The Kinney KVO Series are single-stage oil-flooded rotary vane vacuum pumps designed for various industrial applications. These pumps are driven by a flanged, three-phase standard motor via a coupling. The rotary vane mechanism divides the pump housing into several chambers, whose volumes change periodically to create vacuum. Oil plays a crucial role in sealing gaps, providing optimal lubrication, and dissipating compression heat.
Function Description:
The KVO Series pumps are equipped with an integrated mesh filter on the suction side to protect the pump from incoming particles. On the outlet side, an oil and oil mist separator is integrated to return oil to the circulation system, ensuring efficient operation and minimizing oil loss. Optimal air routing, a fan, and an oil cooler work together to cool the oil and pump housing, maintaining stable operating temperatures. An integrated non-return valve prevents the evacuated system from being ventilated after the pump stops. For standstill times longer than two minutes, it is recommended to vent the connecting lines to atmospheric pressure to avoid potential damage. When the pump operates at its designated temperature, a standard gas ballast valve prevents the condensation of small quantities of water vapor inside the pump, although water vapor compatibility may vary by pump version.
Designated Use:
These machines are intended for operation in technically perfect condition and must not be operated when only partially assembled. They are designed for ambient and suction temperatures between 5 and 40°C. For temperatures outside this range, contact Kinney for guidance. The KVO Series pumps can convey, compress, or extract various media, including:
- Air: The extracted air may contain water vapor, but no water or other liquids. Water vapor compatibility depends on the specific pump version.
- Gases: All non-explosive, non-flammable, non-aggressive, and non-poisonous dry gases and gas-air mixtures.
Unacceptable Operating Modes:
The KVO Series pumps must not be used for:
- Extracting, conveying, or compressing explosive, flammable, aggressive, or poisonous media, such as dust (as per ATEX zones 20-22), solvents, gaseous oxygen, or other oxidants.
- Operating in non-commercial plants without necessary precautions and protective measures.
- Installation in environments at risk of explosions.
- Operation in areas with ionizing radiation.
- Applications with back pressures on the outlet side exceeding +0.1 bar.
- Modifications to the machine and accessories without authorization.
Important Technical Specifications (refer to Table 4-1 for full details):
The KVO Series offers a range of models with varying nominal displacements, motor powers, and physical dimensions. For example:
- KVO-50: Nominal Displacement: 35.3 cfm (60 m³/h), Motor Power: 2 HP, Rotation Speed: 1740 RPM, Oil Capacity: 0.75 U.S. gal (2.8 L), Suction Connection: 1 1/4" FNPT, Discharge Connection: 1 1/4" FBSP, Height: 10.51 inches (267 mm), Weight: 145 lb (66 kg), Ultimate Pressure: 0.5 mbar, Noise Level: 67 dBA.
- KVO-1300: Nominal Displacement: 903 cfm (1534 m³/h), Motor Power: 40 HP, Rotation Speed: 1140 RPM, Oil Capacity: 6.5 U.S. gal (25 L), Suction Connection: 4" FNPT, Discharge Connection: 3" FNPT, Height: 29.02 inches (737 mm), Weight: 2486 lb (1128 kg), Ultimate Pressure: 1 mbar, Noise Level: 84 dBA.
Materials of Construction:
- Housings and Cylinder: Cast iron
- Rotors: Cast iron
- Shaft: Carbon Steel
- Shaft Seals: Carbon/Viton®
- Vanes: Composite Resin (KVO-50 to KVO-300), Aluminum (KVO-400 to KVO-1300)
Usage Features:
- Lifting Configuration: Pumps can be lifted using eye bolts attached to the top housing or with fork truck forks underneath. Models below KVO-400 typically use one set of eyebolts, while models KVO-400 and above use two sets.
- Installation: Requires a flat, level surface with adequate space for maintenance and inspections. The foundation must be level and capable of supporting the pump's weight. Piping connections should be designed to avoid distortion or stress on the pump. The exhaust air must not be restricted.
- Motor Connection: Connect the motor via a plug connection or motor overload. Ensure the power supply matches the motor data plate, with a maximum ±5% voltage deviation and ±2% frequency deviation.
- Rotor Rotation Direction: Before operation, check the rotor rotation direction using a phase sequence indicator. Incorrect rotation can damage the machine.
- Oil Filling: Fill the pump with recommended oil (ISO VG 100 as per DIN ISO 3448) until the level reaches the middle of the sight gauge.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is crucial for operational safety and pump longevity.
- Maintenance Interval Schedule:
- Daily: Check oil level, clean vacuum pump, check pipes and screws for leaks, check terminal box and cable inlet holes, clean ventilation slots, clean cooling ribs.
- Depending on dirtiness (at least 1x per month): Clean the mesh filter in the inlet connection, clean the filter cartridge in the gas ballast valve.
- 500 hours: First oil change.
- 500 - 2,000 hours: Oil change.
- 2000 hours: Change the air oil removal devices.
- At least 1x per year: Check couplings for wear.
- As per manufacturer's instructions: Motor (maintenance, lubrication, and cleaning).
- Oil Change: The oil should be changed after the first 500 hours of operation, then every 500-2000 hours depending on contamination. For KVO-50 to KVO-300 models, oil is removed by undoing the air oil removers. For KVO-400 to KVO-1300 models, unscrew the maintenance cover to access the oil separator elements.
- Air Filtering (KVO-50 to KVO-300): The micro filter on the intake side must be cleaned or replaced regularly. The gas ballast valve filter discs also require regular cleaning.
- Coupling: The coupling sprocket (KVO-50 to KVO-300) or coupling rubbers (KVO-400 to KVO-1300) must be checked annually for wear. A knocking noise during startup indicates worn coupling rubbers.
- Replacement Parts: Maintenance kits are available for all KVO pump models. Contact Kinney with serial number information for part numbers.
- Factory Service and Repair: For major repairs or issues not covered in the manual, contact a Kinney Authorized Service Center. Warranty units must be returned to the factory freight prepaid.
Safety Precautions:
- WARNING: Serious injury can result from operating or repairing without reading the manual and taking safety precautions.
- DANGER: Internal and external rotating parts can cause serious physical injuries. Always shut off, lock out, and tag out power before inspecting or servicing rotating parts.
- WARNING: Hot surfaces and equipment can cause severe burns. Allow ample time for the machine to cool before maintenance.
- CAUTION: Avoid extended exposure to high-intensity noise levels; wear adequate ear protection.
- WARNING: Do not operate without guards in place.
- WARNING: When cleaning with compressed air, wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent injury from solid particles.
- NOTICE: Do not exceed the maximum rotation speed (RPM) stated in the specifications.
- NOTICE: Insufficient maintenance of the air filter can reduce machine power and cause damage.
- NOTICE: A defective coupling sprocket/rubbers can lead to rotor shaft breakage.