MDC offers a robust lineup of foreline traps designed to protect vacuum systems by minimizing pump oil backstreaming and trapping harmful condensables. These components are critical in maintaining vacuum integrity, extending pump life, and improving system performance. Available types include Molecular Sieve Traps, Coaxial Traps (single and two-piece), and Liquid Nitrogen Traps.

Molecular Sieve Traps

MDC's molecular sieve traps feature type 13X synthetic zeolite to effectively adsorb water vapor and hydrocarbons at room temperature. Capable of adsorbing molecules up to 10 angstroms, these traps are reactivated by in-place bakeout cycles. Their built-in heater maintains 150°C (302°F) and bakeout times range from 4 to 12 hours depending on moisture content. Mountable in vertical or horizontal positions, these traps offer easy sieve material replacement through a top-fitted port. Port sizes available in metric (63.5 mm, 101.6 mm).

Coaxial Traps

Designed for low-maintenance, room temperature operation, MDC's coaxial traps prevent hydrocarbon backstreaming without requiring bakeout.

Single-piece coaxial traps are sealed units with bronze wool filter elements and are replaced entirely when saturated. Available in 4" (101.6 mm) and 6" (152.4 mm) body diameters.
Two-piece coaxial traps offer removable and reusable filter cartridges filled with copper, stainless steel, bronze wools, activated alumina, or carbon. Available in 2" (50.8 mm), 4" (101.6 mm), 6" (152.4 mm), and 8" (203.2 mm) diameters, these traps offer quick filter replacement using banded clamps. Body materials are made from 304 stainless steel and compatible with Del-Seal™ CF, Kwik-Flange™ ISO KF, ISO LF, or hose-style connections.

Liquid Nitrogen Traps

These traps leverage cryogenic cooling to permanently capture condensables such as water vapor. Ideal for both pump inlet and exhaust line placement, they offer automatic refill compatibility via customer-supplied coolant level controllers. They deliver maintenance-free operation in low-cycle applications for up to six months, while high-throughput production environments may require custom preventative maintenance scheduling.

Industry Applications

MDC’s foreline traps are essential in semiconductor fabrication, thin-film coating, R&D vacuum chambers, analytical instrumentation, and industrial vacuum systems. Their ability to protect vacuum environments from oil vapor, water, and organic contaminants makes them ideal for high and ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) applications requiring stable, clean process conditions.