This document is an instruction manual for the ULVAC Oil Mist Trap, models TM201 and TM401.

Function Description

The ULVAC Oil Mist Trap is designed to remove oil mist discharged from oil-sealed rotary vacuum pumps, thereby preventing contamination of the work environment. It achieves this by trapping fine oil particles (oil mist) using a filter element. The gas, with most of the oil mist removed, is then discharged through the exhaust port. Condensed large oil particles gather between the oil mist trap and the filter element and are discharged through an oil return port.

A key safety feature is the pump internal pressure relief valve. If the filter element becomes clogged, the pressure within the pump can rise to dangerous levels during start-up or pumping operation. This relief valve activates if the pump pressure exceeds 0.03 MPa (0.3 kg/cm²) (gauge pressure), preventing damage to both the pump and the oil mist trap. However, if the valve activates, oil mist will not be trapped and will be discharged directly through the exhaust port. In such cases, the filter element must be replaced.

The TM201/401 models are designed to discharge trapped oil to the outside through the oil return port. This discharged oil can be recovered in a container and returned to the pump when the pump is operating under no load or is stopped. However, it is crucial not to return the oil to the pump if its oiliness is lower than that of new oil, or if it contains water, dust, or chemicals like acid, as this could cause pump malfunction.

Important Technical Specifications

The manual provides specifications for both the TM201 and TM401 models:

Model:

TM201
TM401

Item:

Filter element:
- TM201: TM201E
- TM401: TM401E
Displacement (throughput under atmospheric pressure):
- TM201: 24 m³/h (400 L/min)
- TM401: 48 m³/h (800 L/min)
Connecting part diameter:
- Pump side: VF40 (JIS vacuum flange, JIS B 2290) for both models.
- Exhaust side: G1 1/2 internal thread (same as PF 1 1/2) for both models.
Outside dimensions (mm):
- Overall height:
  - TM201: 280
  - TM401: 350
- Overall width: 181 for both models.
- Diameter: 165 for both models.
Weight (kg):
- TM201: 8.5
- TM401: 10

Major Replacement Parts:

Filter element: 1 set (TM201E for TM201, TM401E for TM401)
O-ring (G145): 1 (NBR, JIS B 2401)
Seal washer (M10): 1 (NBR)

The exhaust port comes standard with a cap, with an optional RF-11 flange (equivalent to VG40) available for duct piping.

Usage Features

High Efficiency Oil Mist Removal: Approximately 90% of the oil mist discharged from an oil-sealed rotary vacuum pump can be removed, ensuring a clean work environment.

Cartridge Type Filter Element: The filter element is of a cartridge type, allowing for easy replacement when it becomes clogged or corroded.

Mounting on Pump: The oil mist trap is mounted on the pump's exhaust port. Before mounting, ensure the exhaust port, O-ring groove, and the oil mist trap flange are free from scars and dust. An O-ring (V55) is placed on the pump's exhaust port, and the TM flange is secured with an Allen screw (M8).

Duct Piping: The exhaust port can be connected to duct piping using an optional RF-11 flange (equivalent to VG40).

Precautions for Operation:

Clogging of Filter Element: Continuous evacuation at high suction pressure or continuous pumping of high-temperature gas can increase pump temperature, lower oil viscosity, and lead to clogging. Similarly, pumping high-viscosity liquids or fine powders at ambient temperature, or generating reaction products, can cause clogging. A pressure monitor (optional) is recommended to monitor pressure in these situations.
Oil Return Port and Pressure Monitor Mounting Port: Do not connect these ports with a vinyl hose or similar means, as this will prevent oil mist from being trapped.
Throughput Considerations: Do not operate the pump continuously at a high intake pressure (6500 Pa or more) if the TM201 is used for a pump with a throughput of 20 m³/h or more (30 m³/h, 40 m³/h), or if the TM401 is used for a pump with a throughput of 40 m³/h or more (60 m³/h, 80 m³/h). Exceeding these limits will cause the pressure relief valve to operate and generate oil mist, significantly shortening the filter element's life. If frequent filter element replacement is needed, using a larger oil mist trap is recommended.

Maintenance Features

Scheduled Inspection: Regular inspection involves measuring the pressure in the pump using an optional pressure monitor. If the pressure at pump start-up or immediately after evacuating a vacuum chamber from atmospheric pressure exceeds 0.03 MPa (0.3 kg/cm²) (gauge pressure), the filter element must be replaced, and the pressure relief valve should be checked.

Replacing the Filter Element:

Stop the pump or operate it under no-load conditions.
Remove the oil mist trap by loosening the Allen screw (M8) that fixes it to the pump. If piping is connected to the exhaust side, remove it first.
Loosen the hex nut (M10) at the center of the exhaust port to remove the flange.
Loosen the hex nut (M10) to remove the parts of the pressure relief valve.
Loosen the spacer nut to remove the filter keep plate.
Remove the old filter element.

Reassembling the Filter Element:

Ensure the mounting surface of the filter element within the oil mist trap is free from foreign matter and scars.
Mount the new filter element into the oil mist trap.
Place the filter keep plate in position.
Mount the seal washer (M10) and secure the filter element using the spacer nut.
Mount the parts of the pressure relief valve. Tighten the hex nut (M10) until it contacts the spacer nut.
Mount the O-ring (G145) into its groove on the oil mist trap, applying a thin, uniform coat of vacuum grease until the O-ring surface luster changes.
Mount the flange in position and tighten it with the hex nut (M10).

Important Maintenance Cautions:

Before replacing the filter element, check if the interior of the oil mist trap or the pressure relief valve is contaminated with dust or foreign matter. If so, clean it.
The seal washer cannot be reused and must be replaced.
It is recommended to replace a filter element once it has been immersed in oil, as it tends to clog more easily afterward.

Warranty: The oil mist trap comes with a one-year warranty from the date of delivery, covering failures under normal operating conditions (ambient temperature 10°C to 40°C, dry air or dry nitrogen suction gas 0°C to 40°C, and operation in conformity with instruction manuals). Troubles caused by acts of God, force majeure, special atmospheres, non-conformity with the manual, or operating conditions deemed inappropriate by a ULVAC engineer are not covered.

Ulvac TM201 - Introduction

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