Edwards Rotary Vane Pumps

Oil-sealed rotary vane pumps are dependable and economical, but they have two weak points: oil mist at the exhaust and oil that degrades as it picks up contamination from the process. Edwards oil filtration products address both. Exhaust oil mist filters clean the air leaving the pump, while oil filtration systems clean the oil circulating inside it. At Provac Sales, we supply Edwards oil filtration equipment for RV and E2M pumps and service the Edwards MF series filtration systems.

Edwards Oil Filtration Products We Carry

Our Edwards oil filtration listings include:

• Edwards EMF-20 oil mist filter, new, with KF25 inlet and KF25 outlet, a common choice for mid-size RV and E2M pumps
• Edwards MF series oil filtration systems, which circulate and filter pump oil to remove particulates and chemical contamination

The EMF family includes several sizes matched to pump displacement and exhaust flange. If you need a different size than the one listed, send us the pump model and we will check availability.

Exhaust Oil Mist Filters: What They Do

When an oil-sealed pump runs, especially at higher inlet pressures or during pump-down from atmosphere, it releases a fine mist of oil droplets at the exhaust. Without filtration, that mist settles on equipment, benches and floors, creates odors and can be a health and housekeeping problem.

An Edwards EMF filter traps the mist in a coalescing element. Droplets combine into larger drops that drain into a reservoir or back toward the pump, while clean gas passes through. Many EMF filters also include an odor-reducing element and a pressure indicator that shows when the element needs to be changed.

Oil Filtration Systems: What They Do

An oil filtration system, such as the Edwards MF series, works on the oil inside the pump rather than the exhaust. It circulates oil through filter elements that remove:

• Particulates from the process, such as powders, metal fines and dust
• Some chemical contamination, depending on the element type
• Debris that would otherwise wear vanes, rotors and bearings

Cleaner oil means more consistent vacuum performance, less wear and longer intervals between oil changes. Filtration systems are especially valuable on pumps that run dirty or chemical processes.

How to Choose the Right Edwards Filter

Match the filter to the pump and the process:

• Pump model and displacement, for example RV5, RV12, E2M18, E2M28 or E2M40
• Exhaust flange size, such as KF16, KF25 or KF40
• Whether the process produces particulates, acids or solvent vapors
• How often the pump runs at high inlet pressure, which drives mist volume
• Whether you need oil return to the pump or a separate drain
• Available space around the pump

An undersized mist filter will clog quickly and raise exhaust back pressure, which can overheat the pump. An oversized filter is rarely a problem, though it adds cost and space.

Applications

Edwards oil filtration products are used on oil-sealed pumps in:

• Freeze drying and vacuum drying
• Vacuum ovens and degassing
• Laboratory and analytical instruments
• Vacuum coating and furnace roughing lines
• Chemical and pharmaceutical processes
• Industrial vacuum systems that pick up dust or powder
• Any installation where pump exhaust is vented into a work area

Maintenance Tips

Filtration only helps if the elements are maintained:

• Replace mist filter elements when the pressure indicator shows high back pressure, or on a regular schedule
• Drain collected oil from the mist filter reservoir regularly
• Change oil filtration elements based on run hours and process contamination
• Inspect pump oil level and color, and change the oil when it is dark, cloudy or contaminated
• Use the correct pump fluid for your process, available in our vacuum fluids and greases collection

A clogged mist filter is one of the most common causes of oil leaking from pump seals, because back pressure pushes oil out of the weakest point.

When Filtration Is Not Enough

If your process regularly sends corrosive vapors, heavy particulates or large solvent loads into the pump, filtration can only do so much. In those cases, an oil-free Edwards dry pump or Edwards scroll pump may be a better long-term choice. Our team can help you compare the cost of ongoing oil maintenance against switching technologies.

Edwards MF Series Service

Provac Sales lists the Edwards MF series oil filtration systems among our published repair capabilities. We can evaluate an existing unit, replace worn components and return it to service. Submit an RMA request and complete the contamination data sheet before shipping, and drain oil from the unit. Learn more on our pump repair page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which EMF filter fits my Edwards RV pump?

Filter size depends on the pump's displacement and exhaust flange. Send us the RV or E2M model and we will confirm the matching EMF size.

How do I know when to change the mist filter element?

Many EMF filters have a pressure indicator. When it shows high back pressure, or when visible mist appears at the outlet, it is time to change the element.

Will an oil mist filter remove odors?

A coalescing element removes oil droplets. Some EMF filters also include an odor element that reduces smells, but it will not remove all process vapors.

Is an oil filtration system worth it for a small pump?

It depends on the process. For clean applications, regular oil changes are often enough. For dirty processes, filtration can pay for itself in reduced wear and fewer oil changes.

Why is oil leaking from my pump after I installed a mist filter?

A saturated or undersized element raises exhaust back pressure, which can push oil past shaft seals and gaskets. Check the element and confirm the filter size matches the pump.

The Cost of Skipping Oil Filtration

It can be tempting to run an oil-sealed pump without exhaust or oil filtration, especially on a small system. Over time, though, the costs add up in less obvious ways:

• Oil mist coats nearby equipment, ceiling tiles and ductwork, creating cleaning work and potential slip hazards
• Contaminated oil loses its sealing and lubricating properties, which raises ultimate pressure and speeds up vane and bearing wear
• Acids and particulates in the oil attack internal surfaces, turning a routine oil change into a full rebuild
• Lost oil must be topped up more often, and running a pump low on oil risks seizure

A properly sized Edwards EMF filter and, where the process demands it, an oil filtration system are small investments compared with the cost of an unplanned pump rebuild or lost production time. They also make the workplace cleaner and more comfortable for the people working near the pump. If you are unsure whether your installation needs one or both, send us a description of your process and we will give you a straightforward recommendation.

Request a Quote on Edwards Oil Filtration

Send us your Edwards pump model, exhaust flange size and a short description of your process. We will recommend the right mist filter or filtration system and confirm availability. Contact us or call 831-462-8900.