Vacuum Pump Oils

The right oil keeps a vacuum pump running smoothly and extends its service life. Leybold pumps use the LEYBONOL oil range, whose composition and properties vary depending on the pump type and operating conditions.

Choosing the right oil for your vacuum pump

The right oil keeps the pump's ultimate pressure at the target level and extends the service interval. A suitable oil grade protects the pump's mechanics, reduces wear, and allows for longer oil change intervals.

The oil type is always chosen based on the process. Humid processes, chemically aggressive gases, and the cleanliness requirements of the food or pharmaceutical industry each call for a different oil to keep the pump running reliably throughout its service life.

Recommended oils by pump series

The table below shows Leybold's recommended standard oil for each pump series we sell, along with the most common alternatives for special applications. The final choice always depends on the process being pumped.

Pump series	Standard oil	Alternatives
SOGEVAC SV series	LVO 120 (SV 10–16 B) / LVO 130 (SV 25 B and larger, mineral oil)	LVO 140/150 (mineral oil, food grade), LVO 211 (ester oil) or LVO 300 (PAO oil) for chemical processes
Trivac D	LVO 130 (mineral oil)	LVO 210/240 (ester oil), LVO 300/310 (PAO oil), LVO 400 (PFPE oil, BCS-PFPE version)
Vacube (VQ series)	LVO 320 (PAO oil)	—

Oil selection also depends on the application and the process being pumped. If you're unsure, we recommend contacting us before placing an order.

Common oil types

Leybold pumps mainly use four types of oil, which differ in composition and suit different applications:

Mineral oil

A basic oil for pumping ordinary air and non-reactive gases. This is the standard oil for most oil-sealed pumps and suits typical industrial use without special temperature or chemical requirements. Some mineral oils are also approved for use in the food industry.

Ester oil

Ester oil is a synthetic oil that withstands high temperatures and chemical stress better than mineral oil. This extends the oil change interval and makes it suitable for processes involving, for example, dry gases or materials that require higher temperatures.

PAO oil

A synthetic oil with good thermal and oxidation resistance as well as good water separation. This allows the pump to operate reliably even in more humid conditions. PAO oil is used, among other things, in the food industry and in research equipment that requires clean, stable lubrication.

PFPE oil

A chemically neutral synthetic oil that withstands strong oxidants, oxygen, ozone, and reactive halogens. This oil is used in particularly aggressive processes where mineral or ester oil would break down too quickly under chemical stress.

LEYBONOL — Leybold's own oil brand

LEYBONOL is Leybold's own oil range, developed and manufactured specifically for its vacuum pumps. The range covers mineral, ester, PAO, and PFPE oils for different applications, and each oil grade is tested for compatibility with a specific pump model and process. Using genuine LEYBONOL oil ensures your pump performs as intended and keeps your warranty valid.

Why Active Vacuum?

We supply LEYBONOL oils matched to your specific pump, not just as generic part numbers off a shelf. If you're not sure which oil your pump needs, we'll help you choose based on your application and pump model. Oils can also be delivered as part of a service visit or a pump purchase, so you don't need to order them separately.

Order vacuum pump oils

Please include your pump model (e.g. SOGEVAC SV 100 B) and the application or gas/material being pumped in your message — this helps us recommend the right oil grade. If you're not sure which oil you need, just tell us the model and its use, and we'll