The vacuum pump creates a vacuum to draw air from a space, so you can remove all of the air from that space and empty it into a container without any outside interference. The purpose of creating this vacuum is for cleaning purposes or for creating an environment where you can work without any interruptions. Vacuum pumps have always been very useful and have helped engineers accomplish many tasks, but they are also prone to breaking during use because of all the pressure they produce on their own. A broken vacuum pump is something that you should avoid at all costs because when the pump breaks, it can cause a lot of damage to the equipment that is attached.
How Vacuum Pumps Work
A vacuum pump is a device that uses an air pump, or an external source of power, to evacuate an area by creating a partial vacuum. A suction gauge is used to measure the strength of the suction coming out of the pump. The gauge is connected to an air control valve. When the dial reads 100%, this means that pressure inside the area has been reached and it is time for evacuation.
What are the Warning Signs of Vacuum Pump Failure?
Vacuum pumps are the heart and soul when it comes to extraction. They work in a vacuum chamber that is maintained at a specific pressure. If your pump starts to have problems, there may be warning signs of failure such as leaking or an intermittent power supply.
The most common signs that your vacuum pump is beginning to fail are:
- Reduced suction power
- A loud noise
- A burning smell
- Hissing or hissing sound
How to Take the Proper Care of Your Plunge Pump
The proper care of your vacuum pump is important because it can help you avoid any potential accidents which are a very real possibility. Properly maintaining your plunge pump will be the difference between a small issue and an irreversible one. The best way to maintain your low suction power is to clean out the device regularly and replace the o-ring once in a while because it’s the key component that determines how well your pump works. Plunge pumps are not easy to clean, but if you follow these simple steps, you should have no problem at all:
Drain all of the air, open up the tank and remove any debris from inside of hose; use an old toothbrush to scrub out any hard-to-reach areas; blow out all of the contents with compressed air. These are other useful tips:
- Read your manual and check the oil regularly.
- Warm up the pump with the inlet blocked.
- Never block a pump outlet.
- Use an inlet cold trap to protect the pump from corrosive vapors.
- Use gas ballast (continuous purge) when working with condensable vapors.
- Protect the pump from particulate with an inlet filter
- Run the pump after use to purge solvents from the oil.
With the right precautions, you can use a vacuum pump without worrying about it breaking. If you’re still having problems troubleshooting your vacuum pump, it may be time to reach out to AVAC Industries and consider repairing your vacuum pump. If your pump is beyond repair, you will also have the option to purchase a new or rebuilt vacuum pump.