LFA TabVac User manual

We don’t just sell machines—
we provide service.
TabVac™Tablet Dust Vacuum
User Manual

2
Copyright Notice
© LFA Machines Oxford Limited, published in 2021 by LFA Machines Oxford Limited 2021.
Registered in England and Wales, company number 08428898, registered office for service
Demar House 14 Church Road East Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8PS.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or
by any means, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature, without prior permission, except
for fair dealing under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, or in accordance with the
terms of license issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency in respect of photocopying and/or
reprographic reproduction. Application for permission for other use of the copyright material
including permission to reproduce extracts in other published works shall be made to the
publisher. Full acknowledgment or author, publisher and source must be given.
All trade marks are acknowledged and are owned by their respective owners.

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Important Safety Information
READ THIS BEFORE OPERATING MACHINE
Intended Use
The intended use of this machine is to remove
excess powder.
Potential misuse of this machine includes:
• Not properly installing the machine.
• Using wet or damp material.
Personal Protection
For personal protection while transporting the
TabVac™, abide by these actions:
• Wear steel toe boots to prevent foot injury.
• Wear heavy duty grip gloves to ensure firm
grasp on machine.
• Wear back support belt to prevent injury if
needed.
For personal protection while operating the
TabVac™, abide by these actions:
• Avoid wearing loose jewelry to prevent
machine entanglement.
• Contain long hair to prevent machine
entanglement.
• Wear safety goggles.
• Wear disposable latex/rubber gloves.
• Wear a hairnet (food grade products only).
• Wear a beard net if needed (food grade
products only).
General Hazards
• Be aware of risk of entanglement and pinch
point due to moving parts.
• Do not operate in a wet environment or with
wet hands due to risk of electrical shock or
burn.
• Do not operate if any wires are damaged,
pinched, or frayed due to risk of electrical
shock or burn.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Keep fingers away from all moving parts.
• Inspect machine before use.
• Check that nuts and bolts are suitably
tightened.
• Use this machine only for its intended use
as described in this manual.
• Turn off and unplug the machine before
conducting cleaning and maintenance.
• Do not modify the machine in any way.
Safety Assessment
It is critical to conduct a safety assessment to
ensure that it complies with all local laws and
industry accepted safety regulations.
If you require guidance on the installation of the
machine or conducting a safety assessment,
please contact LFA Machines.

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WARNING
This signals potential risk for personal injury.
Modes for Stopping
Symbols
Important Safety Information
READ THIS BEFORE OPERATING MACHINE
In the case of an emergency during operation, press the red button near the machine's handle
and immediately unplug.
CAUTION
This signals potential risk for damage to the
machine or other parts.
Prop. 65 Statement for CA Residents
Based on LFA's current level of knowledge of our machines, the TabVac™does not require a
Proposition 65 warning label.

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Warning for Explosive Material
Important Safety Information
READ THIS BEFORE OPERATING MACHINE
This machine is not explosion proof. LFA recommends that you test your materials' explosivity
before running them through this machine. If your materials are indeed explosive, do not use
them with this machine.

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Table of Contents
Copyright Notice 2
Important Safety Information 3
Intended Use 3
Personal Protection 3
General Hazards 3
Safety Assessment 3
Important Safety Information 4
Symbols 4
Modes for Stopping 4
Prop. 65 Statement for CA Residents 4
Important Safety Information 5
Warning for Explosive Material 5
TabVac™Parts List 7
Preface 8
Training 9
On-Site/Off-Site Training 9
Training via Video Chat/Phone 9
LFA Articles 9
LFA Videos 9
Installation 10
Tools and Materials Needed 10
The Appropriate Workstation for the Machine 10
Positioning the TabVac™ 12
Assembly 12
Controls 13
Maintenance 16
General Maintenance Prescriptions 16
Repair and Replacement 16
Troubleshooting 17
Common Machine/Part Issues 17
De-Jamming the TabVac™ 18
Cleaning 19
Storing the TabVac™ 22
Appendix 22
Glossary 22
Description of TabVac™Parts 23
Material of Contact Parts 24
Technical Specifications 24
Maintenance Checklist 25
Resources 28

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1
TabVac™Parts List
1. TabVac Electrical Cabinet
2. Negative Pressure Hose
3. Powder Tamper
4. Vacuum Inlet
5. Drum
23
4
5

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Preface
The TabVac™Tablet Dust Vacuum is a machine built for removing dust that is a by-product of tablet
and capsule production and can be used with many models of tablet presses as well as tablet de-
dusters and some capsule fillers. The TabVac™features a powerful, rugged motor and a corrosion-
resistant, stainless steel body, which allows the vacuum to handle large volumes of formulation while
resisting moisture and chemical damage. Despite its robust construction, the vacuum's wheels make
it easy to move and to access, ensuring simple maintenance and cleaning.
The purpose of this document is to support your understanding of the TabVac™’s components,
features, functions, and design. With this manual, you will be able to successfully operate and
maintain your TabVac™machine.
The user manual’s content includes:
• Important safety information
• TabVac™installation instructions
• Description of the TabVac™’s operation
• TabVac™maintenance information
• Appendix with supplemental information

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Training
TabVac™training is essential for the machine’s successful operation and your personal safety.
There are several methods to prepare you for working with the TabVac™.
On-Site/Off-Site Training
LFA technicians can travel and train you at your own facility with your own machines. LFA also
offers free training at our UK, USA, and Taiwan facilities for all our customers and their teams.
For more information, go to https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/services
Training via Video Chat/Phone
Using an online video chat system, an LFA technician can interact face-to-face with you and assist
with your understanding of the machine. Or, if you prefer, LFA can provide training via phone for all
customers who call the office. To set up a training, call or email your local LFA office:
UK
Phone
[phone]
Email
[email protected]
Taiwan
Phone
[phone]
Email
[e-mail]
USA
Phone
[phone]
Email
sales.us[email protected]
LFA Articles
LFA writes informative articles about our machines, which includes instructions, procedures, and
guides. To access the articles, go to https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/articles
LFA Videos
LFA has created videos involving the TabVac™and other machines. To access the videos, go to
https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/videos or https://www.youtube.com/user/TabletPilPress

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Installation
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you install and operate the TabVac™, it is best to have the following tools and materials on
hand for general operation and maintenance:
• Hammer
• Crowbar
• Metric wrench set and adjustable wrench
• Flathead screwdriver
• Set of metric Allen keys with ball ends
• Lubricant (NSF approved for food grade products)
• Bagless vacuum
• Toothbrush
• Cleaner (e.g. Member's Mark Commercial Lemon Disinfectant)
• Sanitizer (e.g. Member's Mark Commercial Sanitizer)
• Plastic sheet or something similar to cover machine
• Safety goggles
• Disposable latex/rubber gloves
• Hairnet and/or beard net (food grade products only)
• Sterile shoe covers (food grade products only)
The Appropriate Workstation for the Machine
Find stable, even flooring that supports the TabVac™’s 72 kg (approximately 158 lbs) weight. This
machine also has a three phase 380 V or 220 V (± 10%) electrical requirement, so ensure that it is
near an appropriate power plug.
Environmental Conditions
It is important that the environment in which you operate and store the TabVac™has the
appropriate temperature and relative humidity levels. These two environmental factors can
potentially cause the machine to rust. The table below shows the acceptable temperature and
relative humidity levels:
Machine Temperature Humidity
TabVac™°C °F 45-65% RH
18-24 64-75

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The shipping crate will contain the following:
1. The fully assembled TabVac™
2. Corrugated tube and electrical wires

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Unpacking the TabVac™
Tools Needed
• Hammer
• Crowbar
Instructions
1. Pry open the panels of the shipping container with a hammer and crowbar.
2. Lift the top of the shipping container from its base.
3. Remove the plastic wrapping.
3.1 Note: Save the wrapping for future transport and/or storage.
Positioning the TabVac™
WARNING: To prevent personal injury, wear steel toe boots and heavy duty grip
gloves while transporting the TabVac™.
One or two people should be sufficient in removing the machine from the
shipping container and positioning it in the workspace.
To safely transport the TabVac™, gently guide the machine to the desired
location (near 380 V or 220 V [±10%] electrical plug).
Assembly
The TabVac™comes fully assembled with a few minor installations.
Tools Needed
• Flathead screwdriver
Instructions
1. Plug in the TabVac™into an outlet and turn on the machine.
2. Ensure that there is air being blown out of the Exhaust Port.
2.1 Note: If air is being sucked through into the Exhaust Port, immediately turn off the
machine and switch the phases on the machine's motor.
3. Loosen vacuum inlet's hose clamp with a flathead screwdriver.
4. Insert the corrugated tube to be connected to the tablet press/de-duster/capsule filler into the
TabVac™and tighten the hose clamp with a flathead screwdriver.
5. Connect the corrugated tube to the vacuum outlet of the tablet press/de-duster/capsule filler.
6. Connect the TabVac™'s electrical plug to the tablet press/capsule filler (if needed).

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Controls
Basic Components
A description of the principal components follows:
• The Drum contains the Vacuum Bag and the powder removed by the TabVac™.
• The Powder Tamper pushes down excess powder from the Vacuum Bag and into the
TabVac™'s drum.
• The Electrical Cabinet contains the motor, fan, and other machine wiring.
• The Vacuum Inlet allows TabVac™to be integrated with another machine and introduces
excess powder into the Vacuum Bag.
• The Exhaust Port channels the flowing stream of air from the vacuum's fan out of the TabVac™.

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TabVac™Process
The basic mechanism of the TabVac™involves using a motor, which is attached to a fan. When the
motor is operated by electricity, the fan turns and forces air, along with excess powder, into the
machine's Vacuum Bag and drum.
Motor and Fan Operation
When the machine is turned on, the motor begins to turn the fan. The fan's blades force air from
the vacuum inlet towards the exhaust port of the machine, which creates a pressure drop resulting
in suction.
Suction of Air and Excess Powder
The corrugated tube allows air and excess powder to be sucked through into the Vacuum Bag,
which filters the powder into the drum. If needed, the Powder Tamper is pressed and pushes down
excess powder through the Vacuum Bag and into the drum.
Removal of Dust from Machine
After the Powder Tamper and Vacuum Bag are taken off the machine, the excess powder can be
discarded.

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How to Vacuum Dust with the TabVac™
Tools and Materials Needed
• TabVac™
• Safety goggles
• Disposable latex/rubber gloves (for food grade products and to protect hands from grease)
• Hairnet and/or beard net (food grade products only)
• Sterile shoe covers (food grade products only)
WARNING: For personal protection while operating the TabVac™, contain long
hair, do not wear loose jewelry, and wear ear protectors.
Instructions
Note: Wear latex/rubber gloves (and appropriate food grade attire if applicable) during this
process.
1. Press the green button to begin machine operation.
1.1 Note: If the TabVac™is connected to a machine's vacuum plug, it is also possible to turn
on the vacuum using the other machine's HMI controls for auxiliary systems such as force
feeders.
2. Press the red button or, if needed, use the other machine's HMI to stop vacuum operation.

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Maintenance
To ensure that the TabVac™will have a long operational life, maintenance is essential. This section
includes methods for troubleshooting solutions and how often to clean your machine to keep its
performance optimal.
General Maintenance Prescriptions
• Use the maintenance checklist (found in the Appendix) before, during, and after machine
operation.
• Unplug the machine before cleaning.
• Before reassembling the machine after cleaning, make sure that the parts are dried.
• Constantly check for any loose nuts and/or screws before, during, and after machine operation.
Repair and Replacement
Some parts of the TabVac™may need to be removed for repair and replacement.
Warranty
To access LFA's warranty policy, go to https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/warranty
If your part is eligible for warranty, have your part’s serial number on hand and please contact LFA:
UK
Phone
[phone]
Email
[email protected]
Taiwan
Phone
[phone]
Email
[e-mail]
USA
Phone
[phone]
Email
sales.us[email protected]

17
Troubleshooting
Sometimes unavoidable issues will occur while operating the TabVac™. Fortunately, there are
several methods to remedy these issues.
Common Machine/Part Issues
Symptom Possible Cause Possible Solution
The powder is not filtering properly
There might be moisture in the
vacuum inlet tube or Vacuum Bag.
Inspect the machine's corrugated
tube and Vacuum Bag for any
moisture. If found, remove the
moisture.
The Vacuum Bag is dirty or damaged. Clean the Vacuum Bag and replace if
damaged.
The TabVac™is operating at a low
volume
The vacuum inlet is clogged. Take off the corrugated tube and
remove any powder blockage.
The Vacuum Bag is dirty or damaged. Clean the Vacuum Bag and replace if
damaged.
Abnormal noise is coming from the
machine
There are loose parts or loose nuts
and bolts.
Check all parts in the machine and
tighten any loose nuts and bolts.
The machine does not operate The power plug is loose from the
outlet or from the machine.
Re-connect the power plug to the
machine and the outlet. If the machine
still doesn't operate after this, consult
an electrician.

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De-Jamming the TabVac™
Sometimes powder may become clogged in the corrugated tube and vacuum inlet, causing a jam
and preventing machine operation.
Tools and Materials Needed
• Flathead screwdriver
• Disposable latex/rubber gloves (for food grade products and to protect hands from grease)
• Hairnet and/or beard net (food grade products only)
• Sterile shoe covers (food grade products only)
WARNING: To prevent any potential personal injury, ALWAYS unplug the TabVac™
before de-jamming it.
Instructions
Note: Wear latex/rubber gloves (and appropriate food grade attire if applicable) during this
process.
Check the Vacuum Inlet and Tubes for any Blockages
1. Loosen the hose clamp on the corrugated tube with a flathead screwdriver.
2. Remove the corrugated tube from the vacuum inlet.
3. Remove any blockages in the corrugated tube and the vacuum inlet.
4. Open the Powder Tamper and clean the Vacuum Bag.

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Cleaning
During the TabVac™’s operation, excess powder will find its way into parts of the machine. It is
important to clean the TabVac™thoroughly to prevent rusting.
LFA recommends that the machine be cleaned after each operation.
Tools and Materials Needed
• Flathead screwdriver
• Toothbrush
• Disposable latex/rubber gloves
• Bagless vacuum
• Clean cloths
• Potable water
• Plastic bag
• Bowl of warm soapy water (nothing abrasive)
• Cleaner (e.g. Member's Mark Commercial Lemon Disinfectant)
• Sanitizer (e.g. Member's Mark Commercial Sanitizer)
• Hairnet and/or beard net (food grade products only)
• Safety goggles
• Sterile shoe covers (food grade products only)
Instructions
Note: Wear safety goggles and latex/rubber gloves (and appropriate food grade attire if applicable)
during this process.
WARNING: To prevent any potential personal injury, ALWAYS unplug the TabVac™
from the electrical outlet when replacing parts.
Remove the Machine Parts
1. Loosen the drum's buckles.

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2. Remove the hose clamps with a flathead screwdriver.
Clean the Machine Parts
4. Flush out the corrugated tubes with cleaner and water and shake out any excess water.
5. Submerge the Vacuum Bag in the bowl of warm soapy water and rub off all dust and debris.
6. Rinse the Vacuum Bag and allow it to air dry.
7. Empty any powder into a plastic bag and dispose of it safetly.
8. Vacuum inside the drum and remove any excess powder.
9. Wash the inside of the drum with water, cleaner, and a cloth.
9.1 Note: Use the toothbrush for difficult-to-remove debris.
10. Rinse off the cleaner and immediately dry the drum's interior with a cloth.
11. Sanitize the drum's interior.
12. Wash the Powder Tamper with water, cleaner, and a cloth.
13. Rinse off the cleaner and immediately dry the Powder Tamper with a cloth.
14. Sanitize the Powder Tamper.
3. Lift up the powder tamper and untie the Vacuum Bag to remove it.