Research Lab Fluids Engineered for Clean, Repeatable Results
PPE vacuum pump fluids, radiation-resistant fluids, optical fluids, and base fluids for laboratory and research systems.
In a research lab, the fluid in the pump or the grease in the stage can end up in your data. Backstreaming vapor coats a sample surface. A lubricant that breaks down under radiation stops a beamline mechanism mid-run. SantoLubes builds its research portfolio on polyphenyl ether (PPE) chemistry, the lowest-volatility class of synthetic fluids, with thermal stability up to 450°C (840°F) and natural resistance to radiation and chemical attack.
Our research lab portfolio includes SantoVac® diffusion pump fluids, SantoRad™ radiation-resistant fluids, SantoLight™ optical fluids, SantoLubes® PPE base fluids for specialty lubricants and greases, ultEbase® base stocks for formulation research, and ACCL® connector lubricants for instrument electronics.
Ultra-High Vacuum to 5×10⁻¹⁰ Torr
Low Backstreaming & Sample Contamination
Radiation & Thermal Stability
Built for the Demands of Research Labs
Research systems run long experiments under high vacuum, high temperature, and sometimes high radiation, with little tolerance for contamination or unplanned downtime. A failed pump fluid or degraded lubricant can cost weeks of work. SantoLubes technologies help support:
Reach Ultra-High Vacuum
Minimize Backstreaming & Sample Contamination
Withstand Radiation in Physics & Nuclear Research
Keep Optics & Measurements Clear
Stay Stable at High Temperature
Resist Chemical Attack
Protect Instrument Connectors
Reduce PFAS in the Lab
Advanced Fluid Technologies. Built for Better Data.
Match vacuum performance, purity, radiation resistance, and optical clarity to each system in your lab.
Product Technologies for Research Lab Challenges
Research facilities need different fluid behaviors across vacuum pumps, radiation-exposed hardware, optical setups, precision mechanisms, and formulation studies. SantoLubes offers PPE technologies matched to each.
SantoVac PPE Vacuum Fluids
Diffusion pump fluids for high and ultra-high vacuum research systems.
- SantoVac® 5 PPE
- Ultra-high vacuum of 5×10⁻¹⁰ Torr at 25°C. MIL-L-87100 compliant.
- SantoVac® 5P Ultra
- High-purity grade with negligible backstreaming for contamination-free work.
- SantoVac® 9
- Cost-effective 10⁻⁸ Torr performance for general lab pumps.
SantoRad Radiation-Resistant Fluids
PPE fluids for high-energy physics, nuclear, and radiation research hardware.
- SantoRad™ 7
- Lower viscosity grade with excellent radiation stability and low volatility.
- SantoRad™ 12
- Higher viscosity grade for greater film thickness. Both resist radiation up to 10¹¹ ergs/gram.
SantoLight™ Optical Fluids
Optical-grade PPE fluid for metrology, laser, and imaging setups.
- SantoLight™ SL-5262
- High refractive index, low particulate, and low fluorescence. Stable under ionizing radiation. Rated -40°C to +150°C.
PPE Base Fluids & ultEbase® Base Stocks
Base fluids for lab-built lubricants, greases, and formulation research.
- OS-124, OS-138 & OS-750
- High-temperature PPE base fluids with exceptionally low volatility.
- OS-105 ADE
- Alkylated diphenyl ether base oil with broad-temperature properties.
- ultEbase®
- Low EHD shear Group V base stock for formulated lubricants.
| Research Application / Challenge | Recommended Products | Why It Fits | Research Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-high vacuum research systems | SantoVac® 5 PPE | 5×10⁻¹⁰ Torr ultimate vacuum with long fluid life. | For surface science, thin-film, and physics research. |
| Contamination-critical experiments | SantoVac® 5P Ultra | Very high purity and negligible backstreaming. | Keeps sample surfaces and chamber walls clean. |
| General laboratory diffusion pumps | SantoVac® 9 | Reliable 10⁻⁸ Torr performance at lower cost. | For teaching labs and routine vacuum work. |
| High-energy physics & radiation research | SantoRad™ 7, SantoRad™ 12, SantoVac® 5 PPE | Resists ionizing radiation without thickening or gelling. | For beamlines, accelerators, and radiation sources. |
| Optical metrology, laser & imaging setups | SantoLight™ SL-5262 | Optical clarity and index matching with ultra-low volatility. | Protects measurement accuracy. |
| Precision stages, manipulators & mechanisms | PPE-based specialty lubricants and greases from OS-124 / OS-138 (application specific) | Low vapor pressure and broad material compatibility. | Lubricates motion inside or near vacuum chambers. |
| Lubricant & tribology research | ultEbase®, OS-105 ADE, OS-124, OS-138 | Well-characterized base stocks for formulation work. | For studies on friction, efficiency, and thermal stability. |
| Instrument electronics & connectors | ACCL-52T, ACCL-53T, ACCL-54T, ACCL-7T | Low, stable contact resistance over service life. | Prevents signal drift in data acquisition hardware. |
| Replacing PFPE vacuum fluids | SantoVac® 5P Ultra, SantoVac® 5 PPE, OS-750 | PPE vacuum performance without fluorinated chemistry. | Reduces PFAS use and disposal concerns in the lab. |
| Custom research requirements | Custom PPE formulations through SantoTolling | Tailored viscosity, purity, and thermal or radiation profile. | Contact SantoLubes for application guidance. |
Note: Product selection depends on vacuum level, pump type, temperature, radiation exposure, materials compatibility, cleanliness requirements, and experimental conditions.
Why Pump Fluid Choice Shows Up in Your Data
Every diffusion pump sends a small amount of fluid vapor back toward the chamber. In a research system, that vapor settles on samples, detectors, and optics. A thin hydrocarbon film can change surface chemistry, shift a measurement baseline, or force a bake-out that costs days.
PPE fluids have the lowest volatility of any synthetic fluid class. SantoVac® 5 PPE reaches 5×10⁻¹⁰ Torr with essentially zero backstreaming, and SantoVac® 5P Ultra goes further with a high-purity refinement for the most contamination-sensitive work. Because PPE resists oxidation and thermal breakdown, the fluid also stays in service longer between changes.
Built for Research Facilities, Scientists & Technical Decision Makers
University & Academic Labs
Reliable vacuum and lubrication for teaching and research systems.
National & Government Laboratories
Proven PPE fluids for large-scale and long-running programs.
Physics & Accelerator Facilities
Radiation-stable fluids for beamlines and high-energy hardware.
Analytical & Instrument Labs
Clean vacuum and stable optics for accurate measurement.
Corporate R&D Centers
Base fluids and custom formulations for product development.
Lab Managers & Facility Engineers
Longer fluid life and fewer unplanned shutdowns.
Custom Research Fluid Solutions
Not every experiment fits an off-the-shelf fluid. SantoLubes can help evaluate vacuum level, purity, temperature, radiation exposure, materials compatibility, and the formulation needs of your research program.
Request Application Guidance
Every nuclear energy application has unique operating conditions. SantoLubes can provide technical information, sample material, and consultation to help evaluate product fit.
Samples and Technical Support
Request a sample or connect with the SantoLubes technical team.
Application Review
Discuss your gearbox, chain, drive system, bearing, rope, or cable application with a technical specialist.
Performance Data
Review technical data for ultEbase® and SantoTrac® technologies.
FAQ
Answers to common questions about SantoLubes technologies in research lab applications.
What fluids and lubricants are used in research labs?
Research labs use diffusion pump fluids for high-vacuum systems, radiation-resistant fluids for physics and nuclear hardware, optical fluids for metrology and imaging setups, low-volatility lubricants and greases for stages and manipulators, and base stocks for formulation research. SantoLubes covers these needs with SantoVac®, SantoRad™, SantoLight™, SantoLubes® PPE base fluids, and ultEbase® technologies.
What is the best diffusion pump fluid for ultra-high vacuum research?
SantoVac® 5 PPE is widely regarded as the top-performing diffusion pump fluid. It produces ultra-high vacuum of 5×10⁻¹⁰ Torr or greater at 25°C with essentially zero backstreaming. For the most contamination-sensitive work, SantoVac® 5P Ultra offers a higher-purity refinement of the same chemistry.
Which SantoVac® grade is right for my lab?
SantoVac® 9 suits general lab pumps that need reliable 10⁻⁸ Torr performance at lower cost. SantoVac® 5 PPE is the choice for ultra-high vacuum at 5×10⁻¹⁰ Torr. SantoVac® 5P Ultra is for experiments where any contamination is unacceptable. Our engineers can review your pump and vacuum targets and recommend a grade.
Can SantoLubes fluids be used in radiation research environments?
Yes. PPE fluids resist ionizing radiation far better than hydrocarbon and conventional synthetic fluids. SantoRad™ 7 and SantoRad™ 12 withstand radiation up to 10¹¹ ergs/gram, which suits high-energy physics, accelerator, and nuclear research hardware.
Can we replace PFPE vacuum fluids in our lab with a PFAS-free option?
In many vacuum applications, yes. SantoVac® PPE fluids match or exceed PFPE vacuum performance without fluorinated chemistry. A successful switch depends on proper cleaning and flushing, and our engineers can help plan the changeover. Learn about PFAS Alternatives.
Does SantoLubes provide samples for research evaluation?
Yes. SantoLubes provides sample quantities, Technical Data Sheets, and Safety Data Sheets so you can evaluate a fluid in your system before a full order. Custom formulation is also available through our affiliate, SantoTolling.
