Why am I having trouble obtaining (or reaching) the proper vacuum level?
Why am I having trouble obtaining (or reaching) the proper vacuum level?
Vacuum depth issues can be caused by many things, but a healthy system should be able to reach 0.08 mbar (8.0 -2 on the gauge) with just the roughing pump, and around 0.005 mbar (5.0 -3 on the gauge) with the diffusion pump.
If you are having difficulty reaching 0.08 mbar, first ensure the siphon discharge plugs are greased with product and properly installed.
You might also ensure the check valve is not leaking by:
- removing the check valve
- installing the largest stopper on the inlet of the machine
- then checking to see if this fixed the vacuum issue
If the above steps did not fix your issue, you should also verify your roughing pump performance by installing the vacuum gauge directly to the vacuum pump, as it should be able to reach the mid -3’s. If it does not, you should:
- run the pump with the gas ballast open for 20 minutes
- then change the oil
- repeat these steps until it reaches the appropriate depth
More information can be found in SOP – Vacuum Troubleshooting.
If you need additional assistance, please call technical support at +1 (206) 452-1130.