Method for operating a vacuum pump and vacuum pump

A method for operating a vacuum pump comprising the steps of:

• receiving a stop signal in order to stop operation of the vacuum pump;
• opening the gas ballast;
• controlling the vacuum pump to keep running for a predetermined time in order to transport the water vapor thereby drying the interior of the vacuum pump;
• and
• after the predetermined time, stop operation of the vacuum pump and preferably closing the gas ballast.

A vacuum pump comprising

• a housing with an inlet and an outlet,
• a rotor shaft disposed in the housing rotated by a motor, wherein at least one pump element is connected to the rotor shaft and arranged in at least one pump chamber defined by the housing,
• a control unit to control operation of the vacuum pump and
• at least one humidity sensor connected to the control unit
• characterized by
• condensation reduction means for reduction of condensation within the vacuum pump connected to the control unit,
• wherein the control unit is configured to determine a humidity by the humidity sensor and control the condensation reduction means for reduction of condensation within the vacuum pump if the acquired humidity is above a preset threshold.