Products
Vacuum Pumps
Belt Driven PumpsDuoSeal 1374DuoSeal 1376DuoSeal 1380DuoSeal 1397DuoSeal 1399DuoSeal 1400DuoSeal 1402DuoSeal 1405DuoSeal 1400W-01DuoSeal 1402W-01DuoSeal 1405W-01ChemStar 1400N-90ChemStar 1402N-90ChemStar 1376NChemStar 1400NChemStar 1402NCapture CRRBelt Kit 1397ABelt Kit 1399ABelt Kit 1400ABelt Kit 1405AMajor Repair Kit 1373K-06Major Repair Kit 1376K-06Major Repair Kit 1376K-10Major Repair Kit 1380K-04Major Repair Kit 1397K-08Major Repair Kit 1399K-04Major Repair Kit 1400K-04Major Repair Kit 1400K-10Major Repair Kit 1402K-06Major Repair Kit 1402K-10Major Repair Kit 1402K-47Minor Repair Kit 1373K-05Minor Repair Kit 1376K-05Minor Repair Kit 1376K-09Minor Repair Kit 1376K-46Minor Repair Kit 1397K-07Minor Repair Kit 1380K-03Minor Repair Kit 1399K-03Minor Repair Kit 1400K-03Minor Repair Kit 1400K-09Minor Repair Kit 1402K-05Minor Repair Kit 1402K-09Minor Repair Kit 1402K-46Seal Kit 1401EDuoSeal Oil
welch-logo.png

How Do WOB-L Piston Vacuum Pumps Work?

WOB-L piston vacuum pumps use a direct-drive mechanism to generate oil-free vacuum. They’re compact, low-maintenance, and ideal for applications where clean gas is essential—like medical devices, lab equipment, and packaging systems.

What Is a WOB-L Pump?

“WOB-L” refers to the wobble action of the piston. Unlike traditional piston pumps, the piston in a WOB-L pump is connected directly to a crankshaft via an eccentric bearing. As the crankshaft rotates, the piston moves in a circular, wobbling motion inside a cylinder. This motion compresses and expands air to create vacuum or pressure.

Key Components and How They Work Together

  • Crankshaft and Motor: The motor drives the crankshaft, which is offset to create the wobble motion.
  • Piston and Cup Seal: The piston moves up and down inside a cylinder. A flexible cup seal maintains the seal between the piston and cylinder wall without lubrication.
  • Cylinder: The chamber where air is drawn in and compressed.
  • Inlet and Exhaust Valves: These one-way valves control airflow. The inlet opens during the downstroke to draw in air; the exhaust opens during the upstroke to expel it.

This design eliminates the need for oil, reducing contamination risk and simplifying maintenance.

Why Use a WOB-L Pump?

  • Oil-Free Operation: No risk of oil vapor contaminating the vacuum stream.
  • Compact and Lightweight: Fewer moving parts and no oil reservoir.
  • Quiet and Low Vibration: The wobble motion is smoother than traditional piston designs.
  • Reliable in Intermittent or Continuous Duty: Ideal for OEM systems that require consistent performance.

Typical Applications

  • Medical suction devices
  • Laboratory vacuum filtration
  • Environmental sampling
  • Food packaging
  • Semiconductor handling

FAQs

Typically around 100–150 mbar absolute. They’re not designed for high vacuum applications.

Performance Considerations

WOB-L pumps are best suited for medium vacuum ranges (down to ~100 mbar). They’re not designed for deep vacuum or corrosive gases. For those, diaphragm or rotary vane pumps may be more appropriate.

Maintenance Tips

  • Replace cup seals and valves periodically based on duty cycle.
  • Keep intake filters clean to avoid performance loss.
  • Monitor for unusual noise or heat—signs of wear or misalignment.