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Maintenance Guide and How to use a Liquid Ring Vacuum Pump

Liquid ring vacuum pumps are a steadfast and powerful piece of equipment that can provide years of dependable performance if maintained properly. Whether you bought a small or astronomical unit, you can rely on vacuum pumps for a relatively quiet, smooth, and consistent operations for a lot of months on end between each maintenance inspection.

The moment users do spot something that is not right with the device, it is crucial to stop the pump and immediately address the matter. The user’s pro-activeness as a vacuum pump owner could mean the difference in a short-term and long-lasting pump life.

The repair of these devices can be pretty costly and complicated if the system issue is allowed to deteriorate without addressing it. That is why it is imperative to inspect the pumps regularly to make sure that it remains in its optimal condition.

If a problem arises, it is vital to stop the vacuum and check the matter the moment something is not right. But to take these types of steps, it is imperative to understand the parts of a liquid ring vacuum pump. This article will take a closer look at the essential functions, installation process, maintenance steps, and components required for liquid ring vacuum pumps.

To find out more about this machine, check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_pump for more info.

The functions

The operation of this device is a relatively easy process that can be divided into simple stages. Basically, gases are brought in, pressurize, and then released. This process can be summarized as follows:

Intake – The intake of the device is where the gas or air is sucked inside the unit. Air or gas is sucked into its opening and pulled into the rotor ring where compression take place.

Compression – the pressurized gas or air takes place inside the rotors filled with liquid that turns inside the ring. As its rotors pass, the intake port, gas, or air is trapped between its blades and pressurized as rotors turn.

Discharge – The turning rotors filled with liquids take the newly pressurized and trapped gas or air to its discharged port, where these gases are then released.

The Components of the liquid ring vacuum pumps

These devices have six essential parts. It can also be fitted with a lot of accessories.

Basic parts

The parts of liquid ring vacuum pump and perform critical functions are pretty simple. Basically, between the discharge ports and its inlet, the device has a rotary-equipped, inner-cylinder where air or gas is properly pressurized within the turning supply of liquid.

Inlet port – This part leads the gas inside the inner-cylinder of the pump. It is a passage that opens outside of the vacuum and can lead to the cylinder’s inner ring, where gasses are released to the rotors.

Cylinder – Inside its cylinder is where the vacuuming process takes place. As the rotor turns inside the cylinder, the liquid turns along its upper circumference and will create a vacuuming effect that sucks gasses from its inlet port.

Rotor – This part is a ring of blades that will turn around continuously inside the cylinder. The liquid that is contained in the rotor will create a vacuum effect that will pressure the gas to enter the inlet port. It will take half a revolution for gas molecules to complete its cycle.

Gas discharge – The center component of the pump that swivels the rotor houses the discharge valve for newly pressurized gases. Half a revolution from the first-time gas enters the cylinder, gas molecules are discharged through the pipe.

Discharge port – Newly pressurized gases are then released through this port, from where gases are released for the intended purpose. On the outside of the device, discharge ports are 90° removed from the unit’s inlet port.

Overview of pump installation and startup

The performance of a liquid ring vacuum pump will always depend on its parts, the way it is situated and installed. The following guidelines apply to a lot of devices on the market. With that being said, it is best to check with the manufacturer’s manual for specific models before completing the installation and turn on the new pump.

Unpack the device carefully – As the owner first unpack the parts of the device, handle every element with care, and set things down on an even and flat surface with a lot of space. Mishandling during unpacking could result in the misalignment of its parts. If the device is attached to a metal base plate, lift the equipment by its base, and the pump. Make sure that no slings or hooks are connected, as it can cause issues with its alignment.

Only turn on once fully assembled – During the unpacking face, it might be tempting to give the device a test run, but in reality, it is a big mistake. Owners need to only turn the device on once they have it fully installed, and sealing liquids are in place.

Store it safely – Make sure that the unit is stored in a place where the temperature is not too hot or not too cold, night and day. Do not store the unit in a place where the temperature could drop too low as it would cause its sealing liquids to solidify.

Setting up – Even though the unit runs slowly and smoothly, it needs to be situated in a strong, stable, and flat surface, preferably concrete mounts or flat floors. If the vacuum is small, place it on a skid or floor. If the unit is large, put it on concrete pads.

Inspect its joints and pipes – Make sure that the fittings and pipes are properly aligned and stress-free before turning it on. While these parts are tested by the manufacturer beforehand, stresses can occur during transit.

Align and install the sheaves – If the unit uses V-Belts, align, and install the sheaves before setting the tension on its belt drive. Place its belt over sheaves and into its grooves.

Inspect the tension of the belt – Check its belt tension and recheck it every other day of use of the unit. If the tension is not right, the device is liable to make squealing noises when turned on. If owners intend to shut down the machine for an extended period, make sure to remove the belts from its tension.