Maintenance Tips for Rotary Lobe vacuum pumps

Suggestions 1 => via typical calls on Lobe Pumps : A common service call on a Lobe vacuum pump is because it locked up, this is in most cases from buildup that was created from milk vapor carry over, then followed by the steam from the rinse cycle, in many instances this can be taken care of by flushing the pump.

Suggestions 2 => via flushing Lobe Pumps : The 1st step to flushing a pump that is locked up is to soak it with a solution to release the hold that the buildup has on the lobes. Another solution that's often used is to put a tube wrench on the pump shaft and force it to turn. Don't do this! We've seen many pumps being damaged by this solution. If soaking the lobes is successful, and the pump will start up, allow 1 quart of cleaner to be pulled thru the pump then follow up with 8 oz. of a rust inhibitor/moisture displacer. This fluid should be pulled in via a small tube, not dumped directly into the pump. If a cleaner solution is dumped into the top of the pump without restriction, it could be pushed out via the seals and potentially get into the oil reservoir.

Suggestions 3 =>Rebuilding a Lobe Pump : This is typically a repair job that can't  be done properly within the farm. Because of the technical work involved, in most cases a lobe pump should be sent to a repair shop that specializes in lobe pump repairs

Suggestions 4 => Automatic Injectors system : A good solution to control buildup from becoming an issue on a lobe pump is to setup an automatic injection system. These can be set to inject a small amount of cleaning solution, rust inhibitor, or any product that is designed for this application into the pump every milking cycle. If install properly this is a good solution to prevent buildup on lobes.

Suggestions 5 => Oil changes : Lobe pump with oil on gear end as well as grease on drive end…

Oil change – full time 1500 hrs. / oil level should be just below the top of sight gauge A synthetic gear oil must be used for gear end. Grease – full time 500 hrs. / add grease until old grease pushes out the relief ports A #2 Red grease must be used for drive end.