Leybold Oil Filtration Systems

In harsh processes, vacuum pump oil does not wear out so much as get dirty. Particles, acids, solvents and water build up in the oil, attack the pump and force frequent oil changes. A Leybold oil filtration system circulates the oil through filter elements while the pump runs, removing contaminants before they cause damage. At Provac Sales, we supply Leybold OF systems new and rebuilt, along with replacement filter elements.

Leybold Oil Filtration Models We Carry

• Leybold OF 1000, 1 canister, rebuilt
• Leybold OF 1000, 2 canisters, new and rebuilt
• Leybold OF 3000, rebuilt, for larger pumps and heavier contamination

Some listings show a price and others are quote-based. Each product page lists the number of canisters, motor and hose connections.

How the OF 1000 Works

A small gear pump draws oil from the vacuum pump reservoir. The oil is pushed through a filter element, rises through the housing, passes down a center tube and returns to the pump through the oil fill port. A bypass valve in the gear pump sends oil back to the inlet if pressure gets too high, so a clogged element cannot starve or damage the system. The OF 1000 gear pump moves about 0.7 gallons per minute, driven by a 1/6 hp motor at 1,725 rpm. A sight glass lets you watch oil flow and clarity.

Single vs Dual Canister

• Single canister units hold one filter element. They are compact, at about 14 x 14 x 10.5 inches, and suit pumps with one main type of contamination.
• Dual canister units, at about 14 x 23 x 10.5 inches, place a particulate element in the first canister and an activated alumina element in the second. The particulate element catches solids so they do not clog the more expensive chemical element.

For processes that produce both particles and acids, a dual canister unit usually pays for itself in longer element life.

Filter Elements

Choose the element for the contaminant you need to remove:

• Activated alumina (aluminum oxide): neutralizes Lewis acids, polar compounds, solvents and mineral acids, and also degasses the oil
• Particulate: a pleated paper element that traps particles down to about 10 microns
• Fuller's earth: adsorbs acids
• Hydrophilic: absorbs water and removes particles and mild acids, and needs moisture present to work

Standard, PFPE and Corrosive Versions

The OF 1000 comes in standard hydrocarbon versions, PFPE-ready versions for pumps running PFPE oil such as LEYBONOL LVO 400, and coated versions for corrosive service. A PFPE unit must be kept free of hydrocarbon oil, since the two do not mix.

Which Pumps Can Use an OF System?

• Leybold TRIVAC rotary vane pumps connect directly
• Leybold E and DK rotary piston pumps, with drilling and tapping described in the OF 1000 manual
• Many other oil-sealed rotary vane and piston pumps with suitable drain and fill connections

Ask us before ordering if your pump is not a Leybold model.

Key Features

• Continuous filtration while the pump runs
• Quick-connect hoses and housings for element changes in minutes
• Sight glass and flow indicator to check oil condition
• Color chart on standard models to show when to change the element
• Bypass valve to protect the gear pump and vacuum pump
• Rubber-footed steel pan for quiet, vibration-free mounting

Installation Tips

• Standard hoses are 4 feet long, and longer hoses are available
• The OF 1000 can sit 10 to 15 feet away from the pump horizontally and up to 5 feet above it, with no limit below it
• If mounted 5 feet or more above the pump, the gear pump may need priming
• Normal operating pressure is about 5 to 30 psig once warm. A reading over 50 psig usually means a clogged element.

Applications

• Semiconductor etch, CVD and other processes with acid by-products
• Vacuum furnaces and heat treatment
• Chemical processing and solvent recovery
• Freeze drying and drying processes with heavy water loads
• Coating systems that produce particles and flakes

Benefits

• Longer oil life and fewer oil changes
• Less pump wear, corrosion and downtime
• Lower oil disposal costs
• More stable pump performance between services

Maintenance Tips

• Check the pressure gauge regularly and change the element when pressure climbs
• Change the vacuum pump oil when you install a new element, so clean oil starts in a clean system
• Inspect hoses and fittings for leaks
• Keep spare elements on hand for the processes you run

Find pump oils in our Leybold vacuum fluids and greases collection.

Signs Your Oil Filtration System Needs Service

• Pressure stays high after an element change
• No oil flow showing in the sight glass
• Gear pump noise or a motor that will not start
• Oil leaks at the canisters or quick-connect fittings

Element Change Intervals

How long an element lasts depends entirely on the process. On heavily contaminating processes, elements may need changing every few weeks, while on moderate duty they can last many months. Track the operating pressure and oil color after the first few changes to set a schedule for your process.

Is an Oil Filtration System Worth It?

An oil filtration system pays for itself when a pump needs oil changes much more often than the manual suggests, when oil turns acidic or black within days, or when pumps fail early from corrosion or abrasive wear. In those cases, filtering the oil continuously often cuts oil use and disposal by a large margin and extends the time between pump rebuilds. On clean processes where oil stays clear for months, a filtration system adds little value.

Leybold Oil Filtration Systems Repair

Provac Sales services and rebuilds Leybold OF 1000 and OF 3000 oil filtration systems. Submit an RMA request, complete the contamination data sheet and drain the oil and elements before shipping. See our pump repair page for more information.

Related Leybold Collections

• Leybold vane pumps, TRIVAC pumps that connect directly to the OF 1000
• Leybold piston pumps, E and DK pumps
• Leybold vacuum fluids and greases, LEYBONOL pump oils
• All Leybold vacuum pumps
• All oil filtration systems from every brand we carry

Leybold Oil Filtration Systems FAQ

1. What does a Leybold OF 1000 oil filtration system do?

It circulates vacuum pump oil through a filter element while the pump runs. Depending on the element, it removes particles, acids, solvents and water, which extends oil life and protects the pump.

2. Should I choose a single or dual canister OF 1000?

Choose a dual canister unit when your process produces both particles and chemical contamination. The first canister holds a particulate element that protects the activated alumina element in the second.

3. Which filter element do I need?

Use activated alumina for acids and solvents, a particulate element for solids, Fuller's earth for acids, and a hydrophilic element for water. Many users run particulate and activated alumina together in a dual canister unit.

4. Can the OF 1000 be used with PFPE oil?

Yes, with a PFPE-ready version. It must be kept free of hydrocarbon oil, since PFPE and hydrocarbon oils do not mix.

5. How do I know when to change the filter element?

Change it when operating pressure rises toward about 50 psig, or when the color chart on standard models shows the oil is getting dark.

Request a Quote on Leybold Oil Filtration Systems

Send us your pump make and model, oil type and the contaminants your process produces. We will recommend the right OF system and filter elements, confirm availability or quote a rebuild of your existing unit. Contact us or call 831-462-8900.