Pfeiffer Blowers & Boosters

A Roots booster sits on top of a backing pump and multiplies the speed of the combination in the medium vacuum range. Pfeiffer's Okta line covers an unusually wide range of sizes, from compact boosters for laboratory and small industrial systems up to very large units for metallurgy, coating and process plants. At Provac Sales, we supply Pfeiffer Okta Roots boosters and AD series dry multistage boosters and help customers size the right combination.

Pfeiffer Booster Models We Carry

Our Pfeiffer booster listings include:

• Pfeiffer Okta 250, Okta 300 and Okta 500
• Pfeiffer Okta 600 and Okta 800
• Pfeiffer Okta 1000 and Okta 2000
• Pfeiffer Okta 4000, Okta 6000 and Okta 8000
• Pfeiffer Okta 18000, one of the largest boosters in the range
• Pfeiffer AD-600H dry multistage Roots booster pump

The number in the Okta name reflects the approximate nominal pumping speed in cubic metres per hour. Most Pfeiffer booster listings are priced on request, because motor, sealing and drive options vary.

Okta Versions: A, M and Other Options

Okta boosters are offered in different versions depending on how the shaft is sealed and driven. Common designations include:

• A versions, with a standard shaft seal and flanged motor, suited to general industrial applications
• M versions, with a magnetic coupling between motor and pump, which removes the dynamic shaft seal and gives a very low leak rate for clean or hazardous gas applications
• Versions with features such as bypass valves or frequency converters, which allow the booster to start at higher pressures

If you are replacing an existing Okta booster, send us the full model and part number so we can match the version exactly.

How a Roots Booster Works

A Roots booster uses two figure-eight rotors that turn in opposite directions without touching each other or the housing. Gas is trapped between the rotors and housing and carried from the inlet to the outlet, where the backing pump removes it. Because there is no oil and no contact in the pumping chamber, the booster can move a very large volume of gas for its size.

A booster cannot pump against atmospheric pressure on its own. A backing pump must first reduce the pressure to the point where the booster can be switched on safely, or a bypass or frequency-converter version must be used.

How to Size a Pfeiffer Booster

Sizing a booster depends on the backing pump and the pressure range you need. Consider:

• The backing pump model and its pumping speed, for example a Pfeiffer DUO rotary vane pump or a Pfeiffer dry pump
• The working pressure and target pump-down time
• Process gas loads and any condensable vapors
• The ratio of booster speed to backing pump speed, often between about 4:1 and 10:1 depending on pressure
• Inlet and outlet flange sizes on your system
• Electrical supply, typically 3-phase
• Whether a magnetically coupled version is needed for low leak rates
• Whether you need the booster to start at higher pressures

Send us your backing pump model and process details and we will suggest a matched combination.

Applications for Pfeiffer Okta Boosters

Pfeiffer Roots boosters are used in:

• Vacuum furnaces, heat treatment, brazing and sintering
• Metallurgy, vacuum melting and degassing of steel
• Thin film coating, glass coating and web metallizing
• Freeze drying and vacuum drying
• Semiconductor, solar and flat panel processes
• Leak testing, space simulation and large test chambers
• Chemical processing and solvent recovery

Okta Boosters vs AD Dry Multistage Boosters

Okta boosters are single-stage Roots pumps designed to work with a separate backing pump. The Pfeiffer AD-600H is a dry multistage Roots booster that adds additional compression stages, which makes it suitable for process duty in combination with dry backing pumps. If your process needs an oil-free, high-throughput pumping system, an AD booster on a dry backing pump may be a good fit. Ask us to compare options for your process.

Maintenance Tips

Okta boosters are robust, but routine care keeps them reliable:

• Check the gearbox and bearing oil levels regularly and change oil at the recommended intervals
• Use the oil type specified for the version and application, including PFPE where required
• Keep the booster inlet protected from debris, welding spatter and dust
• Confirm the booster starts at the correct switching pressure to avoid overload
• Watch for unusual noise, vibration or temperature, which can signal bearing or gear wear
• Check shaft seals on A versions for oil leaks

New vs Rebuilt Pfeiffer Boosters

New Okta boosters suit new systems and plant expansions. Rebuilt or serviced units can be a cost-effective replacement for an existing installation, keeping the same flanges and footprint. Each listing and quotation confirms condition, configuration and warranty.

Service and Evaluation

If you have a Pfeiffer or Alcatel booster that needs attention, contact us with the model, part number and symptoms. Our published repair capabilities include Alcatel RSV series boosters, and we can review other models on request. Submit an RMA request and complete the contamination data sheet before shipping. Learn more on our pump repair page.

What to Send Us for a Fast Quote

To quote a Pfeiffer booster quickly, please send:

• The Okta model and full part number, or the size you need
• Version, such as A or M, and any bypass or frequency converter requirement
• Backing pump make and model
• Working pressure and process description
• Motor voltage, phase and frequency
• Inlet and outlet flange details

About Pfeiffer Vacuum

Pfeiffer Vacuum was founded in 1890 in Wetzlar, Germany, and is known as a pioneer of turbomolecular pump technology. In 2010 the company acquired Adixen, the former Alcatel Vacuum Technology business, which is why many Alcatel and Adixen designs now carry the Pfeiffer name. The Okta line continues Pfeiffer's long experience with Roots technology and is used in some of the most demanding vacuum installations in industry, from steel degassing to large coating lines.

Planning a Booster Upgrade

Adding an Okta booster to an existing pump set is one of the most cost-effective ways to shorten cycle times. Before you upgrade, measure your current pump-down curve and note the pressure where the process spends most of its time. That data tells us whether a booster will help, which size makes sense and whether your backing pump can support it without replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the M mean on an Okta booster?

M versions use a magnetic coupling between the motor and the pump shaft, which removes the dynamic shaft seal and reduces the risk of leaks.

Can I add an Okta booster to my existing pump?

Yes, in most cases. Confirm that the booster size suits your backing pump and that the flanges and electrical supply match.

Is the Okta series the same as the older WKP boosters?

Pfeiffer's earlier WKP boosters were succeeded by the Okta line. Some Okta models are sold as replacements for WKP units. Send us the old model number to confirm the closest match.

Why does my booster overheat?

Common causes include switching on at too high a pressure, poor backing pump performance, low oil or a blocked exhaust. Contact us with the symptoms.

Request a Quote on Pfeiffer Boosters

Send us the Okta model, version, backing pump and process details. We will confirm availability and suggest a matched combination. Contact us or call 831-462-8900.