IM-LYOQUEST-EN-2101 43 / 58
11.2. Vacuum unit maintenance
WARNING
Respect all service alarms and all the warnings included in the user manual of the vacuum
pump, specially about the required oil level and its quality.
Certain freeze-drying cycles*, basically those in which the solvent is not water, require
increasing the preventive service operations on the vacuum pump.
* Not performing the required inspections in such cases may result in severe
damage to the unit and/or the product to be freeze-dried.
Check level and condition of the oil. Add oil if necessary, to reach the correct level.
In order to remove non-condensable vapors from the product and avoid oil contamination of
the pump, it is suggested to leave the Gas-Ballast open ¼ during the freeze-dryer cycle.
Inspection of oil condition. The usual state of the oil is clear and transparent. The visual
inspection is performed through the sight glass at the front of the pump. Oil draining and
changing is recommended when it looks dirty or milky. Waste disposal of used oils should be
done only following the current prohibitions and safety standards about protection of the
environment and according the local regulations of the country or customer facilities.
Inspection of oil level. The correct level for oil is halfway up the viewing sight glass, with
the pump switched off. If the oil does not reach this level, add the required quantity of oil,
through the filling hole, with the pump switched off.
Visual inspection of oil leaks. Make sure that there is no oil near the vacuum pump. The
presence of drops or puddles of oil suggests possible oil leaks via gaskets or caps or also a
low oil level. The area must be cleaned, and the origin of the oil leak must be identified.
To Next Page
Loading...
