Lubricants in vacuum pumps aren’t just an afterthought—they’re essential to keeping your equipment running efficiently. The right oil or grease minimizes friction, prevents wear, and protects against heat and contamination. Using the wrong one? That can lead to premature failure, costly downtime, and expensive repairs.
This guide covers the best oils and greases for vacuum pumps, when to use them, and how to choose the right lubricant for your specific application.
SLICK MOVES: THE BEST GREASE & OIL FOR YOUR PUMP
Vacuum pumps operate under tough conditions—high temperatures, dust, moisture, and harsh chemicals. The right lubricant ensures longevity and peak performance. Let’s break down how different oils and greases perform, which work best for various applications, and what to use for specific pump types.
HOW LUBRICANTS AFFECT PUMP PERFORMANCE
Lubricants do more than reduce friction – they also aid heat dissipation, vacuum sealing, and protection against contaminants.
LUBRICATION AND FRICTION REDUCTION
Proper lubrication minimizes friction between moving parts, reducing wear on bearings and vanes, and cylinder walls. This prevents premature failure and costly repairs, and extends the lifespan of working components and the pump itself.
HEAT DISSIPATION AND THERMAL STABILITY
Vacuum pumps generate heat during operation, and the right oil helps transfer and dissipate it effectively. Premium lubricants, like those from Becker Pumps, maintain viscosity under extreme temperatures, preventing overheating and breakdown. Excessive heat leads to thermal expansion and can cause metal-to-metal contact within the vacuum pump.
SEALING AND CONTAMINANT PROTECTION
Oil-flooded and liquid-ring pumps rely on specialized oil to maintain a tight vacuum seal. In all pump types, lubricants act as a barrier against dust, debris, and moisture that could damage internal components.
CORROSION AND OXIDATION PREVENTION
Exposure to oxygen, moisture, and chemicals can cause corrosion inside a vacuum pump. Lubricants form a protective layer on metal surfaces, reducing oxidation and extending component life.
EXTENDED MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
High-quality lubricants reduce the frequency of oil and grease changes, lowering maintenance costs and minimizing downtime. However, following manufacturer recommendations ensures optimal performance and longevity.
MATCHING LUBRICANTS TO OPERATING CONDITIONS
Lubricants only perform effectively if they suit the environment in which the pump operates. Temperature, contaminants, and humidity all impact lubricant performance. The table below outlines how different environmental factors affect lubricants and which type is best suited for each condition.
| Environmental Factor | Effect on Lubricants | Recommended Lubricant |
| Extreme heat | Oil thins and degrades, reducing lubrication and protection. | High-viscosity, thermal-resistant synthetic oils and greases. |
| Extreme cold | Lubricants thicken, increasing resistance and lowering efficiency. | Low-viscosity oils that maintain fluidity even in freezing environments. |
| Dust | Airborne particles contaminate lubricants, accelerating wear. | Tackified oils and greases with dispersants suspend contaminants. |
| Humidity and moisture | Oils emulsify, reducing lubrication and causing corrosion. | Water-resistant lubricants to repel moisture and prevent rust. |
| Harsh chemicals | Corrosive substances degrade lubricants, reducing effectiveness. | PTFE-based or chemically inert synthetic oils for chemical resistance. |
TYPES OF OIL FOR VACUUM PUMP APPLICATIONS
Vacuum pump oils fall into four main categories: synthetic, mineral-based, semi-synthetic, and specialty oils. Each type offers specific advantages based on viscosity, thermal stability, and chemical resistance.
Note: Becker Pumps uses and recommends only full synthetic oils to ensure optimal performance, wear protection, and service life across all operating conditions.
SYNTHETIC OILS
Offer superior chemical and thermal stability, lower volatility, and longer service life. They resist oxidation, maintain viscosity across temperature extremes, and provide better wear protection—making them ideal for high-demand applications. Though synthetic oils are more costly than other types, their durability often offsets the price over time.
MINERAL-BASED OILS
A more cost-effective option for standard vacuum pumps operating in clean, moderate conditions. While they provide reliable lubrication, they have lower chemical and thermal stability and degrade faster under high heat or chemical exposure.
SEMI-SYNTHETIC OILS
Blends of mineral and synthetic oils are designed to balance performance and cost. These offer improved thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and a longer lifespan compared to pure mineral oils.
SPECIALTY OILS
Formulated for unique applications where standard oil falls short. These include:
- Food-Grade Oils – Compliant with FDA/NSF standards for food and pharmaceutical use.
- Biodegradable Oils – Eco-friendly, plant-based alternatives.
- Low-Vapor-Pressure Oils – Minimize outgassing in high-vacuum environments.
- Corrosion-Resistant Oils – Protect pumps exposed to humid or chemically harsh conditions.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT OIL FOR YOUR PUMP TYPE
Different vacuum pump designs require specific lubricants for proper sealing, lubrication, and longevity. The right oil protects components and extends pump life, but the wrong oil can lead to premature wear or failure.
1. ROTARY VANE (OIL-LUBRICATED) PUMPS
These pumps require high-viscosity oil to form a tight seal, dissipate heat, and prevent wear. Mineral-based and synthetic oils work, but synthetic options offer better thermal stability and longer service life. For high temperatures, a thermal-resistant synthetic oil is best. Moisture-resistant oil is recommended in humid conditions.
2. DRY ROTARY VANE & DRY SCREW VACUUM PUMPS
These pumps operate without an oil-sealed compression chamber—no oil should be introduced into the working chamber. Instead, they rely on specialized synthetic greases to lubricate internal bearings and seals. Low-outgassing synthetic grease helps prevent contamination, making it ideal for laboratory and semiconductor environments.
Becker recommends high-temperature grease for bearing lubrication in dry vane pumps, particularly in high-heat conditions. Tackified grease improves performance in dusty or particulate-heavy settings.
3. HOOK AND CLAW PUMPS
These pumps use a non-contacting, oil-free design for the compression chamber but still need lubrication for internal gears and bearings. Synthetic gear oils with anti-wear additives reduce friction and extend component life. For high loads and extreme conditions, high-temperature or moisture-resistant gear oils provide better protection.
4. LIQUID RING PUMPS
When oil is used as the rotating liquid, it must resist emulsification to maintain efficiency in humid conditions. Moisture-resistant oils with anti-foaming additives are essential. High-temp synthetic oil works best in extreme heat. Low-viscosity options improve cold-weather performance.
5. GAS-TIGHT AND CHEMICAL PUMPS
Used in chemical processing, these pumps must resist aggressive chemicals and prevent contamination. PTFE-based greases and chemically inert synthetic oils offer the best corrosion and oxidation protection. High-temperature PTFE grease is ideal for heat-sensitive applications. Water-resistant options protect against moisture exposure.
WHAT TYPE OF GREASE FOR A VACUUM PUMP?
While oils provide lubrication throughout the mechanics of a vacuum pump, grease gives specialized lubrication for bearings and seals, allowing them to handle high speeds, friction, and exposure to harsh conditions. When used correctly, the right grease:
- Ensures smooth operation and prevents premature wear.
- Forms a protective barrier against dust, moisture, and chemicals.
- Reduces maintenance frequency and downtime.
KEY FACTORS IN CHOOSING GREASE
Consider these three main factors when selecting grease for your application:
- Thermal Stability: Must withstand temperature variations without breaking down.
- Viscosity: Should match bearing speed and load for proper lubrication.
- Chemical Resistance: PTFE and synthetic greases offer protection against chemicals.
MATCHING GREASES TO OPERATING CONDITIONS
Use the following guidelines to select the right grease for your application. Always follow your equipment manufacturer’s instructions when replacing oil and grease.
| Recommended Grease Characteristics by Application | |
| High-Temperature Applications | Heat-resistant greases to prevent breakdown from heat. |
| Food-Grade & Clean Environments | FDA/NSF-compliant greases to prevent contamination. |
| Heavy-Duty or Continuous Use | Durable, long-lasting formulations to handle high loads. |
| Corrosive or Chemical Exposure | Chemically resistant grease to protect against degradation. |
TRUST YOUR MANUFACTURER: MAKE IT BECKER
Choosing the right oils and greases for different vacuum applications can be complex. It’s often best to work closely with manufacturers to determine if the standard oil provided with your vacuum pump is suitable or if a customized solution is necessary.
Becker Pumps, with decades of experience, is trusted for matching the right lubricants to various vacuum pump applications. As a major global supplier, Becker also manufactures a range of genuine oils specifically designed for use with our equipment.
Our range includes:
- Becker Synthetic Oil
- Becker Premium Synthetic Oil
- Becker Vacuum Pump Flushing Oil (for maintenance)
- Becker Food Grade Vacuum Pump Oil
In addition, Becker offers high-quality grease products designed for the extreme temperatures generated by carbon vane pump bearings.Not sure if your pump has the right oil and grease for your application? Contact our team for advice or click below to learn more about Becker’s range of genuine vacuum pump lubrication products.
