Vacuum Greases and Diffusion Pump Oils
Apiezon Greases:
Apiezon Greases are unique products, designed for use in high vacuum work:
- Excellent lubricants.
- High purity, low vapor pressure - non-contamination in analysis.
- The working temperature range of each grease is dependent on the grade that is used.
- Easily applied, easily cleaned off.
| Grease Physical Properties | L | M | N | H | T |
| Melting Point - ASTM.D 566, ºC | 42-52 | 40-48 | 42-52 | does not melt | 112-137 |
| Working temperature range, ºC | 10-30 | 10-30 | -269-30 | -10-240 | 10-120 |
| Vapor Pressure, Torr @20 ºC | 7x10-11 | 7x10-9 | 6x10-10 | 1.7 x 10-9 | 4.6 x 10-9 |
| Relative Density @20ºC | 0.896 | 0.894 | 0.911 | 0.918 | 0.912 |
| Radiation Resistance | Yes | Yes | Not Recom | . - | No |
| Outgassing Characteristics ASTMS .E 595-90  TML CVCM |
<1% <0.1% |
- - |
<1% <0.1% |
<1% <0.1% |
- - |
| Lubricity 4 Ball Test ASTM .D 2763(IP 239), Kg |
150 | 140 | 150 | 250 | - |
| Viscosity of molten grease, cP@ 50 ºC @ 100 ºC |
766 62.3 |
413 29.8 |
- - |
- - |
- - |
| Coefficient of expansion per ºC over 20ºC- 30ºC |
0.00076 | 0.00075 | 0.00072 | 0.00073 | |
| Thermal conductivity, w/mºC | 0.202 | 0.192 | 0.189 | 0.216 | 0.176 |
| Latent heat of fusion, cal/g | 15.1 | 18.7 | 15.0 | - | - |
| Fusion Peak ºC | 32 | 34 | 31 | 25 | * |
| Volume resistivity, (cm) | 1.2x1016 | 2.6x1016 | 2.0x1016 | - | 3.3 x 1012 |
| Permittivity | 2.3 | 2.1 | 2.3 | - | 2.3 |
| Loss tangent | <0.0001 | <0.0001 | >0.0001 | - | <0.0001 |
| Surface breakdown at flash over, kV | 24 | 28 | 27 | - | 24 |
| Electric strength, V | 730 | 850 | 820 | - | 730 |
*Too close to room temperature to measure
Apiezon Grease; Type L
Grease L is a petroleum hydrocarbon grease, containing no additives. Very low vapor pressure (@20°C of 8x10-11 torr), high vacuum grade. Type L is widely used in the stationary phase of gas liquid chromatography, and may be used on all ground joints in a vacuum system (not for stopcocks). Its solubility is as follows: in Ethanol at 20°C-0.003%; 60°C-0.005%; 100°C-0.011%; 150°C-0.011%. Grease L softens and melts at about 47°C and it is not recommended for joints where temperatures exceed more than 30°C in use. Grease T is recommended for these higher temperatures.
| 60702 | Apiezon Grease L | 25g tube | 90.00 |  |
Apiezon Grease; Type M
Similar to grease type L, but it contains more wax. Grease M has an estimated vapor pressure @ 20°C of 2x10-9 torr, higher than Type L. Type M is recommended for applications where a grease of moderately low vapor pressure is required; such as for sealing ground joints on the backing side of oil diffusion pumps.
| 60700 | Apiezon Grease M | 25g tube | 57.00 | |
Apiezon Grease, Type N
Similar to Type L and Type M, but Type N grease has a special additive which gives it a tenacious, rubbery consistency and provides an extra cushioning effect which absorbs vibrations in equipment, making N grease invaluable in fragile glass to glass joints, like burette taps, which continually risk fracture. Grease N is widely recognized and recommended as the cryogenic vacuum grease of choice
| 60701 | Apiezon Grease N | 25g tube | 137.00 | |
Apiezon Grease, Type H
Type H grease is designed for high temperatures (-10 to +240°C) in a wide range of applications in both science and industry. With good "friction", grease H is ideal for use with laboratory glassware, but combined with properties of high thermal conductivity, it is the perfect choice for the electronics and space industries where heat sink media require adhesion.
Grease H is a filled hydrocarbon which exhibits excellent thermal conductivity, and strong absorption properties. The capability to absorb greasy or chemical impurities on metal and glass surfaces is a value "tool" required by electronic industries.
| 60703 | Apiezon Grease H | 25g tube | 122.00 | |
Apiezon Grease; Type T
Type T is designed for lubricating glass taps and for general purposes. Has a melting point of 125°C and has an estimated vapor pressure @ 20°C of 5x10-9 torr. Although type T is useful at higher temperatures, it can also be used at ambient temperatures.
Temperature range: 0-120°C
| 60704 | Apiezon Grease T | 25g tube | 118.00 | |
Apiezon Grease, Type AP101
Type 101 is an excellent general purpose, hydrocarbon grease, which is intended for a variety of industrial and scientific applications.
- Anti-Seize Properties: The AP 101 contains "PTFE" which confers superior anti-seize properties providing long lasting lubrication and ensuring smooth operation of stop cocks and taps. The value of AP 101 anti-seize properties are not limited to laboratory or glassware use, but are equally effective when used on metal equipment which may be subject to seizure or corrosion.
- Non silicone Grease: Being hydrocarbon based AP 101 does not suffer from the problems of "creep" or "carry over" which is traditionally associated with silicone greases. It reduces sample contamination and the risk of interference in analytical techniques such as infra-red and mass spectrometry.
- Solvent resistant: Both "PTFE" and the lithium stearate gel base in AP 101 are insoluble in most solvents. They ensure that AP 101 shows resistance to water, alcohols, ketones and esters. In addition AP 101 resists attack from aqueous acid and alkali solutions, alcoholic alkali solutions and corrosive gases.
- Wide temperature range: It can be used over a very wide range of temperatures, possessing its optimum consistency over the -15 to +150ºC temperature range, but is usable down to -40ºC and, for limited periods, up to +180ºC.
- Under vacuum: AP 101 exhibits good vacuum properties, down to 10-4 torr.
- Easily remove AP 101 by wiping it with a soft cloth. Any residues of grease can be washed away with an aqueous glassware detergent.
| 60706-01 | Apiezon Grease AP 101 | 50 g | 61.00 | |
| 60706-40 | Apiezon Grease AP 101 | 4 kg | 3174.00 | |
Dow Corning® Vacuum Grease
A silicone lubricant for glass-to-glass joints and glass-to-rubber connections. Resistant to most chemicals and is inert and heat stable.
| 60705 | Dow Corning Grease | 150g tube | 34.00 | |
TorrLube® Vacuum Oil and Lubricant
TorrLube® vacuum lubricants are manufactured to perform better than any other vacuum grease or oil available.
- TorrLube® has no non-metal solids, e.g. silicone ball filters
- TorrLube® has high thermal conductivity to minimize temperature difference between surface exposed to heat flux and heat sink surface
- TorrLube® is extremely stable up to 350°C
- TorrLube is 500 cSt oil at 40°C. TorrLube® has high viscosity so that no fluid flows out between the solid surfaces.
TorrLube® Oil is an extremely pure PFPE (Perfluoropolyalkether ) blend which is thoroughly distilled and then filtered through a submicron screen. TorrLube® Oil has the ability to withstand thermal expansion and contraction as well as chemical and mechanical stress, while still maintaining consistent viscosity. These properties make TorrLube® the ideal lubricant for bearings, automated slides, and screws that have a tendency to gall or cold weld while working under extreme conditions.
TorrLube® Extreme Grease is white, odorless, nonflammable, and chemically inert products based on TorrLube® Oil and the most advanced PTFE thickener available. It does not contain Sodium or Iron. TorrLube® Extreme Grease remains stable and will not break down under mechanical stress and lose its ability to hold TorrLube® Oil. TorrLube® Extreme Grease helps prevent sticking, jumping, and mechanical noise, securing smooth, controlled movement.
TorrLube in 1cc syringe – Each syringe contains 1 cc of TorrLube® lubricant with a #22 gauge blunt needle attached for close application. This size is ideal for use in small research units and for maintenance and service tool kits.
Syringes are packaged in a clean room environment and the needles are sealed to prevent contaminant or leakage.
Physical Properties of Torrlube® Extreme Grease
| Properties | Typical Values |
| NLGI Grade | 2 |
| Viscosity (base oil), cSt @ 40°C (104°F) | 500 |
| Vapor Pressure, torr | 1 x 10-9 |
| Density, g/ml @23°C (74°F) | 1.9 |
| Volatility Loss (22 hrs @260°C), % | <1 |
| Appearance | White grease |
| 60750-01 | TorrLube® 1cc Syringe | each | $116.00 |  |
| 60750-20 | TorrLube® 2 oz Cartridge | each | $172.00 | |
TorrLube® Oil
A set of two small bottles, each containing 60cc of TorrLube® lubricant. Every bottle comes with a sealed cap. A luer lock cap and a #22 gauge blunt needle are provided for closed application. The bottle set is appropriate for larger manufacturing units and production fabs. Each twin pack of TorrLube® 60cc bottles is sealed to prevent leakage and contamination.
Physical Properties of TorrLube® Oil
| Properties | Typical Values |
| Viscosity (base oil), cSt @ 40°C (104°F) | 500 |
| Vapor Pressure, torr | 1 x 10-9 |
| Density, g/ml @23°C (74°F) | 1.9 |
| Volatility Loss (22 hrs @260°C), % | <1 |
| Appearance | Clear Liquid |
| 60752-01 | TorrLube® Oil,1x 60cc Bottle | each | $750.00 | |
| 60752-02 | TorrLube® Oil, 2x 60cc Set | each | $1450.00 | |
Invoil Oils (formerly known as Apiezon Oils)
Consists of esters or specially selected hydrocarbon fractions. They were developed for vapor-diffusion pump fluids:
- High purity, very low pressure, very stable.
- Pressures lower than 10-7 torr obtainable
- No need for cold trap.
- Good pumping speed.
- No corrosive deposits or vapors.
Physical Properties of Apiezon Oils:
| Diffusion Pump Oils | |||
| Type B | Type BW | Type C | |
| Vapor Pressure,vtorr @20°C | 10-6 | 10-6 | 10-7 |
| Boiling Point,°C @ 1 torr | 220 | 225 | 225 |
| Flash Point (open cup)°F | 470 | 480 | 510 |
| Pour Point(ASTM) °F | 15 | 10 | 5 |
| Density, g/ml @ 20°C | 0.872 | 0.882 | 0.875 |
| @ 40°C |
0.859 | 0.869 | 0.863 |
| Viscosity, kinematic,cS @ 20°C | 142 | 361 | 283 |
| @ 50°C |
49.3 | 98.1 | 90 |
| @ 100°C |
7.0 | 10.1 | 10.6 |
| Coefficient of Expansion per °C over 20-30°C (ASTM) | 0.00073 | 0.00070 | 0.00069 |
| Thermal Conductivity Btu/in | 0.91 | 0.89 | 0.96 |
Invoil Oil B
Good for small or large vapor diffusion pumps. Good pumping speed and high backing pressure. If a cold trap is used, oil B can obtain a higher vacuum than oil C does.
| 60720 | Invoil Oil B | 500ml | 202.00 | |
Invoil Oil BW
A water-white oil with a higher pumping speed than oil B, although all other characteristics are similiar to B. Because it has an extremely high purity it is suitable for use in the evacuation of mass spectrometers.
| 60722 | Invoil Oil BW | 500ml | 265.00 | |
Invoil Oil C
Obtains the highest vacuum pressure (10-7 torr) of all of the oils without the need of a cold trap.
| 60724 | Invoil Oil C | 500ml | 265.00 | |
Santovac® 5
A Polymethyl Ether, designed for an ultra high vacuum range: 10-10 torr.
Ultra low vapor pressure results in low ultimate pressures; there is no need for a cold trap and it is suitable for diffusion pumps. Santovac 5 may discolor with use but it will maintain its physical properties.
Typical physical properties of Santovac® 5:
| Vapor Pressure @ 25°C | 4 x 10-10 torr |  |
| Boiling Point @ 0.5 torr | 275°C | |
| Density @ 25°C | 1.198 | |
| Viscosity: cS @ 27°C | 1000 | |
| @ 38°C |
363 | |
| @ 99°C |
13.1 | |
| @ 149°C |
4.5 | |
| @ 260°C |
1.2 | |
| Flash Point, open cup | 288°C | |
| Pour point | 5°C | |
| Autogeneous Ignition Temp. | 590°C | |
| Refractive Index, nD25 | 1.6306 |
| 60730 | Santovac 5 | 100ml | 310.00 | |
| 60732 | Santovac 5 | 500ml | 1100.00 | |
For all other Oils and Greases
Please see Vacuum Pumps, Accessories, & Evaporation Supplies
