Elma Elmasolvex VA User manual

BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Rev.05.2018 doc order no: 105 1412 © Elma Schmidbauer GmbH Germany
Operating manual
Elmasolvex®VA
Watches / small parts cleaning machine
English 

Contents
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BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018 © Elma Schmidbauer GmbH
Contents
1General....................................................................... 5
2Important safety instructions....................................... 5
2.1 Notes for using this manual...................................... 5
2.1.1 Information signs / symbols in the manual / on
the cleaning machine............................................ 5
2.1.2 Signal words in this manual .................................. 6
2.2 Safety instructions for use of the cleaning machine.. 6
3Product description..................................................... 9
3.1 How it Works............................................................ 9
3.2 Product Features ....................................................10
3.3 Scope of delivery ....................................................11
3.4 Optional accessories...............................................11
3.5 CE conformity .........................................................12
3.6 Technical Data........................................................13
3.7 Cleaning machine front side description..................14
3.8 Cleaning machine rear side description ..................15
3.9 Control panel description ........................................16
3.10 Handling of the control panel ..................................17
3.11 Description of the menu icons.................................18
3.12 Cleaning chamber description.................................19
3.13 Media tanks description ..........................................20
3.13.1 Suction filter functionality .....................................20
4Before the initial commissioning ............................... 21
4.1 Unpacking and installing the cleaning machine.......21
4.2 Attaching protective grilles ......................................22
4.3 Connecting activated carbon unit or exhaust air tubes
...............................................................................23
4.4 Filling media tank....................................................25
4.4.1 Checking shut-off valves of the quick couplings...28
5Initial commissioning ................................................ 30
5.1 Connecting cleaning machine to mains power supply
...............................................................................30
5.2 Switching on cleaning machine...............................30
5.3 Selecting language in the display............................30
6Daily cleaning operation ........................................... 31
6.1 Checking filling levels of the media tanks................31
6.2 Loading and inserting basket holder .......................32
6.3 Selecting and starting cleaning program .................35
6.3.1 Special Programs ................................................39
6.4 Interrupting / aborting cleaning program..................40

Contents
© Elma Schmidbauer GmbH BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018
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7Settings .................................................................... 42
7.1 Cleaning machine Settings .....................................42
7.1.1 Date / Time..........................................................43
7.1.2 Administrator PIN.................................................44
7.1.3 Event List.............................................................46
7.1.4 Changing user language......................................48
7.1.5 Visible cleaning programs....................................49
7.1.6 Reminders ...........................................................50
7.1.7 Display Operating Hours......................................55
7.1.8 Setting signal tone for program end .....................57
7.2 Creating your own cleaning programs.....................58
7.2.1 Create new cleaning program..............................59
7.2.2 Create cleaning program from copy.....................62
7.2.3 Modifying existing cleaning program....................63
7.2.4 Delete cleaning program......................................64
8Media (cleaning / rinsing solutions) .......................... 65
8.1 Recommended media.............................................66
8.2 Technical limitations................................................67
8.3 Limitations for solvent-based media........................67
8.3.1 Flammable, solvent-based media ........................67
8.3.2 Non-flammable, solvent-based media..................67
8.3.3 Environmental hazard from solvent-based media 68
9Care and maintenance tasks.................................... 69
9.1 Daily maintenance actions ......................................69
9.1.1 Filling level check of the media tanks...................69
9.1.2 Cleaning the cleaning chamber............................70
9.1.3 Cleaning of the drain sieve ..................................71
9.1.4 Cleaning the filling level sensors..........................71
9.1.5 Leak checks.........................................................71
9.2 Continuous maintenance actions ............................72
9.2.1 Change of cleaning and rinsing media.................72
9.2.2 Inspect media tanks, covers, suction filters..........73
9.2.2.1 Spare parts media tank .................................74
9.2.3 Basket holder.......................................................75
9.2.3.1 Spare parts basket holder .............................76
10 Maintenance actions / service intervals.................... 77
10.1 5 years service interval by Service staff ..................77
10.1.1 Prescribed parts to be replaced ...........................78
10.2 Service intervals according to display message ......79
10.2.1 Seal of the basket rotation unit.............................79
10.2.1.1 Replace seal of the basket rotation unit.........80

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BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018 © Elma Schmidbauer GmbH
10.2.2 5-year maintenance request ................................81
10.3 Extended safety test ...............................................82
11 Operating faults........................................................ 84
11.1 Fault messages on the display................................84
11.2 Cleaning machine faults without indication on the
display ....................................................................99
11.3 Fault clearance by user...........................................99
11.3.1 Cleaning deflagration protection ........................100
11.3.2 Manual venting of the cleaning chamber............102
11.4 Repairs .................................................................103
11.5 Shipment of the machine ......................................103
12 Decommissioning and disposal.............................. 104
13 Manufacturer address / contact address ................ 104
14 Appendix 1: Activated carbon unit.......................... 105
14.1 Description............................................................105
14.2 Filling / Installation / Commissioning .....................107
14.3 Maintenance .........................................................109
14.3.1 Emptying condensate separator ........................109
14.3.2 Replacing activated carbon granulate................109
14.3.3 Changing PE filter..............................................110
15 Appendix 2: Pager.................................................. 112
16 Appendix 3: Procedure and parameter
recommendations using Expert Mode .................... 114
16.1 Cleaning parameters recommendations in Expert
Mode.....................................................................118
16.2 Rinsing parameters recommendations in Expert
Mode.....................................................................119
16.3 Drying parameters recommendations in Expert Mode
.............................................................................120
16.3.1 Spinning ............................................................120
17 Appendix 4: Expert Mode ....................................... 127
17.1 Elmasolvex VA Expert Mode.................................127
17.2 Creating your own cleaning programs...................128
17.3 Creating a new cleaning program .........................129
17.4 Creating a cleaning program from a copy .............132
17.5 Modifying an existing cleaning program ................133
17.6 Deleting a cleaning program .................................134

General
© Elma Schmidbauer GmbH BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018
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1 General
The present Operating Instructions are part of the delivered
equipment. They must be ready for use at any time and remain
with the cleaning machine in case of resale. We reserve the
right to carry out technical modifications on the cleaning
machine due to advanced development. An operating manual
cannot take account of every conceivable use. An operating
manual cannot take account of every possible use. Contact
your dealer or the manufacturer for further information or in the
event of problems which are not covered or not sufficiently
covered in this operating manual.
2 Important safety instructions
Read through this manual carefully before use and only use this
cleaning machine in accordance with the instructions included
here. In addition to the instructions in this operating manual,
also observe the country-specific safety regulations.
The manufacturer shall not accept any liability in the event of
injuries to persons, damage to the cleaning machine or product
to be cleaned which has been caused by improper use contrary
to the instructions in this operating manual and non-observance
of the maintenance intervals.
The owner shall be responsible for the instruction of the
operating personnel.
2.1 Notes for using this manual
2.1.1 Information signs / symbols in the manual /
on the cleaning machine
This symbol warns about the risk of injury from electricity.
This symbol warns about the risk of injury from flammable
substances.
This symbol warns that a potentially explosive atmosphere can
occur in the indicated area.
This symbol warns about injuries from hot surfaces and liquids.
This symbol provides a general warning about the risk of injury.
This symbol prohibits the use of any kind of ignition source in
this area.
This symbol indicates the check of the quick coupling
connections (correct seating, shut-off valves).
This symbol indicates a risk of property damage.
This symbol indicates supplementary information.
Strictly observe the
following before
start-
up
Exclusion of liability

Important safety instructions
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BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018 © Elma Schmidbauer GmbH
2.1.2 Signal words in this manual
The "danger" signal word warns about severe injuries with risk
of fatal injury.
The "warning" signal word warns about severe injuries.
The "caution" signal word warns about slight to medium injuries.
The "attention" signal word warns about property damage.
2.2 Safety instructions for use of the cleaning machine
First, strictly make yourself familiar with the safety instructions
before start-up.
A summary of the safety instructions can be found here. These
are shown again in this operating manual before the respective
handling instructions.
This cleaning machine is exclusively intended for cleaning
lubricants* from mechanical precision parts such as dismantled
and not dismantled watch movements using solvent-based
cleaning and rinsing media (see Chapter 8).
This cleaning machine is not suitable for cleaning or separating
chips!
The smallest parts placed in the cleaning basket must not be
smaller than 0.355 mm! For information: Smaller particles can
be rinsed into the machine through the meshes of the cleaning
basket and sieve insert on the bottom of the cleaning chamber
and can cause damage, e.g. to the valves.
Flammable liquids can be used as cleaning and rinsing media
when used as intended. However, it is not permitted to operate
the cleaning machine in an environment with potentially
explosive atmosphere of gases, fumes or dusts.
*greases, oils (also resinified), graphites etc.
The cleaning machine must only be operated by trained
personnel in accordance with this operating manual.
Due to its weight the cleaning machine must be handled by 2
persons!
Examine the cleaning machine and mains power cable for
transport damage. Do not start up the cleaning machine in the
event of detected damage.
For safety reasons, the cleaning machine must only be
connected to a grounded socket in accordance with the
regulations. The technical details of the rating plate must match
the available connection conditions, particularly mains voltage
and connected load.
Danger
Warning
Caution
Attention
Intended use
User
Handling of the machine
Inspection for
damage
Mains power
connection

Important safety instructions
© Elma Schmidbauer GmbH BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018
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Keep the installation area, case and controls dry. Protect
against ingress of moisture. Unplug the mains plug during
filling, maintenance and care of the cleaning machine, suspicion
that liquid has penetrated, operating faults and after use.
The cleaning machine must only be opened by trained staff.
The cleaning machine must be installed at a dry and sufficiently
ventilated place for the extraction of vapours of the cleaning
and rinsing media from the area of the media tanks filled with
these media.
The installation surface must be smooth and flat for application-
related reasons.
The maximum permitted ambient temperature is 30 °C.
The intended exhaust air equipment (exhaust air pipes with
maximum length 5 m or activated carbon unit) for them must be
installed at the ventilation openings (cleaning machine rear
side) before start-up.
Only permitted media must be used in this cleaning machine.
Observe the information in Chapter 8.
The cleaning machine is only permitted to be operated with the
connected and correctly filled 4 original media tanks included in
the scope of delivery (see Chapter 4.4).
Ignitable solvent vapours can escape in the case of improper
operation (without exhaust air connection) and during
replacement of the cleaning and rinsing media.
Smoking and open ignition sources in the cleaning machine
surroundings, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the zone
marked with the appropriate danger symbol are therefore
prohibited.
Strictly observe the safety instructions specified in this manual
to prevent such hazards.
In the event of liquid discharge from the cleaning machine
(amount > droplets), the cleaning machine must no longer be
operated for safety reasons.
Maximum one day's requirement of the solvents used is
permitted to be stored in the surroundings of the cleaning
machine at a minimum distance of 3 m from the cleaning
machine.
Observe the specified safety measures in the safety data
sheets of the respective media used. This also applies with
respect to solvent vapours.
Depending on the operating time of the cleaning machine,
surfaces, particularly the inner wall of the drying chamber, can
become very hot (max. approx. 65 °C).
The black Elma basket holder (Art. No. 105 3905) is delivered
as standard. It is used for attaching electropolished baskets,
baskets made from stainless steel, plastic-coated baskets and
plastic baskets. Only electropolished baskets may be used in
the blue Elma basket holder (Art. No. 105 3162 Accessories).
Prevention of
electrical accidents
Installation
Ambient temperature
Exhaust air
equipment
Media (cleaning /
rinsing solutions)
Fire and explosion
hazard
Hazards from
solvents
Hot surfaces
Cleaning basket

Important safety instructions
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BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018 © Elma Schmidbauer GmbH
The maximum load weight of the cleaning basket with cleaning
parts is max. 100 grams. (80 mm basket) or max. 60 grams
(64 mm basket)
Ensure even balanced loading of the cleaning basket for fast
rotations around the axis of the cleaning basket.
Pay attention when inserting the basket holder that it is
attached correctly (ball pressure protection engaged).
Reduce the spinning speed in the case of critical loading.
The cleaning chamber must not be opened during operation.
Solvents can spray out!
Fast rotating cleaning basket!
Risk of explosion during transport! Strictly empty the media
container before shipment and also ensure that the cleaning
chamber is emptied!
Only use the original packaging to prevent transport damage.
Opening cleaning
chamber
Shipment of the
machine

Product description
© Elma Schmidbauer GmbH BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018
9
3 Product description
The Elmasolvex®VA is a completely automatic cleaning
machine for cleaning mechanical precision parts.
With innovative product characteristics, the Elmasolvex®VA
cleaning machine provides a high standard of cleanliness with
certified compliance with the EU regulations for unit and
explosion safety for cleaning with flammable solvents (see
Declaration of conformity, Chapter 3.5).
3.1 How it Works
The cleaning and rinsing media are drawn into the cleaning
chamber one after the other using a vacuum from the media
tanks in the bottom part of the cleaning machine.
The cleaning is then performed under vacuum conditions with
multiple frequency ultrasound technology using rotation or using
oscillation without ultrasound technology. There are different
previously programmed standard programs and cleaning
programs freely programmable by the user available for the
microprocessor-controlled cleaning process.
Fig. 3.1.1 Schematic diagram of the functional principle

Product description
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BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018 © Elma Schmidbauer GmbH
Fig. 3.1.2 View of cleaning basket in cleaning chamber
3.2 Product Features
•Safe TÜV-certified solvent-based, water-free 4-stage
cleaning and rinsing, also with flammable solvents in
accordance with the applicable EU safety regulations,
certified by TÜV Rheinland.
•Cleaning with vacuum technology below 130 mbar
absolute also enables access of the cleaning and rinsing
media to otherwise not accessible or inadequately
accessible areas of geometrically complicated parts.
•Cleaning and rinsing 3 times, all supported as required
with multiple frequency ultrasound of the switchable
frequencies 40 an 80 kHz, in Normal, Sweep or Pulse
operation.
•Microprocessor-controlled and permanently monitored
cleaning processes.
•Gentle vacuum drying with radiant heat below 100 mbar
absolute, supported if necessary by spinning up to 1400
rpm.
•Predefined standard cleaning programs.
•Additional cleaning programs freely definable by the
user are possible.
•Reliable extraction of the solvent vapours via exhaust air
connections to the open air or absorption in an optional
activated carbon based absorber unit.
•Suitable for solvents with flashpoint >= 12 °C.

Product description
© Elma Schmidbauer GmbH BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018
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3.3 Scope of delivery
•Elmasolvex®VA cleaning machine
•Elma basket holder
for 5 basket inserts Ø 80 mm (optional accessories)
(see Chapter 6.2)
•4 spare suction filters for media tanks (see Chapter 9.2)
•Mains cable
•Funnel
•USB cable (Software update / Software Elmasolvex VA
Tools)
•Allen key 1.5 mm for mounting the protective grille
•2 plastic plugs (guiding rail see Chapter 4.2)
•Allen key 5 mm for mounting the connecting kit
•Connecting kit for exhaust air tubes
•Operating manual
3.4 Optional accessories
•movement holders for not dismantled watch movements for
accommodation of up to 12 movements (Art. No. 104 6733)
•Holders for bridges and plates (Art. No. 104 6153)
•Basket inserts with different division and height, electro
polished or plastic-coated design
•Miniature basket
•Pager – hand-held device for mobile remaining time display
of the cleaning program
•Activated carbon unit for absorption of solvent vapours
(alternative extraction to the discharge tubes from the scope
of delivery)

Product description
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BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018 © Elma Schmidbauer GmbH
3.5 CE conformity
This small parts cleaning machine fulfils the
CE marking criteria with regard to the Machinery Directive
2006/42/EC, the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and the ATEX
Directive 94/9/EC.

Product description
© Elma Schmidbauer GmbH BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018
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3.6 Technical Data
Mechanics
Case external dim. D/H (approx. mm)
600 / 610
Cleaning machine external dim. W/D/H
(approx. mm)
600 / 590 / 610
Weight incl. media tanks (approx. kg)
39
Number of media tanks (pcs.) 4
Working volume per media tank (l)
2.5
Exhaust air connections
2 x DN6 (passive)
Electronics
Mains voltage variant (V AC / Hz)
230 / 50/60
Mains voltage variant (V AC / Hz)
115 / 60
Mains voltage variant (V AC / Hz)
100 / 50/60
Mains input fuse
2 x T4A / 250 V
see rating plate
Mains cable cross section
3 x 1.0 mm²
Switchable ultrasound frequencies (kHz)
40 / 80
Maximum total power consumption (W)
220
Effective ultrasound power (W),
can be regulated 30% - 100%
50
Power consumption in standby (W)
20
Spinning mode speed range
freely adjustable up to max. (rpm)
1400
Cleaning / rinsing mode rotation speed
range (rpm)
1 - 20
Oscillation / vibration frequency rate (1/s)
1 – 14
Oscillation / vibration mode deflection (°)
1 – 60
Operation sound pressure level1 (LpAU)
< 70 dB
Accessories
Individual basket external dimensions D/H
(approx. mm)
80 / 10 or 64 / 12
Number of individual baskets in the basket
holder
5 or 3
Maximum load, complete cleaning basket
(all individual baskets together) (approx. g)
100 or 60
Movement holder maximum movement
capacity (pcs.)
12
Activated carbon absorption unit
passive
1 measured maximum sound pressure level at 1 m distance

Product description
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BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018 © Elma Schmidbauer GmbH
3.7 Cleaning machine front side description
Fig. 3.7.1 View of front side
Cleaning chamber cover with snap lock (A1) for engaging the
cover
Main switch for switching on the cleaning machine
Control panel with display Detail description Chapter 3.9
Protective grille above media tanks with cleaning and
rinsing liquid - can be moved up for removal of the media
tanks
Guide rail for media tanks protective grille The protective
grille is inserted here by the user before the first start-up
Screw as stop for the top end position when moving the
protective grille upwards. The screw must be unscrewed
by approx. 2 turns after attaching the protective grilles.
Plastic cap must be plugged to the end of the guiding rail
Screw for venting the cleaning chamber in the event of a
fault (see Chapter 11.3.2)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
A
A1 B
C
D
E
F
G
D
H

Product description
© Elma Schmidbauer GmbH BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018
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3.8 Cleaning machine rear side description
Fig. 3.8.1 View of rear side
Connection for mains cable and slot for fuse
USB connection
Fan openings must be freely accessible for the necessary
ventilation and cooling of the cleaning machine
Service opening "cleaning machine"
Connection for venting the cleaning chamber Instructions for
use of the Elma exhaust air tube (included in the scope of
delivery) or with the Elma activated carbon unit (optional
accessory) (Chapter 4.3 Connecting activated carbon unit or
exhaust air tubes)
Connection for venting the media tanks
Connection instructions for use of the Elma exhaust air tube or
connection with Elma activated carbon unit (Chapter 4.3
Connecting activated carbon unit or exhaust air tubes)
Service opening "deflagration protection"
Fastening possibility for the exhaust air tubes
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
C
D
E
F
BA
H
H
G

Product description
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BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018 © Elma Schmidbauer GmbH
3.9 Control panel description
Fig. 3.9.1 View of control panel
Operating buttons for selecting functions and settings and
navigation in the software menu
On / Standby button for switching on the control panel
Start / Pause button for starting or interrupting the cleaning
process
Display shows the setting options and the current status of the
cleaning process
A
B
C
D
A A
B C
D

Product description
© Elma Schmidbauer GmbH BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018
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3.10 Handling of the control panel
Fig. 3.10.1 Control panel with display and navigation symbols
Operating buttons control the respective navigation symbols
shown on the display
Navigation symbols show the context-dependent functions of
the appropriate operating buttons
The control panel is not a touch-sensitive user interface (touch
screen).
Controls and settings on the cleaning machine are made using
the respective operating button assigned to the navigation
symbol.
The operating buttons only have to be pressed for a short time
(<= 0.5 sec.) for the actuation.
Explanation of the handling instructions for operating steps in
this manual:
The instruction to press an appropriate navigation symbol
always refers to the respective assigned operating button.
A
B
Handling instructions
B
A A
B

Product description
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BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018 © Elma Schmidbauer GmbH
3.11 Description of the menu icons
The activation of the respective menu icons using the assigned
operating button triggers the following actions:
Navigates back to the display Program Select List (home
screen)
Navigates to the Unit Settings menu
Confirms an entry
Used to save the recent changes
Saves the recent input and returns to the previous display (in
the case of program changes the changes must be confirmed
beforehand)
Navigates to the previous display. Invokes a confirmation
screen where the changes can be saved or discarded. 'Cancel'
can be selected as option.
Navigates up by one menu item in the menu selection
Navigates down by one menu item in the menu selection
Navigates one step to the left in the screen display
Navigates one step to the left in the screen display
Navigates one step to the right in the screen display
Navigates one step to the right in the screen display
Increases the value in a selection field
Reduces the value in a selection field
Adopts an entry
Refers to further information
Indicates that the pager (optional accessory) can be initialised
Refers to the description of a fault
Editing program
Reset reminder / Remind again

Product description
© Elma Schmidbauer GmbH BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018
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3.12 Cleaning chamber description
Fig. 3.12.1 View of cleaning chamber
Ventilation openings
Filling level sensor optical Work level with 2 guard rails
Filling level sensor Overfilling level
Cleaning basket holder
Sieve insert (mesh size 0.36 mm) for collecting lost precision
parts and coarse particles when draining the cleaning / rinsing
liquid from the cleaning chamber. The sieve can be removed for
cleaning.
When reinstalling the sieve, it must be screwed in carefully as
far as the stop. Check freedom of movement of the cleaning
basket afterwards (collision hazard if the sieve insert has not
been screwed in correctly).
Never operate cleaning machine without sieve insert. Danger of
damage in the cleaning machine!
Heating areas / radiating surfaces of the 2 heaters with radiant
heat for the drying process.
A
B
C
D
E
ATTENTION
F
C
D
E
B
A
FF

Product description
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BA_Elmasolvex_VA_EN_Vers.05.2018 © Elma Schmidbauer GmbH
3.13 Media tanks description
Fig. 3.13.2 Media tanks
Screw cap
Media tank (small) venting quick-action coupling with shut-
off valve
Media tank (large) quick-action coupling media inlet and
outlet with shut-off valve
Filling level marking
Label for marking the media tank
Seal
Suction filter (see Chapter 3.13.1)
3.13.1 Suction filter functionality
During suction of the medium, the medium must flow through
the suction filter (Fig. 3.13.1.G) (in this way, only filtered
medium reaches the cleaning chamber).
When draining the medium, the suction filter automatically sinks
to the bottom of the tank so that unfiltered medium flows into
the media tank.
The cleaned soiling thus gets into the canister unhindered and
is kept in the media tank during the next filling of the cleaning
chamber.
Observe the cleaning and replacement intervals
(see Chapter 9.2.2).
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
ATTENTION
A
D
F
G
B
C
E