Maintenance guide piston vacuum pumps

Piston vacuum pumps have had an increase in liking and popularity today. They are generally more affordable compared to other vacuum pumps. Additionally, they have a service life that is about 10 times more than the regular pumps. They have a reduced maintenance and their energy costs is greatly reduced. Here is a simple maintenance guide piston vacuum pumps. Maintaining these type of vacuum pumps is therefore going to be a simple and straightforward process. 

Oil maintenance : 

After purchasing your piston vacuum pumps, you may want to follow a set of maintenance procedures within the first three weeks of operation. You should basically check the oil level and monitor its condition daily. The oil level should be maintained at level center to the sight glass with the pump in operation. When operating in low inlet pressures, the oil level should be fairly maintained at midway. This level should change with large changes in inlet pressures. If there are no changes in the level of oil with change in inlet pressure, check for obstructed oil passages. 

The condition of the oil should also be checked periodically. The oil should be changed in case it is contaminated. There is however no fixed interval for changing the pump’s oil since its applications vary widely. However, as a minimum the pump oil should be changed after about 3 months of operation. You can know the condition of the oil by periodically draining a small quantity of oil into a container and visually inspecting it. 

Belt tensions and foundation bolts: 

The other items you may want to check are the belt tensions, and the foundation bolts. These checks ought to be done after every week. Tighten the belt tensions and foundation bolts in case you find them somewhat lose. 

Filters :

You may also have to check the intake and exhaust filters within the first 500 hours of operations. Clean the filters frequently and determine how often the filters get somewhat unclean and how frequently they should be checked for future operation. With regular cleaning, you can be assured of your piston vacuum pumps proper performance and proper service life. 

A piston vacuum pump works best in a fairly clean 18ºC - 24ºC ambient environment and in a 35% humidity. Do the first inspection and maintenance within the first week of operation and take note of its filters, oil levels and belt tensions. Your piston vacuum pump should come with a manual where you can periodically fill the condition of your vacuum pump after every inspection.