3B Scientific Rotary-Vane Vacuum Pump, One-Stage User Manual
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4.4 Maintenance
4.4.1 Vacuum pump oil
The condition and the type of oil used in any
high performance vacuum pump are extremely
important in determining the ultimate attainable
vacuum. It is recommended to use the high per-
formance vacuum pump oil, which is specifically
blended to maintain maximum viscosity at nor-
mal running temperatures and to improve cold
weather start up.
4.4.2 Oil change
•
Ensure that the pump is warmed up.
•
Pull the mains plug.
•
Remove the oil drain cap and drain the con-
taminated oil into a container. Take care not
lose the oil drain gasket.
•
Dispose of the oil adhering to the local regu-
lations.
Oil can also be removed from the pump by
opening the stopcock and partially blocking the
exhaust with a cloth while the pump is running.
Do not operate the pump for more than 20 sec-
onds using this method.
•
When the drainage of oil completed, tilt the
pump forward to remove the residual oil.
•
Screw in the oil drain cap.
•
Remove the oil fill cap and fill the oil reser-
voir with new vacuum pump oil until oil is
seen at the bottom of the sight glass.
•
Ensure that the stopcock is closed before
turning on the pump.
•
Allow it to run for one minute before check-
ing the oil level.
•
If the oil level is below the sight glass oil
level line, fill oil slowly (with the pump run-
ning) until the oil reaches the oil level line.
•
Place back the oil fill cap, ensure the stopcock
is closed and the oil drain cap is closed tightly.
If the oil is badly contaminated with sludge that
forms during operation, you may use the follow-
ing method to remove the oil from the pump
reservoir.
•
Leave the pump running until it is warmed
up.
•
While the pump is still running, remove the
oil drain cap. Take care not lose the oil drain
gasket.
•
Restrict the exhaust slightly.
This will back-pressure the oil reservoir and
force out the sludge.
•
Turn off the pump when the oil stops flowing.
•
Repeat this procedure as required until the
contaminants are removed.
•
Screw in the oil drain cap and refill the oil res-
ervoir to the proper oil level with clean vacuum
pump oil.
5. Troubleshooting guide
5.1 Failure to start
•
Check if the voltage selector switch is in the
right position.
5.2 Oil leakage
•
Ensure that that the oil is not a residual ac-
cumulation of spillage etc.
If leakage exists, the housing gasket or the shaft
seal may need to be replaced.
•
Contact the distributor.
If leakage exists in the area of the oil drain plug,
•
reseal the plug using a commercial pipe
thread sealer.
5.3 Failure to attain a good vacuum
•
Ensure the vacuum gauge and all connec-
tions are in good condition and leak free.
•
Confirm leakage by monitoring the vacuum
with the manometer while applying vacuum
pump oil at connections or suspected leak
points. The vacuum will improve briefly while
the oil is sealing the leak.
•
Ensure the pump oil is clean.
A badly contaminated pump may require several
oil flushes.
•
Ensure the oil is at the proper level.
For optimum pump operation, the oil must be
even with the oil level line on the sight glass
when the pump is running.
•
Do not overfill as operating temperatures will
cause the oil to expand, which will appear at
a higher level than when the pump is not
running.
•
To check the oil level, start the pump with
the stopcock closed.
•
Check the oil level in the sight glass. Add oil
if necessary.
5.4 Automatic shut down
The pump is equipped with a thermal protection
function. If the ambient temperature is too hot,
the product may stop functioning.
•
Do not to switch off the power supply imme-
diately.
If the pump does not re-start automatically after
3 minutes,
•
cool the pump by lowering the ambient tempera-
ture to prolong the lifespan of the vacuum pump.