A rotary vane pump is a type of positive displacement pump that uses vanes mounted on a rotor to trap and move fluid through the pump. These pumps are often used for vacuum handling and gas sampling applications that require a high flow capability relative to the size of the pump.


Rotary vane technology features low pulsation and low vibration, which enable consistent flow rates with minimal vibration. These traits make these units suitable for a wide range of industries, such as medical, lab & life science devices, life-saving equipment, and industrial, environmental, and food & beverage markets.

 
Rotary Vane Pumps and Compressors by Thomas


Thomas rotary vane pumps and compressors provide a free flow ranging from 1.2 l/min (0.04 cfm) up to 198.0 l/min (7.0 cfm), with maximum continuous operating vacuum up to 930 mbar (27.5 in.Hg), and maximum continuous operating pressures up to 1 bar (14.5 psi).


Our rotary vane portfolio can be driven by various drive options. Customers can choose from Ironless Core DC, Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC), Split Phase (SP), Permanent Magnet DC (PM), and Brushless DC (BLDC) options.

Benefits of Thomas Rotary Vane Compressors and Pumps 

These oil-less and self-lubricating units provide the highest flow-to-size ratio and the lowest pulsation among all five gas technologies offered by Thomas. Rotary vane technology can feature an orientation of vanes that allows for a reversible direction of flow in selected series. This makes them suitable for applications requiring active inflation and deflation, such as in medical compression sleeves for deep vein thrombosis, or intake and outtake motion.


If you are looking for high performance in a compact-sized unit, as well as high flow with minimal back pressure, Thomas rotary vane compressors and pumps are a recommended solution.

 

Featured Applications using Rotary Vane Pumps

Rotary vane pumps and compressors are versatile champions, finding applications across diverse industries. Let's explore where rotary vane pumps make a significant impact:


Key Medical Applications:

  • Anaerobic Cell Culture Systems
  • Breathing support devices
  • Centrifuge
  • Hematology
  • Pharmaceutical Research and Development
  • Respirator filtration performance tester
  • Medical compression sleeves
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Lab Instrumentation/Automation Equipment
  • Medical Endoscopy
  • Medical Aspirator

Key Industrial and Environmental Applications:

  • Pick and place automation
  • Plastic seam weld seam leak detection
  • Vacuum hold down for water jets/lasers/machining
  • Industrial and Food packaging
  • Vacuum lifting/holding
  • Wood deformation
  • Pond aeration
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Packaging equipment
  • Core drill hold down
  • Gas Analyzer
  • Air sampling
  • Particle counter (exhaust gas)

Other applications

  • De-soldering machines
  • Lamination Press
  • Paper counting equipment
  • Printing equipment
  • Dermabrasion
  • Liposuction

 

Tailored to Your Pumping Needs

Thomas’ Rotary Vane pumps and compressors can be customized to meet even the most complex requirements of the customer. On top of that, their design allows them to tailor the performance by adjusting the number of vanes, varying the component materials and motor selection to meet the performance range required in a given application. 


We offer a selection of plastic and carbon head/vane materials that can be selected based on the operating environment or media being pumped.
Plastic head and vane configured models are recommended for use in humid environments due to moisture tolerance. Carbon head and vane components provide improved performance compared to plastic parts. Carbon components reduce leakage, improve sound quality, and offer more precise tolerances.


Apart from the different composite materials, our engineers can customize the number of vanes in the pump head and their orientation, enabling the pump head to run also in reverse motion.
Ready to elevate your pumping experience? Talk to an engineer for a customized solution.

How Rotary Vane Pumps and Compressors Work?

The rotary vane unit’s cylindrical head consists of a rotor with slots for vanes (pump blades). Within the cylindrical housing, the rotary vane compressor uses centrifugal force to push the vanes against the cylindrical head/housing wall and slide against the cylinder's internal surface as the rotor turns. 


This movement creates a gap between the two vanes and the cylinder. As the rotor turns, the gap is being moved, and the volume of the gas is being compressed, increasing the pressure and creating a vacuum.

 

Learn about Rotary Vane Technology

Rotary vane pumps - working principle