Re: Freeze Dryer, Vacuum Pump and Oil filter Problems!
From: Steve Turner (spam_at_spam.net)
Date: 07/29/04
- Previous message: donald j haarmann: "Re: dust control of dirt roads"
- In reply to: Marta: "Freeze Dryer, Vacuum Pump and Oil filter Problems!"
- Next in thread: Muhammar: "Re: Freeze Dryer, Vacuum Pump and Oil filter Problems!"
- Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ]
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 2004 02:02:39 GMT
On 28 Jul 2004 11:25:13 -0700, princzma@mcmaster.ca (Marta) wrote:
>Second, I have been going through oil mist filters rather quickly --
>any ideas why? I've read this might be due to improper maintenance on
>the pump/oil system, eg. moisture in the oil. How often (in hours of
>usage) should I perform an oil change in the pump? Unfortunately the
>system was not purchased with an oil drain kit... Also, I've heard
>about running the pump with the gas ballast open -- what does this
>mean? And is this necessary if I have an oil recirculation filter
>(provided it is working properly?)
I am not familiar with your specific model so I can't help directly
with most of your questions. However, I do have some general comments
regarding care of laboratory-sized lyophilizers:
Most belt-driven vacuum pumps have a "ballast" valve which can be
adjusted to bleed air into the pump. Lyophilizer manuals always
recommend operating the pump with the ballast open, because the air
bleed helps to purge the pump oil of water and/or other volatiles.
These volatiles will reduce the highest achievable vacuum and can also
cause internal corrosion of the pump. The problem with running with
the ballast open is that it causes oil mist ... as you observed.
In fact, we have found use of the ballast to be unacceptable for this
reason, and we have always operated with the ballast closed. With
reasonable care this does no harm. Reasonable care includes: 1) water
ONLY on the lyophilizer; anyone putting volatile organics on the
system will be strung up by the testicles; 2) the pump oil should be
changed frequently, say after every ~2L of water has collected, or
immediately if the oil appears cloudy; 3) the vac pump should never be
on unless the condenser is as cold as it will get.
Steve Turner
- Previous message: donald j haarmann: "Re: dust control of dirt roads"
- In reply to: Marta: "Freeze Dryer, Vacuum Pump and Oil filter Problems!"
- Next in thread: Muhammar: "Re: Freeze Dryer, Vacuum Pump and Oil filter Problems!"
- Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ]
Relevant Pages
|
