11 Essential Tips Regarding Vacuum Pump Maintenance

Industrial vacuum pumps create low-pressure environments in applications across a broad range of industries and often play an integral role in the process, so scheduling routine inspections, performing preventive maintenance and being aware of signs of trouble is essential to keeping your vacuum pumps – and production – up and running. This blog will provide seven essential activities for effective vacuum pump maintenance, along with four serious signs that indicate vacuum pump repair is needed. 

What is a Vacuum Pump?

Common applications for industrial vacuum pumps include:

• Electronics and Semiconductors: Vacuum pumps are used to create sterile environments during the production of electronic devices and components in the electronics and semiconductor industries.   

• Medical and Pharmaceutical: Medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers use industrial vacuum systems for processes that must be kept sterile and to ensure that equipment remains sanitary.   

• Plastics Manufacturing: Plastic manufacturers require vacuum pumps to shape heated plastic sheets over molds during vacuum forming processes.  

• Food Manufacturing: Food manufacturers often use industrial vacuum systems to create a vacuum seal over food products to retain freshness and extend shelf life. 

7 Essential Activities for Effective Vacuum Pump Maintenance

Because industrial vacuum pumps are an integral part of many manufacturing processes, proper vacuum pump maintenance is vital to ensuring that the vacuum pump operates effectively and that unplanned downtime does not occur. Keep in mind that the more thorough your vacuum pump service plan is, the less likely you are to experience vacuum pump wear and tear, helping to extend the lifetime of the pump, while also contributing to the uptime of the process. 

To avoid unplanned downtime, here are seven vacuum pump maintenance activities that should never be neglected:

Perform visual inspections	Visual inspection of both the vacuum pump and its surrounding area are essential to optimal performance of the industrial vacuum system. To ensure proper operation, it’s important that the pump is in a well-ventilated area away from extreme temperatures, dust and moisture. Also make certain that there are no oil or water leaks around the pump, which could indicate that seals within the vacuum pump need repair or replacement.
Inspect and clean or replace filters	Because industrial vacuum pumps rely on airflow for effective operation, it is essential to inspect and replace filters on a regular basis as clogs can reduce the performance of the pump and result in overheating. Filters should be cleaned or replaced as recommended, before they become blocked.
Check and change oil or vanes	Using the sight glass provided with the pump, check that the oil level and quality are sufficient. If the oil level is low or the oil appears dark or cloudy, it is time for an oil change. Oil filters, if there is one, should also be inspected and changed on a regular basis to ensure they are free of dust and debris, which can cause clogs that result in overheating or failure of the industrial vacuum pump. Typically, vacuum pumps require oil changes on a biannual or annual basis. Oil free rotary vane pumps require regular inspection and replacement of the vanes also. The manufacturer’s recommendations should help determine how often the oil or vanes should be changed.
Maintain fluid levels	If the vacuum pump uses a coolant use the sight glass or a gauge to ensure that all fluids are at the proper level as this will help prevent overheating, extend the life of the pump and provide top-notch performance.
Monitor operating temperature	Poor ventilation and failing components often result in an overheated vacuum pump. An infrared thermometer can be used to measure the operating temperature. If the temperature is above the normal operating range, it may indicate that the vacuum pump needs an oil change, an issue within the pump’s cooling system, a clogged filter or inadequate airflow around the pump. Any issues should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid failure.
Perform leak testing	Vacuum pumps are prone to seal and O-ring failures that can result in vacuum leaks, which are holes in the system that allow the entry or exit of air or gas from the industrial vacuum system. Leak testing your pump ensures that it provides a vacuum-tight seal and the highest performance level.
Tighten or replace worn parts	Normal operation of vacuum pumps may cause vibrations that result in loose connections. These should be tightened when necessary. If components show signs of wear and tear, replace them before there is a leak or mechanical failure of the vacuum pump.

4 Signs that Vacuum Pump Repair is Needed 

While the above-mentioned vacuum pump maintenance activities will help prevent operational issues, there are still times when vacuum pump repair will be necessary. 

Here are four signs that vacuum pump service is likely required:

1. Unusual noises: Knocking, clicking, grinding and other unusual noises are a sign that the vacuum pump is not operating properly and indicate that vacuum pump service is needed. 

2. Excess vibration: While some vibration is normal, excess or unusual vibration during operation typically points to a problem that demands attention. 

3. Reduced pressure: If the vacuum pump is not achieving typical pressures or is taking longer than necessary to reach pressure, vacuum pump repair is probably necessary. 

4. Pump not operating: If the vacuum pump is not operating or spinning, there may be a problem with the motor or other essential component. 

If any of these issues are present, they should be addressed immediately to prevent unscheduled downtime and catastrophic equipment failure. By applying these vacuum pump maintenance tips, you can help ensure uptime of the process and extend the life of your industrial vacuum pump. For more information or to schedule vacuum pump service, please contact JHFOSTER, a Tavoron company, today.