Gas ballasting the roughing pump 5-15
Gas ballasting the roughing pump
Note: This procedure is not required for an Alcatel oil-free roughing pump.
Roughing pump
The roughing pump draws large quantities of solvent vapors. The vapors tend
to condense in the pump oil, diminishing pumping efficiency. Gas ballasting
purges condensed contaminants from the oil.
Gas ballast the roughing pump when these conditions apply:
• With ESI operation, once a week.
• With frequent APCI operation, once a day.
• When the roughing pump oil appears cloudy.
• When the vacuum pressure is higher than normal.
• When condensate forms in the roughing pump exhaust line.
• When you change the roughing pump oil.
Caution: Failure to routinely gas ballast the roughing pump shortens
oil life and, consequently, pump life.
Oil filler plug
Oil-level sight glass
Drain plug
Gas ballast valve
Exhaust port flange