Eldex Optos 1LM - Troubleshooting

25
Troubleshooting
Symptom: No flow (probably cause(s) shown in bold)
Question
Answer
Solution
Is the motor turning?
No
Check electrical connections:
1. Is instrument plugged in?
2. Does outlet provide electricity?
3. Is fuse blown? If so, replace.
Is fluid degassed prior to use?
No
Degass fluid prior to use:
1. Boil.
2. Bubble helium through fluid.
3. Subject fluid to a vacuum.
Is fluid filtered?
No
1. Do not pump fluids with suspended particles (a
particle as small as ten microns can clog a valve).
2. Install an inlet line filter.
3. Flush with liquid detergent or 20% solution of nitric
acid (at max. flow for about 10 minutes), or suck
cleaning fluid through pump with a syringe.
4. Ultrasonicate valve assembly.
Is filter clogged?
Yes
Clean filter (clogged filter can create restriction to flow,
causing cavitation).
Is mechanical assembly OK?
No
Inspect parts of mechanical assembly; is piston broken?,
pushrod frozen in bushing?
Are valves OK?
No
Rebuild or replace valves (excessive force used to tighten
fittings to valves or valves to cylinder can cause sapphire
seats to crack, chip, or shatter, thereby inhibiting flow).
Symptom: Erratic flow (probable cause(s) shown in bold)
Question
Answer
Solution
What is backpressure on pump
Less
than 25
psi
Insufficient backpressure, create more pressure on pump so
valves can work properly (install backpressure regulator, or
length of small I.D. tubing).
Is fluid degassed prior to use?
No
Degass as per above.
Is fluid filtered?
No
Clean valves as per above, install inlet line filter.
Is filter clogged?
Yes
Clean filter.
Is there a leak at fitting(s)
Yes
Tighten fittings.
Is there a leak at valve
connection?
Yes
Tighten valves
Are valves OK?
No
Rebuild or replace valves.
Symptom: Leakage
Question
Answer
Solution
Are seals worn?
Yes
Replace piston seal.
Symptom: Steadily decreasing flow rate
Question
Answer
Solution
Is fluid degassed prior to use?
No
Degas as per above.