Maintaining consistent output demands a vacuum system that is reliable and secure. However, to achieve dependable performance inside specified original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parameters requires the use of a high-quality lubricant like the latest vacuum pump oils available. A versatile solution inside the pump, vacuum pump oil lubricates the pumping equipment while simultaneously collecting unwanted contaminants and moisture from evacuated systems.
While efficiency is among the benefits of using a quality vacuum pump oil it is not the only gain for your sites. Below we’ll explore the multitude of advantages offered by high-quality solutions that can boost how you operate.
Key functions of vacuum pump oil
Vacuum pump oil has a wide range of roles to perform within the vacuum pump. It acts as a coolant, ensuring that the pump and its apparatus don’t become overheated at a loss to performance. It also seals components protecting them from excessive moisture, corrosive forces and unwanted contaminants. The oil is important for lubrication and ensures that all moving parts within the pump can move easily without grinding against one and another generating heat and friction which can lead to wear and damage. Quality oil will flow through the pump and effectively flush any unwanted particles from the system ensuring they don’t build up clogging its inner workings.
How can a quality vacuum pump oil affect service intervals?
Perhaps the most substantial benefit of using a high-quality vacuum pump oil is that it can extend service intervals for your site by reducing the frequency of oil changes. When oil lasts longer, significant savings can be obtained. Outstanding viscosity performance and stable operation are two other benefits of using a high-quality pump oil that impact service intervals. Wear on internal components is dramatically reduced which can help guarantee longer active service life for the vacuum pump without the need for repairs and replacement parts fitting.
How can quality oil impact the environment and your operating costs?
The stability and behaviour of quality vacuum pump oil has seen it become associated with lower energy use. As a result, higher quality oils can help the environment as they effectively reduce the amount of energy required to run pumps. As vacuum pump oils contain no potentially harmful materials, users are not required to keep extensive records and can eliminate any need for time-consuming site inspections.
High-quality oils can deliver optimal pump operation, reducing spends on energy while offering high performance levels. As it can drastically cut down both short- and long-term costs of repairs and system downtime it also provides substantial savings for your maintenance budget.
Guidance for use of vacuum pump oils
Vacuum pumps don’t feature filters, as a result, the oil inside can become saturated with unwanted contaminants. This can lead to a reduction in the vacuum pump’s efficiency. After the oil becomes saturated it can no longer absorb any moisture in the system. Additionally, if the oil is contaminated, it will eventually turn into sludge, greatly reducing the vacuum pump’s operational efficiency. Oil that is saturated and contaminated cannot lubricate properly and will quickly wear out parts of the pumping apparatus.
As a result, replacing the vacuum pump’s oil is a critical process to ensure that it keeps running smoothly and effectively.
To change oil, start by draining any existing oil from the pump while it’s still hot. It is vital to make certain that the vacuum pump is hot as when the pump cools, unwanted contaminants and moisture in the oil will separate. Should this happen, the contaminants can cling to the interior of the pump as the oil drains, allowing them to mix with the fresh oil when you refill the pump.
During draining, ensure that no pump oil is trapped anywhere within the apparatus. Let the vacuum pump sit for just a few minutes to ensure all the oil has come out. When you ensure the system is empty, dispose of the old and contaminated oil correctly.
With this stage complete, open the oil intake, and run the vacuum pump for between five to 10 seconds before closing it off entirely. Finally fill up your system with a fresh supply of high-quality vacuum pump oil.
It’s important to remember when purchasing oil that not all brands are created equally. It is also crucial to only use a vacuum pumping oil that meets the recommended specifications of your OEM. Using the incorrect fluid for an application can have severe consequences to your equipment.
Test your pump oil routinely to check its health and ensure you change it at the optimal time. If your change intervals are too far apart, it can be expensive for your company and a waste of serviceable lubricant. However, if you wait too long to change your oil it can be disastrous for the short and long-term performance of your vacuum pump.
