This family of pumps is built on a cylindrical body in which a rotor rotates in an eccentric position.
The rotor is provided with grooves in which the vanes are free to slide. During the rotation, due to centrifugal force, the vanes are pushed in contact with the body, creating closed spaces that progressively increase their volume, recalling air from the container to be evacuated and expelling it from the discharge duct.

Therefore, rotary vane pumps operate according to the following principle: the operating volume of the pump increases from zero to a maximum value, sucking in air from outside, then this volume is isolated and progressively reduced, so to push the air out through the exhaust duct. Dry pumps can work, in continuous service, both at atmospheric pressure and at maximum vacuum, without any problem.

On the contrary, they cannot be used, but with special filters, when the sucked air is humid or contains traces of oil or other liquids. Maintenance is extremely simple and limited to the replacement of the blades and the cleaning of the filters.