Understanding Dry Vacuum Technologies: Benefits of Screw and Claw Pumps
Modern industrial operations demand vacuum solutions that are not only reliable and energy-efficient but also clean, low maintenance, and environmentally sustainable. In industries like pharmaceuticals, food production, electronics, plastics, and research, contamination from oils or liquids is unacceptable. That's where dry vacuum technologies—specifically dry screw pumps and dry claw pumps—shine.
Atlas Copco, a global leader in vacuum solutions, offers some of the most advanced dry vacuum technologies on the market today. In this blog, we’ll explore the fundamentals of dry vacuum pumps, compare screw and claw technologies, and explain how partnering with Industrial Air Services ensures the right solution for your operation.
📞 Need help selecting the right dry vacuum system? Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 for expert service across Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
What Are Dry Vacuum Pumps?
Unlike oil-sealed rotary vane or liquid ring vacuum pumps, dry vacuum pumps achieve compression without using any liquid or oil inside the pumping chamber. This eliminates the risk of oil contamination and minimizes maintenance requirements.
Dry pumps operate by trapping gas and reducing its volume through the mechanical action of rotors, claws, or screws—without any internal lubrication.
Benefits of dry vacuum pumps include
Oil-free, contamination-free operation
Lower maintenance and cleaning requirements
Greater suitability for cleanroom and high-purity environments
Better energy efficiency for many industrial processes
Reduced waste and environmental impact
Atlas Copco’s dry vacuum lineup includes the DWS VSD⁺ dry screw pumps and the DZS Series dry claw pumps, both designed for maximum reliability and efficiency.
Understanding Dry Screw Vacuum Pumps
Dry screw vacuum pumps operate by using two intermeshing helical screws rotating in opposite directions. As the screws rotate, gas is trapped between the screw threads and moved toward the discharge port while being compressed.
Key features of dry screw pumps
High pumping speeds across a wide pressure range
Ability to handle condensable vapors and light particulate loads
Smooth, pulse-free gas flow for sensitive processes
Robust design suited for harsh, corrosive, or dirty gas streams
Atlas Copco’s DWS VSD⁺ models feature Variable Speed Drive (VSD⁺) technology, allowing motor speed to automatically adjust to real-time process demands—saving energy and extending equipment life.
Ideal applications for dry screw pumps
Pharmaceutical freeze drying (lyophilization)
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in semiconductor production
Food packaging and vacuum drying
Vacuum distillation and solvent recovery
Plastic extrusion and degassing
Understanding Dry Claw Vacuum Pumps
Dry claw vacuum pumps use two rotors with claw-shaped profiles rotating in opposite directions. Gas enters the compression chamber, is trapped between the claws, and is compressed as the claws rotate and approach the discharge port.
Key features of dry claw pumps
Extremely low maintenance (very few wearing parts)
Efficient design requiring minimal power input
Ability to handle humid or dusty gases
Highly compact and modular construction
Atlas Copco’s DZS Series claw pumps are known for rugged durability, compact footprint, and cost-effective operation in a variety of industrial settings.
Ideal applications for dry claw pumps
Pneumatic conveying systems
Plastics thermoforming and molding
Woodworking CNC machine support
Food processing (conveying, pick-and-place)
Environmental remediation (soil vapor extraction)
Real-World Example: Semiconductor Cleanroom in Nashville
A semiconductor fabrication facility required ultra-clean, oil-free vacuum for their etching and wafer processing operations. Contamination from traditional oil-sealed pumps was unacceptable.
They installed Atlas Copco DWS VSD⁺ dry screw pumps with HEX@™ smart controls and GENIUS Instant Insights™ remote monitoring.
Results included
Maintained ISO 6 cleanroom standards without risk of contamination
Energy savings of 30% through VSD⁺ dynamic control
Zero vacuum pump-related downtime in 18 months
Improved product yields and reduced defect rates
📞 Need similar clean vacuum solutions? Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 today.
Advantages of Atlas Copco’s Dry Vacuum Technologies
VSD⁺ Standardization
All Atlas Copco dry screw and claw pumps with VSD⁺ technology automatically adjust motor speed to real-time demand, drastically reducing energy use.
Compact, Modular Design
Atlas Copco’s DWS and DZS pumps are designed for easy installation, small footprints, and flexible system integration.
Smart Monitoring
With GENIUS Instant Insights™ remote monitoring and HEX@™ touchscreen controls, you can manage your vacuum system more efficiently and proactively.
Low Noise and Vibration
Dry claw and screw technologies operate quietly, improving workplace environments and reducing the need for costly acoustic enclosures.
Environmentally Friendly
No oil contamination, reduced emissions, and lower energy consumption help facilities meet stringent environmental regulations and corporate ESG goals.
Maintenance Best Practices for Dry Vacuum Pumps
Follow recommended service intervals for inspections and preventive maintenance
Replace shaft seals and check rotor clearances as needed (especially for dry screw pumps)
Keep cooling fins and air filters clean to maintain optimal temperatures
Use Atlas Copco OEM parts and fluids for any maintenance to preserve warranty and performance
Set up remote monitoring through GENIUS to catch small issues before they escalate
How Industrial Air Services Supports Your Dry Vacuum System
Industrial Air Services provides full support for Atlas Copco dry vacuum systems, including
Site audits and application consulting
System design, installation, and commissioning
Preventive maintenance contracts
24/7 emergency service and rapid response
GENIUS system setup and remote monitoring training
With local service teams in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, we ensure your vacuum systems stay optimized and operational at all times.
📞 Ready to upgrade to oil-free dry vacuum technology? Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 today.
Conclusion
Dry vacuum technologies, including screw and claw pumps, are revolutionizing industrial operations by offering contamination-free, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance vacuum solutions. Whether you need high pumping speed for pharmaceutical manufacturing or rugged reliability for plastics extrusion, Atlas Copco’s dry vacuum systems provide the performance and peace of mind modern industries demand. With Industrial Air Services as your trusted partner, you’ll have the local support and engineering expertise needed to design, install, and maintain your ideal vacuum solution.
Contact Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 to get started with a site evaluation or discuss upgrading your vacuum systems across Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
