Downloads (2)

Operating Instructions596 KB
Technical Datasheet (TDS)446 KB

Specification

Product Data
Vacuum Ports1x
Integrated Pressure GaugeNo
Carry HandleYes
Nominal Capacity (Metric)4m³/hr
Total Final Absolute Pressure99.8% Vacuum
Time to 99% Vacuum (When used with the Easy Composites 26 litre vacuum chamber)03:10mm:ss
Integrated Inlet FilterNo
Vacuum Port size1/4" (Fitted with an 8mm Hose Tail Barb)G (BSP Female)
Nominal Capacity (Imperial)2.37CFM
Time to 90% Vacuum (When used with the Easy Composites 26 litre vacuum chamber)00:65mm:ss
Time to 99.9% Vacuum (When used with the Easy Composites 26 litre vacuum chamber)04:30mm:ss
Motor Power0.12kW
Warranty2Year(s)
General Properties
Gross Weight8.2kg
BrandDVP

Shipping Information

Restrictions

This product is not classed as dangerous goods for transport and can be shipped to all destinations without restriction.

Shipping to EU countries is now done through our European subsidiary based in the Netherlands. All EU customers should use www.easycomposites.eu.

Package Size

There are no package size restrictions or surcharges for this product.

Delivery Cost

To find the delivery cost of this item to your address, add it to your basket and then use the instant shipping calculator on the basket page.

EC4 Compact Composites Vacuum Pump

Professional quality oil-lubricated vacuum pump in a compact and portable format. EC4 is recommended for most composites applications including resin infusion, prepreg, general vacuum bagging and slower vacuum degassing operations. For prolonged or continuous use, bags/equipment must be properly sealed.

220/240V operation only. Please choose the correct power lead for your region.


PRODUCT VERSIONS

Power Lead

AVAILABILITY:More than 20 availablefor immediate shipping


PRICE
£269.50ex. VAT
More than 20 availablefor immediate shipping
QTY
EACH
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The EC4 Compact Composites Vacuum Pump has been developed in conjunction with leading Italian vacuum pump manufacturer DVP to produce a compact, portable vacuum pump engineered specifically for the rigours of daily use in a composites environment.

The pump is ideally suited for use in vacuum bagging (including prepregs), resin infusion, and vacuum degassing. Despite the small size of this vacuum pump, its optimised vacuum curve and high performance components ensure surprisingly rapid pull-down and attainment of full vacuum.

The pump’s quiet operation, continuous duty cycle, check-valve and virtually mist free operation make it suitable for most environments, including manufacturing facilities, workshops, laboratories, schools and universities.

The underlying DVP pump technology is considered the best on the market, offering an unrivalled combination of performance and reliability, backed by a 2-year warranty, whilst the rugged, mobile form factor provides maximum protection and practicality.

Recommended Uses

  • Vacuum bagging prepregs (oven cure or autoclave use)
  • Resin infusion
  • Smaller vacuum degassing operations
  • Resin transfer moulding (RTM/RTM light)
  • Vacuum bonding*

EC4 is NOT suitable for prolonged or continuous use in a leaking condition (more than 9 mbar), frequent vacuum degassing of materials with a high water content (such as plaster), or vacuum drying.

Key Features

  • Purpose-built composites vacuum pump
  • Highest levels of vacuum (99.8% / 2 mbar)
  • Zero* oil mist/vapour
  • Compact, portable design
  • Integrated non-return valve
  • Smooth, quiet operation
  • Engineered for constant operation*
  • Industrial quality components provide maximum reliability (full spares available)
  • 2-year warranty (excludes user damage)

Further Information

Continuous Operation (Acceptable Levels of Leakage)

EC4 is suitable for continuous operation in conditions where the vacuum bag or equipment are properly sealed, with negligible leaks (range 2―9 mbar). 

*EC4 is not suitable for continuous operation against poorly sealed bags or equipment. Prolonged use in such a condition can overwhelm the pump’s oil vapour recovery system, causing oil leakage and potentially damaging the pump. In applications where leaks are difficult to avoid, such as bag/veneer pressing or vacuum bagging of in-situ repairs, an oil-free dry running pump, such as the EC5 Dry Running Compact Vacuum Pump, should be used.

Size Capability

Despite its compact size, EC4 offers impressive performance with a free air displacement of >4m³ per hour, ensuring fast pull-down even on large vacuum bags. It is more than capable of vacuum bagging components up to the size of a small boat hull (providing the bag and equipment are properly sealed).

For vacuum bagging of larger projects, or rapid vacuum degassing cycles, our larger EC20 Industrial Vacuum Pump would be recommended.

Zero Oil Mist/Vapour

Unlike oil-bath vacuum pumps EC4 features a continuous gas ballast and exhaust mist eliminator to ensure that the exhausted air is almost entirely free from oil making it suitable for use in sensitive environments such as confined workshops, schools, universities and laboratories.

Vacuum Pump Oil

EC4 is an oil lubricated vacuum pump and requires the correct type of oil to run. Oil should be checked and replaced regularly, according to the operating instructions. To avoid leakage during transport, the pump is shipped empty of oil but is supplied with a bottle of oil sufficient to fill the pump.

Replacement oil must be BV32 / ISO VG 32 / SW40, such as our VPO32 vacuum pump oil, sold separately.

International Use - 220-240V ONLY

EC4 is suitable for use in all countries and territories with a 220-240V mains supply. The pump is available with a choice of the most popular international mains plug types. Please choose the plug type you require from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. This pump cannot be operated on a 110V mains supply such as in the USA or Japan.

Choosing the Correct Vacuum Pump

If you’re unsure if this is the correct vacuum pump for your application, see our guide to choosing the correct vacuum pump, ask a question below or speak to our technical team for expert advice.

PRODUCT VIDEOS(1)

The EC4 Compact Composites Vacuum Pump has been developed in conjunction with leading Italian vacuum pump manufacturer DVP to produce a compact, portable vacuum pump engineered specifically for the rigours of daily use in a composites environment.

The pump is ideally suited for use in vacuum bagging (including prepregs), resin infusion, and vacuum degassing. Despite the small size of this vacuum pump, its optimised vacuum curve and high performance components ensure surprisingly rapid pull-down and attainment of full vacuum.

The pump’s quiet operation, continuous duty cycle, check-valve and virtually mist free operation make it suitable for most environments, including manufacturing facilities, workshops, laboratories, schools and universities.

The underlying DVP pump technology is considered the best on the market, offering an unrivalled combination of performance and reliability, backed by a 2-year warranty, whilst the rugged, mobile form factor provides maximum protection and practicality.

Recommended Uses

  • Vacuum bagging prepregs (oven cure or autoclave use)
  • Resin infusion
  • Smaller vacuum degassing operations
  • Resin transfer moulding (RTM/RTM light)
  • Vacuum bonding*

EC4 is NOT suitable for prolonged or continuous use in a leaking condition (more than 9 mbar), frequent vacuum degassing of materials with a high water content (such as plaster), or vacuum drying.

Key Features

  • Purpose-built composites vacuum pump
  • Highest levels of vacuum (99.8% / 2 mbar)
  • Zero* oil mist/vapour
  • Compact, portable design
  • Integrated non-return valve
  • Smooth, quiet operation
  • Engineered for constant operation*
  • Industrial quality components provide maximum reliability (full spares available)
  • 2-year warranty (excludes user damage)

Further Information

Continuous Operation (Acceptable Levels of Leakage)

EC4 is suitable for continuous operation in conditions where the vacuum bag or equipment are properly sealed, with negligible leaks (range 2―9 mbar). 

*EC4 is not suitable for continuous operation against poorly sealed bags or equipment. Prolonged use in such a condition can overwhelm the pump’s oil vapour recovery system, causing oil leakage and potentially damaging the pump. In applications where leaks are difficult to avoid, such as bag/veneer pressing or vacuum bagging of in-situ repairs, an oil-free dry running pump, such as the EC5 Dry Running Compact Vacuum Pump, should be used.

Size Capability

Despite its compact size, EC4 offers impressive performance with a free air displacement of >4m³ per hour, ensuring fast pull-down even on large vacuum bags. It is more than capable of vacuum bagging components up to the size of a small boat hull (providing the bag and equipment are properly sealed).

For vacuum bagging of larger projects, or rapid vacuum degassing cycles, our larger EC20 Industrial Vacuum Pump would be recommended.

Zero Oil Mist/Vapour

Unlike oil-bath vacuum pumps EC4 features a continuous gas ballast and exhaust mist eliminator to ensure that the exhausted air is almost entirely free from oil making it suitable for use in sensitive environments such as confined workshops, schools, universities and laboratories.

Vacuum Pump Oil

EC4 is an oil lubricated vacuum pump and requires the correct type of oil to run. Oil should be checked and replaced regularly, according to the operating instructions. To avoid leakage during transport, the pump is shipped empty of oil but is supplied with a bottle of oil sufficient to fill the pump.

Replacement oil must be BV32 / ISO VG 32 / SW40, such as our VPO32 vacuum pump oil, sold separately.

International Use - 220-240V ONLY

EC4 is suitable for use in all countries and territories with a 220-240V mains supply. The pump is available with a choice of the most popular international mains plug types. Please choose the plug type you require from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. This pump cannot be operated on a 110V mains supply such as in the USA or Japan.

Choosing the Correct Vacuum Pump

If you’re unsure if this is the correct vacuum pump for your application, see our guide to choosing the correct vacuum pump, ask a question below or speak to our technical team for expert advice.

Downloads (2)

Operating Instructions596 KB
Technical Datasheet (TDS)446 KB

Specification

Product Data
Vacuum Ports1x
Integrated Pressure GaugeNo
Carry HandleYes
Nominal Capacity (Metric)4m³/hr
Total Final Absolute Pressure99.8% Vacuum
Time to 99% Vacuum (When used with the Easy Composites 26 litre vacuum chamber)03:10mm:ss
Integrated Inlet FilterNo
Vacuum Port size1/4" (Fitted with an 8mm Hose Tail Barb)G (BSP Female)
Nominal Capacity (Imperial)2.37CFM
Time to 90% Vacuum (When used with the Easy Composites 26 litre vacuum chamber)00:65mm:ss
Time to 99.9% Vacuum (When used with the Easy Composites 26 litre vacuum chamber)04:30mm:ss
Motor Power0.12kW
Warranty2Year(s)
General Properties
Gross Weight8.2kg
BrandDVP
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?Ask our technical team a question.

With suitable precautions, these pumps will run for long periods including overnight. The main consideration is the consumption of oil whilst the pump is under load. The pump must not be allowed to run dry of oil otherwise damage will occur so regularly checking the oil level is a must. If the bag is properly sealed then you will find that the consumption of oil is minimal, in which case the pump will find fine to run overnight without danger of running low or out of oil. On the other hand, if the bag is not properly sealed (i.e. it leaks) then this will put the pump under more load and consume oil much more quickly. In this situation we would not advise leaving the pump unattended.

Although these pumps are not designed to have user-serviceable parts, we do have a range of spare parts for professional users or competent persons to replace worn components such as the vanes and some seals which can be arranged by contacting our support department.

The pump is ready to run without any additional accessories required. The pump is fitted with a 1/4 turn vacuum valve and a 'hose tail' barb which is 7mm in OD, making it suitable for both 6mm ID hose and 8mm ID hose. We don't include a vacuum gauge; if you want one then the simplest way would be to get a Male - Female - Male 1/4 BSP 'T Piece'. The male 1/4 BSP thread could screw into the vacuum pump (after you unscrew the existing vacuum valve), the gauge would screw into the female side on the T piece and then the vacuum valve (and barb) could screw back onto the remaining male thread on the T piece. Such a fitting would be available from an air fitting supplier.

Our EC.4 pump is fitted with an inline check valve in the vacuum port of the pump. This means that when the pump is switched off, oil cannot flow back up the vacuum line. For this reason, you do not need a valve on the pump itself.

On the EC4, gases exit via the black oil separator filter on the top of the pump. This filter catches any oil mist but allows air drawn through the pump to pass through. 

It comes pre-assembled as a kit with the 8mm barb. However it is a standard 1/4" BSP fitting and could easily be replaced with a different size one.

Yes it is normal for air bubbles to make the sight glass look frothy during pump use.  This is air being extracted through the pump. With the pump switched off, the oil should settle back down to being clear again.

The EC4 has an inline female 'Shucko' socket on it, the same type of socket that the vast majority of PCs and computer monitors have on them so you'll be using the same type of lead to connect the EC4 to your 220V mains supply. None of the power leads we list on our website are the US convention because not many US customers have access to a 220/240V supply and so we didn't want to cause confusion by offering a US power lead. If you can connect to your 220V system using a standard US 2 pin plug then you can use any PC/monitor power lead you already have.

There are no issues with using this pump with vacuum bagging processes involving vinylester resins.

It is not possible to control or change the level of vacuum the pump achieves directly. The pump is designed to run to a full vacuum only. However it is possible to use a separate SMC vacuum regulator to control the level of vacuum the vacuum bag or chamber connected to the pump achieves. The regulator sits between the pump and the bag/chamber and reduces the level of vacuum to the level set on the regulator's gauge. You can find the SMC vacuum regulator here: SMC Vacuum Regulator

The EC4 is fitted an 8mm hose tail barb which is intended for an 8mm internal diameter hose so your 8mm hose should be a perfect push-fit.

The Figures are as follows:

  • Power

  • 0.12kW at 50 Hz.
  • 0.15kW at 60 Hz.
  • 0.16hp at 50 Hz.
  • 0.2hp at 60 Hz.

  • Amperage
  • 0.8A

.. and vacuum leak flow indicator. After a prolonged period of running a small amount of oil had backed up in the tubing between the pump and the regulator. Is this normal?

When using the regulator for long periods of time, this is perfectly normal. This is because, in essence, the pump is operating under a load for a prolonged period so you get a very small amount of oil back splatter in the hose. In normal operation, the check valve prevents any significant amount of oil flowing up the inlet pipe when the pump is switched off.

Yes, certainly. This pump is perfectly suited for resin infusion of large car body panels so will have no problem with the panels you describe.

The DVP EC.4 is not designed rated for use with hot air outside the range of normal ambient environmental temperatures. However, for short periods of a couple of minutes or so, it is unlikely that exposure to air at 80°C would cause any long term damage. The oil and pump itself would absorb and dissipate the heat but would then need to cool once switched off.

Yes, connected to a suitable vacuum investment and casting machine, this vacuum pump would be perfectly suitable for supplying the vacuum to the chamber.

ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION

Note: Your name will be abbreviated and your email address will only be used to email you the answer directly

Note: Your name will be abbreviated and your email address will only be used to email you the answer directly

Customer Product Reviews for EC4 Compact Composites Vacuum Pump

5/5 Average rating
13/9/2023
|
Angelos K
|

I just got mine. It is worth every penny.

23/1/2022
|
François L
|

Very good little vacuum pump, very high quality, silent, and affordable price. I can only recommend it!!

12/11/2021
|
Oekmont B
|

I've got this in my workshop for several years now, and I must say that I could not be happier with it. Especially the pump is the very best I have ever come across. You did a great job with this setup.

SUBMIT YOUR OWN PRODUCT REVIEW

We publish all reviews for verified purchases. Submit your own review and help other customers with their choices.

SUBMIT YOUR OWN PRODUCT REVIEW

We publish all reviews for verified purchases. Submit your own review and help other customers with their choices.

Shipping Information

Restrictions

This product is not classed as dangerous goods for transport and can be shipped to all destinations without restriction.

Shipping to EU countries is now done through our European subsidiary based in the Netherlands. All EU customers should use www.easycomposites.eu.

Package Size

There are no package size restrictions or surcharges for this product.

Delivery Cost

To find the delivery cost of this item to your address, add it to your basket and then use the instant shipping calculator on the basket page.

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