Oil vacuum pump typically refers to a laboratory pump that requires vacuum pump oil for its operation. Oil is inexpensive compared to the cost of the vacuum pump and the pump requires the proper oil to operate efficiently. Should fluids be used that are formulated for other purposes, they may hinder the performance of the oil vacuum pump by absorbing moisture, raising vapor pressure and reacting with other gases to form sludge that damages the pump. Therefore, use of proper vacuum pump oil and regular oil changes will give you the lowest obtainable pressure with a minimal amount of repair.
