easycomposites VP425 Manual

1
SETUP & DAILY USE INSTRUCTIONS
Composites Vacuum Pump VP425
VP3400
TM
easy
composites
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2 Contents / Introduction
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing a VP425 or VP3400 Composites Vacuum Pump from Easy
Composites. These vacuum pumps are manufactured specifically for Easy Composites and
have proved themselves to be very reliable pumps for daily use.
If used and maintained correctly, these pumps will provide years of trouble-free service.
Please read the following instructions BEFORE USE to familiarise yourself with the correct
setup and daily operation.
When you first receive your VP425 or VP3400 please follow the simple steps listed on the
pages overleaf to prepare the pump for its first use.
Do NOT run the pump before you have read and followed the information.
CONTENTS
1. Introduction 2
2. First Time Use - Setup Instructions 3
1. Fill pump with oil 3
2. Set voltage (if required) 4
3. Connect to mains supply 5
4. Remove dust cap 5
3. Daily Operation 5
Check oil level 5
The vacuum valve 6
Switching o procedure 6
Replacing the oil 6
Oil vapour/mist when running 6
4. Operating Conditions & Maintenance 7
5. Warranty Information 7

3First Time Use / Fill pump with oil
2. First Time Use - Setup Instructions
To avoid leakage during transport, VP425 and VP3400 are supplied without any vacuum
pump oil in them. They need to be filled to the correct level using the supplied Vacuum
Pump Oil before use.
Please see section 5 for information on daily checking of oil level and oil maintenance once
the pump is lled and in use.
WARNING! Never overll the vacuum pump oil or run with insucient oil in. If you
accidentally over-ll the pump, use the drain screw to remove some oil before use.
Follow the instructions below according to the model of your vacuum pump:
1. Fill pump with oil
Unscrew the black plastic exhaust tting
from the top of the vacuum pump (on the
end with the oil sight-gauge).
After lling (see below), replace the
exhaust tting securely.
VP425 Vacuum Pump
Fill the vacuum pump with oil until the oil
level is halfway up the sight-gauge on the
end of the pump.
Be aware that it might take a few minutes
for the oil to work its way down into the
pump.
If you accidentally overll the pump, you
can use the oil-drain screw towards the
base of the pump to remove some oil.
FILL TO
HERE
VP425 OIL CAPACITY = 260ml (8.8 oz)

4First Time Use / Set voltage
VP425 and VP3400 have switch-able power
supply modes so that they can be used on
both 220/240V mains supply (UK, Europe,
Australia, China etc.) and 110V (USA, Canada,
Japan etc.).
When shipped, the pump will be set to 220V.
If you will be using the pump in a country
where the mains supply is 110V it is essential
to slide the voltage setting on the pump
BEFORE switching it on.
WARNING! NEVER USE THE PUMP WITH THE WRONG VOLTAGE SETTING.
DOING SO COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ELECTRICAL FAILURE.
2. Set voltage (if required)
220
220
110
Unscrew the red oil ller cap near the
base of the pump’s carrying handle.
After lling (see below), replace the ller
cap securely.
Vacuum Pump VP3400
Fill the vacuum pump with oil until the oil
level is halfway up the sight-gauge on the
end of the pump. Be aware that it might
take a few minutes for the oil to work its
way down into the pump.
If you accidentally overll the pump, you
can use the oil-drain screw towards the
base of the pump to remove some oil.
FILL TO HERE
VP3400 OIL CAPACITY = 600ml (20 oz)

5First Time Use / Connect mains supply / Daily Operation
Before switching the pump on, be sure to
remove the rubber dust-cap from the exhaust
tting.
The rubber cap can be left o the pump in
future or replaced for longer term storage.
NEVER run the pump with the exhaust cap in
place, it could be ejected with considerable
force causing damage or injury.
Ensure the power switch is in the OFF position before connecting the vacuum pump to the
mains power supply.
Having done so, ensure the power plug is rmly connected to the vacuum pump and nally
connect the power lead to the mains power supply.
VP425 AND VP3400 ARE NOT INTENDED FOR UNATTENDED OPERATION.
NEVER LEAVE THE PUMP RUNNING UNATTENDED.
4. Remove dust cap
3. Connect to mains supply
3. Daily Operation
Before every use of your vacuum pump, check
the oil level in the pump using the sight-glass
on the end of the vacuum pump. The oil level
should be half-way between the minimum
and maximum markers.
If the oil needs topping up, do so as described
in section 2.1.
Only ever use‘high vacuum’ specication
vacuum pump oil with your vacuum pump.
Use of alternative grade oils will shorten the
life of the pump.
Check oil level
CORRECT
OIL LEVEL

6
The vacuum valve on the pump is used
to close o the vacuum pump from any
connected hoses or equipment.
The vacuum valve is OPEN when the handle is
in the vertical position and closed by turning
90° into the horizontal position.
Always close the vacuum valve before
switching o the vacuum pump.
Failure to do so can result in residual vacuum
in connected hoses, chambers or vacuum
bags sucking air and oil back through the
vacuum pump, contaminating vacuum lines
and damaging the vacuum pump.
Depending on how frequently you use your
vacuum pump and how you are using the
vacuum pump, you will periodically need to
change the vacuum pump oil completely.
If the oil appears cloudy, discoloured or
contaminated in any other way, drain the old
oil from the vacuum pump using the drain
screw and then rell the pump with fresh
‘high vacuum’ vacuum pump oil such as our
VPO1 High Vacuum Pump Oil.
It is perfectly normal for this type of vacuum pump to emit oil vapour (a faint blue/grey
smoke) from the exhaust tting during operation. The emission of oil vapour is greatest
when the pump is working hardest and will become almost negligeable once the pump is
pulling against a sealed bag or empty chamber.
If oil vapour is unacceptable in your working environment, a hose can be tted to the
exhaust tting to vent the oil vapour outside or an oil mist separator can be tted inline with
the exhaust to separate the oil from the exhaust air.
Switching-o procedure
Replacing the oil
Oil vapour when running
Daily Operation / Switching o / Replacing oil / Oil vapour

7
4. Operating Conditions &
Maintenance
The Easy Composites VP425 and VP3400 vacuum pumps are designed to provide years of
reliable service however it is very important to ensure that you are using the pump in an
appropriate environment and maintaining it properly; failure to do so will shorten the life of
the pump and invalidate the warranty.
Please read and follow these important points on operating conditions and maintenance:
Do...
 Regularly check the oil level in the
pump and top-up as necessary.
 If oil appears contaminated (cloudy),
empty it from the pump and replace it
with fresh vacuum pump oil.
 Use the system in a clean, dry
environment and in an elevated
position such as on a workbench or
counter-top.
 Keep the pump clean using a damp
cloth and soapy water.
 Make sure all ttings are properly
sealed. Use PTFE to seal and ttings you
need to adjust or re-t.
Don’t...
 Never run the pump unattended.
 Never switch o the pump without
closing the vacuum valve rst.
 Never use the pump on the oor.
 Never operate the pump in dusty
conditions. Dust particles will be drawn
into the pump and will contaminate
the oil and accelerate wear.
 Don’t use the pump as a vacuum
dryer. Moisture extracted from damp
materials such as wood or plaster will
emulsify the oil.
 Never use anything other than‘High
Vacuum’ oil such as our VPO1 High
Vacuum Pump Oil to top-up your pump.
 Never use solvents to clean the pump.
Easy Composites Ltd warrants that this Vacuum Pump will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. Should a failure occur within this
period, Easy Composites Ltd will repair or replace any defective part of the system on a like-for-like basis.
This limited warranty does not cover damage to the pump caused by misuse, improper maintenance or
use not in accordance with these instructions. In circumstances of very frequent use it is quite possible
for the vanes on the vacuum pump to wear-out, indicated by reduced vacuum levels being achieved.
This is normal wear-and-tear and not covered by the warranty. Although not considered a user-
serviceable part, replacement vanes can be supplied for installation by a competent person to renew
the pump and restore the vacuum level.
Easy Composites Ltd is not liable for, and does not cover under warranty, any damages or losses of any
kind whatsoever resulting from failure of this product. In the event of a claim, Easy Composites Ltd’s sole
obligation shall be to issue a refund or replacement of the product itself.
5. Warranty
Operating Conditions & Maintenance / Warranty

8 Daily Operation / Switch o Pump / Open Inlet / Remove Lid
Easy Composites Ltd. Unit 39, Park Hall Business Village, Longton, Stoke on Trent,
Staordshire, ST3 5XA. United Kingdom.
Tel. [phone] | Fax. [phone] | [email protected].uk
WWW.EASYCOMPOSITES.CO.UK
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