Scroll vacuum pumps consist of both a fixed and an orbiting scroll. As the orbiting scroll moves, voids are created at the inlet of the pump, drawing in the gas. As the rotor further moves, the gas is steadily compressed until it is discharged to atmosphere at the pump exhaust.

The scroll pump design provides 100% oil-free operation as it does not require any lubrication. The bearings are separated from the compression chamber so no contamination of the pumped gas is possible. In addition, the leak-tight design helps prevent contamination of the pumped gas by ambient air. Maintenance is limited to changing the scroll tip seals which can be easily done by the operator and without the need for special tools.