Green labs

UCSC SiL is exploring new ways to reduce energy consumption that can be implemented in similar laboratories. In 2022 UCSC SiL received a grant from UCSC Carbon Fund to replace turbo-backing oil rotary pumps with oil free diaphragm pumps. These new pumps were installed in 2022 and are projected to save over 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 20 liters of oil waste in the next decade. The use of an oil free pump should also extend the working lifetime of the associated turbo pumps and instrumentation.

For other labs considering replacing oil rotary pumps with oil free pumps, a diaphragm pump is an excellent choice for turbo-backing. In turbo-backing applications, these pumps use significantly less power than scroll or root pumps and are available at a fraction of the cost with no observable difference in performance. The higher ultimate pressures do not meaningfully affect turbo-backing functionality, nor are pumpdown times meaningfully increased. For an economical, reliable, and serviceable pump available at low cost, we recommend the Vacuubrand MD-1 Vario-SP. The use of an oil free pump also allows the turbo vent valve to be removed and plugged, allowing for a natural turbo spin-down during venting, extending the expected operating life of the turbo. (Note that for a roughing pump not backing a turbo, a scroll or root or oil rotary pump will almost certainly still be preferable for good instrument performance.)

Looking for other ways to save energy? Turn off drying ovens and furnaces (are you really going to use the EA this week?) when not in use.

Also, don't forget to CLOSE THE FUME HOOD SASH.