to Apply the Vacuum Pump Oil Substitute?
Well, it is absolutely the same as adding the original pump oil into the machine. For this, you are required to pour the composition into the pump to maintain it in a better way. Here are some steps to follow for guidance;
- First of all, drain the remaining oil from the pump and make sure there are no contaminants.
- Keep it running for quite some minutes.
- Now, shut the top down and start adding the oil to the pump. This can aid you in preventing a mess throughout.
FAQs about Vacuum Pump Oil Substitutes
Can you add oil to a running vacuum pump?
While you are adding oil to the vacuum pump, I would advise you to keep the pump in a hard vacuum position. Doing so can prevent you from making a mess around your vacuum. Similarly, this can help you in getting the correct level of the oil as per your task requirement. For the entire process, you just need to keep the top off while adding fuel to the device.
How often do vacuum pump oil change?
Changing the vacuum oil is important as it can get dirty with contaminants over time. Hence, changing it frequently can prolong the life of your vacuum. To check the oil level, you need to check whether it is darker than usual. However, make sure you are discarding the oil from the authorized locations in order to make the process environmentally friendly.
How to choose the right vacuum pump oil substitute?
In order to choose the right vacuum pump oil substitute, you might need to consider some things, including the viscosity, temperature, and price. For instance, it must be close to the original pump oil, having ISO 22 or 32 viscosity, and basic thermal stability. Similarly, make sure that it lies at the right temperature and provides you with no oxidation or chemical reaction.
Final Thoughts about Substitutes for Vacuum Pump Oil
In the end, vacuum oils are hugely popular for their refined formulas that help you in day-to-day applications, such as lubrication, cooling, efficiency, and much more. However, the sudden hike in prices and low supply can make it difficult to find the original pump oil. Therefore, having the right piece of knowledge can save you from making an illogical investment.
Finally, I hope this guide can help you in choosing the right substitute for vacuum pump oil.
Adam Wilson is the plumbing products Editor for Mechanics Gear, covering everything related to plumbing. He have 15 years of experience as a plumber and written about plumbing gear for over two years and plans to continue writing for a long while to come. Since he started sharing his plumbing knowledge on Mechanics Gear, he loves nothing more than relaxing in his home and and writing his plumbing experiences. Adam Wilson likes finding new plumbing products and dive into, from manuals, forums and different plumbing groups.