Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow, with low viscosity fluids being thin and runny, and high viscosity fluids being thick and sticky. The viscosity of vacuum pump oil is an important factor to consider when selecting the right oil for your vacuum pump. The viscosity of vacuum pump oil can vary depending on the specific type and application of the pump. Vacuum pump oils are designed to lubricate and seal vacuum pumps, and they come in different viscosities to suit various applications and operating conditions.

Typically, vacuum pump oils have a kinematic viscosity in the range of ISO VG 32 to ISO VG 100, with ISO VG 46 being a common choice. ISO VG stands for International Standards Organization Viscosity Grade, and it provides a standardized way to classify the viscosity of lubricating oils.

Different types of vacuum pumps may require different viscosity grades of oil. For example, liquid ring vacuum pumps generally require an ISO 22 or ISO 32 viscosity oil, while rotary vane vacuum pumps typically use an ISO 68 (SAE 20) or ISO 100 (SAE 30) oil.

It is important to choose the right oil for your pump to ensure that it is lubricated properly, cooled, protected from corrosion, and that fluid seals are created in the pump. It’s also important to consult the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations for the specific vacuum pump oil being used, as different pumps may require oils with different viscosities for optimal performance.