Hydrocarbon greases
Apiezon grades cover ambient, elevated-temperature and cryogenic applications. Select the specific grade rather than treating the whole range as interchangeable.
Girovac · Vacuum fluid selection & supply
Vacuum grease lubricates and helps seal compatible joints, valves and components where low vapour pressure and cleanliness matter. Girovac’s range includes Apiezon hydrocarbon greases, Krytox and Apiezon PFPE lubricants, MOLYKOTE silicone grease, sealing wax and Q Compound.
Choose by chemistry, temperature and application
Silicone grease
MOLYKOTE High Vacuum Grease is used for compatible lubrication and sealing duties. Check whether the process permits silicone and whether the seal materials are suitable.
PFPE greases
Krytox GPL 227, Krytox LVP and Apiezon PFPE 501 provide specialist fluorinated options. Check the formulation and operating conditions for the application.
Vacuum grease, wax and sealing-compound range
The brochure contains 13 entries across greases and related sealing products. The summary below helps identify a product for an enquiry; consult the current product data for temperature limits and material compatibility.
| Product | Type | Typical purpose / selection note | Brochure pack sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOLYKOTE High Vacuum Grease | Silicone | Lubricating and sealing compatible vacuum joints, valves and seals. | 50 g tubes (box of 10); 5 kg |
| Apiezon H Grease | Hydrocarbon | High-temperature vacuum lubrication; the brochure notes stiffening above 110°C. | 25 g |
| Apiezon L Grease | Hydrocarbon | Vacuum sealing and general scientific applications around ambient temperature. | 25 g; 50 g |
| Apiezon M Grease | Hydrocarbon | Vacuum sealing and general industrial or scientific applications around ambient temperature. | 25 g; 100 g |
| Apiezon N Grease | Hydrocarbon | Low-temperature and cryogenic applications, subject to the specified operating conditions. | 25 g |
| Apiezon T Grease | Hydrocarbon | Multipurpose sealing at medium temperatures in low-to-medium vacuum applications. | 25 g |
| Apiezon Q Compound | Sealing compound | Temporary sealing of vacuum leaks; investigate and repair the underlying fault. | 1 kg |
| Apiezon AP100 | Hydrocarbon with PTFE | Silicone-free grease for vacuum lubrication at ambient temperatures. | 50 g |
| Apiezon AP101 | Hydrocarbon with PTFE | Silicone-free anti-seize grease for suitable low-to-medium vacuum applications. | 50 g |
| Apiezon Wax W | Sealing wax | Joint sealing and mounting; the brochure gives a softening range of 80–90°C. | 25 × 20 g |
| Krytox GPL 227 | PFPE | Fluorinated grease with an anti-corrosion additive for compatible chemical-service applications. | 2 oz; 8 oz; 0.5 kg |
| Krytox LVP | PFPE | Low-vapour-pressure grease for high-vacuum lubrication and sealing. | 2 oz; 8 oz; 0.5 kg |
| Apiezon PFPE 501 | PFPE | Specialist fluorinated lubricant for demanding chemical and temperature conditions. | 100 g |
On smaller screens, swipe or scroll the table horizontally to see every column.
The catalogue tables are reference information from Girovac’s Vacuum Pump Fluids & Greases brochure. Listed pack sizes are enquiry options, not a live stock feed. Confirm current availability, the latest technical data sheet (TDS), safety data sheet (SDS) and equipment approval before ordering.
Applying grease to a vacuum seal
Check the equipment instructions first: some seals require lubricant and others are designed to be assembled clean and dry. Where grease is specified, use the approved product and amount on a clean, compatible surface. Excess grease can introduce contamination and will not compensate for damaged sealing faces or an incorrect seal.
Sealing compound is a temporary measure
Apiezon Q Compound is listed for temporary vacuum-leak sealing. It does not replace proper diagnosis and repair. For a persistent leak, ask about workshop servicing and the correct replacement seal or component.
Understanding vapour pressure and working temperature
A grease’s vapour pressure is temperature-dependent. Compare figures only when the measurement conditions are stated, and check both the operating temperature and the required vacuum cleanliness. A low vapour-pressure figure does not establish compatibility with a particular gas, elastomer or instrument.
For cryogenic work, Apiezon N is one of the brochure’s specialist entries. For elevated-temperature service, check the individual product’s current data rather than selecting by brand alone.
Questions about vacuum grease
What is the difference between vacuum grease and ordinary grease?
Vacuum applications place particular demands on vapour pressure, outgassing and contamination. Use the specified vacuum-compatible product and check the seal materials and working temperature; ordinary grease is not an automatic substitute.
Should every vacuum O-ring be greased?
No. Follow the equipment or seal manufacturer’s assembly instructions. Some seals require a specified lubricant; others must remain clean and dry.
Which grease should I use for a cryogenic application?
Apiezon N is identified in the brochure for low-temperature and cryogenic duties. Confirm the current technical data, materials and full operating temperature cycle before specifying it.
Are sealing wax and Q Compound the same as grease?
No. Apiezon Wax W is a joint-sealing and mounting wax, while Q Compound is listed for temporary leak sealing. Select the product for its intended purpose rather than using these materials interchangeably.
Get the right grade for your equipment
Send Girovac the pump make and model, current fluid or grease, operating conditions, process gases and required quantity. A nameplate photograph helps us identify the equipment. We’ll confirm suitability, pack size and delivery when quoting.
Girovac Ltd · Unit 2, Douglas Bader Close, Folgate Road, North Walsham, Norfolk NR28 0TZ, UK.
Reference information
Prepared from Girovac’s Vacuum Pump Fluids & Greases technical reference brochure, section 01 (page 3). Updated September 2026. Contact Girovac for the current product TDS, SDS and application checks.
Manufacturer references: Apiezon grease range, MOLYKOTE High Vacuum Grease, Krytox vacuum lubricants.