When it comes to a rotary vane vacuum pump, a little bit of maintenance will ensure long-lasting performance. Ultimately, that means avoiding costly downtime. What it comes down to is that with proper maintenance, this equipment will provide years of consistent service. However, for that to happen, people must take the right steps when caring for their rotary vacuum pumps.

Changing the Oil

The simple act of changing the oil according to the manufacturer’s schedule will go a long way in keeping rotary vane vacuum pumps in optimal condition. Similar to changing the oil in a car every 3,000 miles, the same rule applies here. This is especially important if you run your pump 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Many people who use rotary vacuum pumps change the oil every six months religiously. However, a lot of the top manufacturing companies suggest a four-month schedule. There are times when operators will try to push the oil change out even further, but they only do that if the oil comes out clean. Otherwise, you could end up with a serious problem on your hands.

Along with changing the oil on schedule, make sure you select the right oil grade and weight. For your rotary vane vacuum pumps, choose something of high quality. That way, there’s less risk of contaminants causing damage.

Keeping the Equipment Cool

Another important factor pertaining to maintenance has to do with keeping a rotary vane vacuum pump cool. In fact, heat is the one thing that can damage a motor faster than anything else. If you use the pump in an enclosed area, consider running a fan to cool it down. The problem is if the motor becomes too hot, it lowers the viscosity of the oil. When that occurs, the pump no longer has an efficient vacuum ability.

Changing the Filter

As solids and liquids enter rotary vane vacuum pumps, they can lead to failure if the filter can’t do its job. Therefore, just like the oil, you need to change the filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Replacing the Vane

Due to wear and tear, there will come a time when you’ll need to replace the vane inside a rotary vane vacuum pump. As a good rule of thumb, when the vane reaches a point of being one fourth shorter than the length when you first bought the equipment, switch it out. Also, when doing this type of maintenance, go ahead and replace the gaskets and bearings, too.

Buying Quality Equipment

For excellent performance, it starts by purchasing a rotary vane vacuum pump from a trusted and reliable source and then complementing it with proper maintenance. For more information on our equipment, contact us at PFS Pumps. We’ll gladly help you find the equipment you need.