These devices create a vacuum without using oil as a lubricant or sealant within the pumping mechanism. They rely on alternative technologies such as diaphragms, scrolls, or claws to achieve the desired pressure reduction. An example is a laboratory setup requiring a clean, contamination-free environment where these pumps are essential for processes like sample preparation or instrument operation.
The significance of these pumps lies in their ability to provide a clean vacuum, preventing oil backstreaming and potential contamination of processes or products. This is critical in industries like pharmaceuticals, food processing, and semiconductor manufacturing, where purity is paramount. Historically, the development of these pumps has been driven by the increasing demand for cleaner and more reliable vacuum solutions.