Efficient equipment is the key to success in modern laboratories. A promising duo in this area is the new D.I.V.A.® Schlenk line made of stainless steel, combined with the oil-free VACUU·PURE® 10C screw pump. Together they offer a high-performance and user-friendly solution for processes under a controlled atmosphere. Discover how this combination facilitates daily laboratory work for organic synthesis at the renowned University of Le Mans.
Frédéric Legros is an engineer in organic synthesis at the University of Le Mans in Sarthe, France. In their laboratory, basic research focuses primarily on the synthesis of molecules for therapeutic use in the healthcare sector. For these purposes, Legros has developed the innovative D.I.V.A. Schlenk line, a double manifold system with one manifold for the vacuum supply and one for the inert gas argon. It sets new standards in the laboratory in terms of safety, efficiency and user-friendliness:
- Stainless steel and MPTFE materials: Minimize breakage risk and enable fast, easy cleaning without disassembly.
- Grease free, unblockable taps: Prevent contamination and risks of inflammation with O2.
- Airtight safety valve: Avoids air backflow and allows for Argon overpressure without safety concerns.
Modern vacuum pump for innovative Schlenk line
The inventor of the new Schlenk Line also relies on advanced devices for vacuum supply. The oil-free, chemically resistant vacuum pump VACUU·PURE 10C ideally complements the system. It eliminates the limitations of conventional rotary vane pumps, such as the need for oil changes. As the pump does not require a cold trap with a cooling medium, it enables uninterrupted processes and can even be used overnight. Additionally, it is simple and intuitive to operate: Once switched on, the desired vacuum pressure is achieved after a warm-up time of 15 to 30 minutes, ensuring constant reliability.
In our laboratory for organic synthesis, the combination of the oil-free VACUU·PURE 10C vacuum pump with the new stainless steel D.I.V.A. Schlenk line guarantees a high-performance and user-friendly solution for working under a controlled atmosphere. This directly benefits our research, e.g. for the healthcare sector. (Frédéric Legros)
Digital and precise measuring devices
Matching the modern pump, the research laboratory uses digital VACUU·VIEW gauges that offer unsurpassed precision. They can be used to measure the vacuum from atmospheric pressure down to 10-3 mbar – and are very easy to use.
Legros reports on the users' experiences: “The laboratory benefits from the strict pressure control, which further optimizes the working conditions on the Schlenk line. The digital VACUU·VIEW gauges have a more compact design and significantly increase the precision and efficiency of the processes under vacuum compared to conventional models.”
Conclusion
Frédéric Legros enthusiastically highlights how VACUUBRAND products have transformed research efficiency on the Schlenk line he developed at the University of Le Mans.
The duo of VACUU·PURE 10C and D.I.V.A. – complemented by digital vacuum gauges – ensures a reliable and precise working environment. We are particularly impressed by the performance of this pump, which is a perfect choice to replace rotary vane pumps. This is particularly beneficial in applications that require maximum reliability and minimum maintenance. (Frédéric Legros)
We would like to thank Frédéric Legros and the University of Le Mans for the interview.