The disadvantages of oil diffusion pumps primarily revolve around issues related to the oil used as the working fluid, potential contamination, and safety risks.
1. Oil Degradation and Contamination: Oil diffusion pumps, especially those using hydrocarbon oils, can suffer from degradation over time. The oil can break down into lighter fractions, which may escape through the top nozzle, potentially contaminating the system. This degradation can lead to a decrease in the oil's flashpoint, increasing the risk of explosion if the oil overheats with air present. Regular maintenance, including annual oil changes and thorough cleaning of the pump internals, is necessary to mitigate this risk.
2. Safety Risks: Historically, oil diffusion pumps used mercury, which is highly toxic. Although mercury has been replaced by safer oils like silicone, hydrocarbon oils still pose risks, including the potential for explosion, especially in environments with ignition sources. Even with modern oils, contamination from workloads can lower the oil's flashpoint, leading to safety hazards.
3. Contamination of Processed Gases: Oil diffusion pumps can release small amounts of oil into the gases being processed, even with oil-filtering hardware in place. This contamination can be problematic in sensitive applications, leading to the need for additional purification steps or the use of alternative pump technologies like dry pumps.
4. Maintenance Requirements: The need for regular maintenance, including oil changes and cleaning, adds to the operational costs and downtime of oil diffusion pumps. This requirement is crucial to prevent oil degradation and contamination but can be a significant drawback in terms of operational efficiency.
5. Alternative Fluids and Their Drawbacks: While silicone oil is commonly used today, other fluids like polyphenyl ether and perfluoropolyether are available. Polyphenyl ether is more expensive than silicone oil and has a low vapor pressure, making it suitable for specific applications. Perfluoropolyether, while inert and resistant to breakdown, decomposes into toxic gases, necessitating additional safety measures.
In summary, oil diffusion pumps face challenges related to oil degradation, safety risks, gas contamination, and maintenance requirements. While effective in many applications, these drawbacks must be carefully managed to ensure safe and efficient operation.
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