START - STOP PROBLEMS

Q. System will not start in HAND or AUTO position: (Vmax)

1. Check if the disconnect or circuit breaker is switched on.
2. Check the overload setting on the starter and fuses.
3. Check alarm reset, light should be off.
4. Ensure that the proper voltage is supplied and that the wire size is correct.
5. Check electrical control panel (if installed). Make sure that all wires are tight. Wires may vibrate loose during shipment or operation.
6. Check low oil level switch (if installed). Add oil to reservoir if needed.
7. Check if the pump has seized by rotating the coupling by hand (disconnect power first). If a rubbing noise or binding is observed, contact authorized dealer.
8. Check the high temperature switch, which should be set for 225oF.
9. Check if pump operates against high back-pressure (> 4 psig), if so replace oil separator element.
10. Check vacuum switch (if installed).

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Q. System shuts down while running: (Vmax)

1. Check oil temperature gauge for operating temperature.
2. Check the overload setting on the starter and fuses.
3. Ensure that the proper voltage is supplied and that the wire size is correct.
4. Check for loose electrical connections.
5. Check the vacuum switch setting (if installed).
6. Check low oil level switch (if installed), add oil to reservoir if needed.
7. Check if the pump has seized by rotating the coupling by hand (disconnect power first). If a rubbing noise or binding is observed, contact authorized dealer.
8. Check high temperature switch, which should be set for 225oF.
9. Clean oil strainer.
10. Check if pump operates against high back-pressure (> 4 psig), if so replace oil separator element.
11. Check the overload setting on the starter and fuses.

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VACUUM PROBLEMS

Q. System operates, but does not achieve desired vacuum level: (Vmax)

1. Stop system and disconnect power.
2. Check if the inlet valve is open and inlet filter is clean.
3. Ensure that no lines are open to the atmosphere, causing loss of vacuum.
4. Check for leaks in piping systems, using conventional leak detection methods.
5. Ensure that the oil level is correct and that the pump is primed and filled with oil to the shaft centerline only.
6. Check if the oil isolation valve is open.
7. Check if the oil solenoid valve (if installed) is working.
8. Check the vacuum switch setting (if installed).
9. Check setting of vacuum relief valve (if installed) and adjust as needed.
10. Check if the motor rotation is correct. Rotation should be clockwise (facing pump from motor side) and marked by an arrow on the motor or pump housing. If incorrect, switch any two of the three main power leads on the contactor inside the control panel.

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OVERHEATING PROBLEMS

Q. System overheats or operates above 200°F: (Vmax)

1. Stop system and disconnect power.
2. Check the oil cooler and fan. Clean cooler externally with compressed air. Ensure that 12" of space is available in front of the cooler and that the ambient temperature is below 110° F.
3. Check if the oil isolation valve is open.
4. Check if the oil solenoid valve (if installed) is working.
5. Ensure that the oil level is correct and that the pump is primed and filled with oil to the shaft centerline only.
6. Check if the temperature control valve (if installed) is working and that oil is flowing through the cooler. Caution, hot oil!
7. Clean oil strainer.
8. Check if oil cooler is blocked internally with solids passed through from the process, clean if necessary.

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Q. Unit overheats on start-up in low ambient temperatures: (Vmax)

1. Stop system and disconnect power
2. Oil tends to thicken in temperatures of 50oF and below. Place heat tape and insulation on the fluid seal line from the heat- exchanger to the pump inlet.
3. Also insulate the seal-fluid solenoid valve (if installed).

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NOISE AND VIBRATION PROBLEMS

Q. The system is making an abnormal noise or sound: (Vmax)

1. Stop system and disconnect power.
2. Check the coupling and/or element for proper alignment. If worn or damaged, replace.
3. Check if the bearings are greased. Rotate the coupling by hand, which should rotate freely. If a rubbing noise or binding is observed, contact authorized dealer.
4. Ensure that the oil level is correct and that the pump is primed and filled with oil to the shaft centerline only.
5. Check vacuum relief valve (if installed), check the setting and adjust as needed.
6. Check the inlet filter and clean if necessary. Pump will cavitate if filter is blocked.
7. Check if the inlet valve is closed. The pump will cavitate if inlet is closed.
8. Check vacuum level on vacuum gauge. Pump could cavitate as a result of a too high vacuum level.

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Q. System is vibrating excessively: (Vmax)

1. Stop system and disconnect power.
2. Check the coupling and/or element for proper alignment. If worn or damaged, replace.
3. Check if the bearings are greased. Rotate the coupling by hand, which should rotate freely. If a rubbing noise or binding is observed, contact authorized dealer.
4. Check if baseplate is properly supported. Uneven floor will distort baseplate, which could cause vibrating problems.
5. Check that the mounting bolts of pump, coupling, fan and cooler are not loose. Tighten as required.
6. Check belt alignment on belt drive systems.

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OIL PROBLEMS

Q. System uses excessive oil or produces an oil-mist: (Vmax)

1. Stop system and disconnect power.
2. Check the oil return line from the separator for blockage to ensure that oil flows from separator to vacuum pump.
3. Check if pump operates against high back-pressure (> 4 psig), if so replace oil separator element.
4. Vacuum level should be 15” Hg or higher. If not, consult authorized dealer.
5. Check for an excessive amount of water vapor carried over from the process.

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