vacuubrand ME 2C NT User manual

page 1 of 75
Chemistry diaphragm pumps
Chemistry vacuum systems
Chemistry pumping units
Instructions for use
Technology for Vacuum Systems
ME 2C NT
ME 4C NT
ME 4C NT + 2 AK
ME 8C NT
ME 8C NT + 2 AK
MZ 2C NT
MZ 2C NT + 2 AK
MZ 2C NT + AK + M + D
MZ 2C NT + AK + EK
MZ 2C NT + AK Synchro + EK
MD 4C NT
MD 4C NT + 2 AK
MD 4C NT + AK + EK
MD 4C NT + AK Synchro + EK
PC 101 NT
PC 201 NT

page 2 of 75
After sales service:
Contact your local dealer or call [phone].
Dear customer,
Your VACUUBRAND diaphragm pumps are designed to provide you with
many years of trouble-free service with optimal performance. Our many
years of practical experience allow us to provide a wealth of application
and safety information. Please read these instructions for use before the
initial operation of your pump.
VACUUBRAND diaphragm pumps combine our many years of experi
-
ence in design, construction and practical operation, with the latest de
-
velopments in material and manufacturing technology.
Our quality maxim is the ”zero defect” principle:
Every diaphragm pump, before leaving our factory, is tested intensively,
including an endurance run of 14 hours. Any faults, even those which oc
-
After completion of the endurance run, every pump is tested, and must
We are committed to providing our customers only pumps that meet this
high quality standard.
While our pumps cannot eliminate all of your work, we design, manufac
-
ture and test them to ensure that they will be an effective and trouble-free
tool to assist you in that work.
Yours,
VACUUBRAND GMBH + CO KG
Trademark index:
®
®
®
®
,
Peltronic
®
, VARIO
®
(US-Reg.No 3,833,788),
VACUUBRAND
®
(US-Reg.No
®
3,733,388) and also the shown company logos are registered trademarks
of
VACUUBRAND GMBH + CO KG in Germany and/or other countries.

page 8 of 75
Contents
Safety information!
.............................................................
9
Important information!
.........................................................................
9
General information
............................................................................
11
Intended use
.......................................................................................
11
Setting up and installing the equipment
............................................
12
Ambient conditions
............................................................................
14
Operating conditions
.........................................................................
15
Safety during operation
.....................................................................
17
Maintenance and repair
.....................................................................
19
Important information: Equipment marking (ATEX)
...................
22
Technical data
...................................................................
24
General technical data valid for all pumps/pumping units
.................
24
Gas inlet temperatures
.....................................................................
25
Wetted parts
.....................................................................................
28
Abbreviations
....................................................................................
29
Pump parts
.......................................................................................
29
Use and operation
............................................................
38
Installing a pump in a vacuum system
..............................................
38
During operation
................................................................................
42
Important notes regarding the use of gas ballast
..............................
44
Important notes concerning the operation of the
exhaust waste vapor condenser
........................................................
45
Shutdown & storage
..........................................................................
47
Accessories
......................................................................
48
Troubleshooting
...............................................................
50
Replacing diaphragms and valves
..................................
52
Cleaning and inspecting the pump heads
........................................
54
Replacing the diaphragm
.................................................................
58
Replacing the valves
........................................................................
60
Replacing the overpressure safety relief device
...............................
65
Replacing the fuse
............................................................................
66
Repair - Maintenance - Return - Calibration
...................
67
Warranty
............................................................................
69
Health and safety clearance form
...................................
70
EC Declaration of Conformity of the Machinery
...............
71
China RoHS
.......................................................................
73

page 9 of 75
Safety information!
Important information!
Keep this manual complete and accessible to per
-
sonnel at all times!
Read this manual carefully before installing or op
-
erating the equipment. Observe the instructions
contained in this manual.
Do not modify the equipment without authoriza
-
tion.
This manual is an integral part of the equipment de
-
scribed therein. It describes the safe and proper use
of the vacuum pump.
Make operating personnel aware of dangers arising
from the pump and the pumped substances.
VACUUBRAND disclaims any liability for inappropri
-
ate use of these pumps and for damage from failure
to follow instructions contained in this manual.
This manual is only to be used and distributed in its com
-
plete and original form. It is strictly the users’ responsibility
to check carefully the validity of this manual with respect
to his product.
Manual-no.: 999156 / 07/07/2017
The following signal word panels and safety
symbols are used throughout this manual:
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to po
-
tential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages
that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury and death.
NOTICE

page 10 of 75
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided,
will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided,
could
result in death or serious injury.
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to address practices not related to
personal injury.
Caution! Hot surface!
Disconnect equipment from AC power.
Formatting used in this manual:
Note
: The signal word panels in all sections of this manual always refer
to all paragraphs of the same format (
/
signal word panel.
The document ”Safety information for vacuum equipment” is
part of this manual! Read the ”Safety information for vacuum
equipment” and observe the instructions contained therein!
NOTICE

page 11 of 75
General information
Remove all packing material from the packing box. Re
-
move the product from its packing-box and retain all pack
-
aging until the equipment is inspected and tested. Re
-
move the protective caps from the inlet and outlet ports
and retain for future use. Inspect the equipment promptly
and carefully.
If the equipment is damaged, notify the supplier and the
carrier in writing within three days. Retain all packing ma
-
terial for inspection. State the item number of the product
together with the order number and the supplier’s invoice
number. Failure to check and give notice of damage will
Replace the protective caps, if the equipment is not used
immediately. Store the equipment in dry and non-corrosive
conditions (see also ”Technical data”, pg. 24).
Do not use any damaged equipment.
Intended use
Do not use the pump or any system parts on humans
or animals.
Ensure that the individual components are only con
-
nected, combined and operated according to their de
-
sign and as indicated in the instructions for use. Use
only
original manufacturer’s spare parts and ac
-
cessories
. Otherwise the safety and performance of
the equipment, as well as the electromagnetic compat
-
ibility of the equipment might be reduced.
The CE mark or the cTÜVus mark may be voided if not
using original manufacturer’s spare parts.
Comply with all notes on correct vacuum and electri
-
cal connections; see section ”Use and operation”, pg.
38.
NOTICE

page 12 of 75
Do not use the pump to generate pressure.
The pumps are designed for
ambient temperatures
during operation between +50°F and +104°F (+10°C
and +40°C). Periodically check maximum tempera
-
tures if installing the pump in a cabinet or a housing.
Make sure ventilation is adequate to maintain recom
-
mended operating temperature. Install an external au
-
tomatic ventilation system if necessary. If pumping hot
process gases, make sure that the maximum permitted
gas inlet temperature is not exceeded. The maximum
permitted gas inlet temperature depends on several
parameters like inlet pressure and ambient tempera
-
ture (see ”Technical data”, pg. 24).
Particles and dust must not enter the pump.
Do not pump liquids.
pumped substances prior to operation.
Use the equipment
only as intended
, that is, for genera
-
tion of vacuum in vessels designed for that purpose. Any
other use will automatically invalidate all warranty and li
-
ability claims. Remain aware of safety and risks.
Setting up and installing the equipment
Equipment must be connected only to a
suitable elec
-
trical supply
and a suitable ground point. As such,
the plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly
grounded. Failure to connect the motor to ground may
result in deadly electrical shock.
-
an IEC plug or a plug suitable for your local electrical
supply. The cable contains wires color coded as fol
-
lows: green or green and yellow: ground; blue or white:
neutral; brown or black: hot.
NOTICE

page 13 of 75
Due to the high compression ratio, the pump may gen
-
erate overpressure at the outlet. Check pressure com
-
patibility with system components (e.g., exhaust pipe
-
line or exhaust valve) at the outlet.
Do not permit any
uncontrolled pressurizing
.
Check the overpressure safety relief device at the ex
-
haust waste vapor condenser at appropriate intervals.
Keep the electrical power cord away from heated sur
-
faces.
that the system which you are going to evacuate is
Ensure a stable position of the pump without any me
-
chanical contact other than the pump feet.
maximum permissible pressures
at in
-
let and outlet and with
maximum permissible pres
-
sure differences
between inlet and outlet. See section
”Technical data”, pg. 24. Do not operate the pump
with overpressure at the inlet.
bar absolute) in the event that gas or inert gas is con
-
nected to the pump, to the gas ballast or to a venting
valve.
Note
: Flexible elements will shrink when evacuated.
pump.
to be sure that the power source and the equipment
match in voltage, phase, and frequency.
voltage selection switch is set correctly. Do not change
the setting of the voltage selection switch while the
pump is connected to AC power. Unplug the pump be
-

page 14 of 75
fore setting the voltage selection switch.
Note
: If the
pump is switched on with wrong voltage selection, the
motor may be damaged!
coolant outlet pipe
is always free and
that it cannot get blocked. If installing an optional cool
-
ant valve, it must always be in the supply line of the
exhaust waste vapor condenser.
Make sure ventilation is adequate to maintain recommend
-
ed operating temperature. Keep a minimum distance of
2
in (5 cm) between the cooling fan and surrounding items
(e.g., housing, walls, etc.), or else install an external auto
-
matic ventilation system. Check fan regularly for dust/dirt.
Clean fan guard grill if necessary to avoid a reduction of
ventilation.
Use only hoses at the inlet and outlet of the pump with
an inner diameter at least as large as the diameter of the
pump’s tubing (to avoid overpressure at the outlet, and
reduction of pumping speed at the inlet).
Allow the equipment to equilibrate to ambient temperature
if you bring it from cold environment into a room prior to
operation. Notice if there is water condensation on cold
surfaces.
Secure coolant hoses at the hose nozzles (e.g., with hose
clamp) to prevent their accidental slipping.
Comply with all
applicable and relevant safety require
-
ments
(regulations and guidelines).
Implement the re
-
quired actions and adopt suitable safety measures.
Ambient conditions
Do not reach for this product if it has fallen into liquid.
There is a risk of deadly electrical shock. Unplug the
system immediately.
NOTICE

page 15 of 75
Do not use this product in an area where it can fall or
be pulled into water or other liquids.
recommended conditions, e.g., using the equipment
outdoors, installation in higher altitudes, conductive
pollution or external condensation on the pump.
To the best of our knowledge the equipment is in com
-
pliance with the requirements of the applicable EC-direc
-
tives and harmonized standards (see ”Declaration of Con
-
formity”) with regard to design, type and model. Directive
EN 61010-1 gives in detail the conditions under which the
equipment can be operated safely (see also IP degree of
protection, ”Technical data”, pg. 24).
Operating conditions
These pumps are not approved for operation in po
-
tentially explosive atmospheres.
Do not operate the
pumps in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Pumps
without the
”
”
mark on the rating plate
are
not approved
for the
pumping of potentially explo
-
sive atmospheres
.
Do not pump potentially explo
-
sive atmospheres
with those pumps.
Pumps
bearing the
”
”
mark on their rating plates
are
approved for the pumping of potentially ex
-
plosive atmospheres
-
tion
II
3G
IIC T3 X
according to ATEX, but they are
not approved for operation in potentially explosive
atmospheres
(see section „
Important information:
Equipment marking (ATEX)“, pg. 22)
.
The pumps are
not suitable
to pump any of the sub
-
stances listed below.
NOTICE

page 16 of 75
Do not pump:
-
unstable substances
-
substances which react explosively under
impact
(mechanical stress) without air
-
substances which react explosively when being ex
-
posed to
elevated temperatures
without air,
-
substances subject to
auto-ignition
,
-
substances which are
-
explosive substances
.
The pumps are
not approved
for operation below
ground.
Do not operate
the pump
below ground
.
Do not pump
substances which may form
depos
-
its
inside the pump. The pumps are not suitable for
pumping substances which may form deposits inside
the pump. Deposits and condensate in the pump may
lead to increased temperatures even to the point of
exceeding the maximum permitted temperatures.
danger of forming
deposits
inside the pump, e.g., in
the pump chambers (the pump chamber is the part
between diaphragm and head cover. See section ”Re
-
placing diaphragms and valves”, pg. 52). Inspect the
pump chambers regularly and clean if necessary.
Consider interactions and chemical reactions of
the pumped media.
Ensure that the materials of the
pump’s wetted parts are compatible with the pumped
substances, see section ”Technical data”, pg. 24.
When changing the substances pumped, we recom
-
mend purging the pump with air or inert gas prior to
changing the pumped media. Purging the pump will
pump out residues and it will reduce the possibility of
reactions of the pumped substances with each other
and with the pump’s materials.

page 17 of 75
Safety during operation
Adopt suitable measures to prevent the release of dan
-
gerous, toxic, explosive, corrosive, noxious or pollut
-
of such substances from the pump outlet, install an
appropriate collecting and disposal system and take
protective action for pump and environment.
You must take suitable precautions to prevent any for
-
mation of explosive mixtures in the pump chamber or
at the outlet of the pump. In case, e.g., of a diaphragm
failure, mechanically generated sparks, hot surfaces
or static electricity may ignite these mixtures. Use inert
gas for gas ballast or venting, if necessary.
Drain appropriately or otherwise remove any poten
-
tially explosive mixtures at the outlet of the pump, or
dilute them to non-explosive concentrations.
Never operate this pump if it has a damaged cord or
plug.
If the pump is not working properly, has been dropped
or has fallen into water, contact your pump service pro
-
vider.
Prevent any part of the human body from coming into
contact with vacuum.
Make sure that the exhaust pipeline cannot become
blocked.
Check the overpressure safety relief device at the ex
-
haust waste vapor condenser at appropriate intervals.
Comply with applicable regulations when disposing of
chemicals. Take into consideration that chemicals may
be contaminated. Take adequate precautions to pro
-
tect people from the effects of dangerous substances
-
elastomers). Use appropriate protective clothing and
safety goggles.

page 18 of 75
Interruption of the pump (e.g., due to power failure),
failure of connected components or of parts of the sup
-
ply, or change in parameters must not be allowed to
lead to dangerous conditions. In case of a diaphragm
failure or in case of a leak in the manifold, pumped
substances might be released into the environment or
into the pump housing or motor.
Comply with all notes regarding proper use of the
pumps, as well as operation and maintenance guid
-
ance.
The residual
leak rate of the equipment
might render
possible an exchange of gas, albeit extremely slight,
between the environment and the vacuum system.
Adopt suitable measures to prevent contamination of
the pumped substances or the environment.
can be caught or drawn in at the inlet of the pump.
inlet or outlet.
-
sure at the gas ballast valve. Pumped gases or con
-
densate might be expelled if the valve is open. If an in
-
ert gas supply is connected to the gas ballast, ensure
that its inlet pipeline is not contaminated.
Pay attention to the safety symbol ”hot surfaces” on
the equipment. Hot parts may cause burns if touched.
Adopt suitable measures to prevent any danger aris
-
ing from hot surfaces or electric sparks. Ensure that
hot surfaces of the pump do not cause burns. Provide
a suitable contact guard if necessary.
coolant outlet pipe
at the waste vapor
condenser is always free and that it cannot get blocked.
condensates at the outlet.
NOTICE

page 19 of 75
Check the liquid level in the catchpots regularly and drain
sensor (
see ”Accessories”, pg
. 48) for monitoring, if
necessary.
Provide appropriate protective measures to allow for the
possibility of failure and
malfunction
. The protective mea
-
sures must also allow for the requirements of the respec
-
tive application.
In case of overload, the motor is shut down by a
self-hold
thermal cutout
in the winding.
Note
: Only manual reset is possible. Switch off the pump
and disconnect from the power source. Identify and elimi
-
restarting the pump.
Note
: In case of
supply voltage below 100V
, the lock
of the cutout might be impaired and the pump may
appropriate precautions, if an automatic restart of the
pump may lead to a dangerous situation (e.g., switch
off the pump and disconnect from the power source).
Maintenance and repair
In order to comply with laws (occupational, health and
safety regulations, safety at work law and regulations for
environmental protection) vacuum pumps, components
and measuring instruments can only be returned when
certain procedures (see section „Repair - Maintenance -
Return - Calibration“, pg. 67) are followed.
Take advantage of our service seminars, which put special
focus on the maintenance and repair of vacuum pumps.
For details and for the online ”Instructions for repair” man
-
ual see www.vacuubrand.com.
NOTICE

page 20 of 75
In normal use, the lifetime of the diaphragms and valves
is typically 15,000 operating hours. Bearings have a typi
-
cal durability of 40000 h. Motor capacitors have a typi
-
cal durability in the range of 10000 to 40000 h depending
strongly on operation conditions including ambient tem
-
perature, humidity or load.
Ensure that the pump cannot be operated acciden
-
tally. Never operate the pump if covers or other
parts of the pump are disassembled.
Switch off the pump. Disconnect the electrical
before starting
maintenance to allow the capacitors to discharge.
Note
: The pump may be contaminated with process
chemicals, which have been pumped during operation.
Ensure that the pump is completely decontaminated
before maintenance commences.
Take adequate precautions to protect people from the
effects of dangerous substances if contamination has
occurred. Use appropriate protective clothing, safety
goggles and protective gloves.
Wear parts have to be replaced regularly.
Never operate a defective or damaged pump.
Check every motor capacitor regularly by measuring
its capacity and estimating its time in operation. Re
-
place old capacitors early enough to prevent a failure
in operation. If an old motor capacitor fails, the capaci
-
could be
dangerous for persons and equipment in
the vicinity
. The capacitors have to be replaced by an
electrician.
Vent the pump before starting maintenance. Isolate
the pump and other components from the vacuum sys
-

page 21 of 75
pump from the coolant circuit and drain condensate, if
applicable.
Ensure that
maintenance
is done only by suitably trained
and supervised technicians. Ensure that the maintenance
technician is familiar with the safety procedures which re
-
late to the products processed by the pumping system.
Only dismantle the pump as far as necessary.
NOTICE

page 22 of 75
Important information: Equipment marking (ATEX)
VACUUBRAND equipment bearing mark (see rating plate)
II 3G IIC T3 X
Internal Atm. only
Tech. File Ref.: VAC-EX01
-
ner part (wetted part, pumped gas or vapor) of the equipment. The equip
-
ment is not suitable for use in external, potentially explosive atmospheres
(environment).
The overall category of the equipment depends on the connected com
-
-
VACUUBRAND equipment is no longer valid.
Vacuum pumps and vacuum gauges in category 3 are intended for con
-
nection to equipment in which during normal operation explosive atmo
-
spheres caused by gases, vapors or mists normally don’t occur; or, if they
do occur, are likely to do so only infrequently and for a short period only.
Equipment in this category ensures the requisite level of protection dur
-
ing normal operation.
The use of gas ballast or the operation of venting valves is only permit
-
ted if thereby explosive atmospheres normally don’t occur in the interior
of the equipment or, if they do occur, are likely to do so only infrequently
and for a short period.
The pumps are marked with ”X” (according to EN 13463-1), i.e., restric
-
tions of the operation conditions:
and has to be installed in a way so that it cannot be damaged from
outside.
Pumping units have to be installed so that they are protected against
shocks from the outside and against glass splinters in the event of
breakage (implosion).

page 23 of 75
during operation of +10 to +40°C. Never exceed these ambient and
gas inlet temperatures. If pumping / measuring gases which are not
potentially explosive, extended gas inlet temperatures are permissible.
See instructions for use, section “Gas inlet temperatures” or “Techni
-
cal data”.
After any intervention at the equipment (e.g., repair / maintenance) the ul
-
timate vacuum of the pump has to be checked. Only if the pump achieves
-
sure that no explosive atmospheres will occur in the interior of the equip
-
ment.
After any intervention at the vacuum sensor, the leak rate of the equip
-
ment has to be checked.
Attention: This manual is not available in all
languages of the EU. The user must not op
-
erate the device if he does not understand
this manual. In this case a technically cor
-
rect translation of the complete manual has
to be available. The manual must be com
-
pletely read and understood before opera
-
must be applied, or else must be replaced
by equivalent measures at the user’s own
risk.

page 24 of 75
Technical data
General technical data valid for all pumps/pumping units
Maximum permissible inlet pressure
(absolute)
psi
(bar) 16 (1.1)
Maximum permissible outlet pressure
(absolute)
psi
(bar) 16 (1.1)
Maximum pressure difference between
inlet and outlet
psi
(bar) 16 (1.1)
Maximum permissible pressure (abso-
lute) at gas ballast valve psi (bar) 17.5 (1.2)
Permissible ambient temperature
storage / operation
°F
(°C) 14 to 140 / 50 to 104 (-10 to +60 / +10 to +40)
Permissible relative atmospheric mois
-
ture during operation (no condensation)
% 30 to 85
Maximum permissible installation altitude
above mean sea level
ft
(m) 6500 (2000)
No-load speed 50/60 Hz rpm 1500 / 1800
Device fuse
slow blow fuse 6.3 A
Motor protection thermal cutout, manual reset
Degree of protection IEC 529
IP 40
Coolant connection
(waste vapor condenser, only
”
EK
”
)
hose nozzle for tubing
I.D. 1/4” - 5/16”
(hose nozzle DN 6-8 mm)
Maximum permissible pressure of
coolant at waste vapor condenser (
”
EK
”
)
psi
(bar) 87 (absolute) (6 (absolute))
Permissible range of coolant temperature
(waste vapor condenser, only
”
EK
”
)
°F
(°C) 5 to 68 (-15 to +20)
Volume of catchpot (only
”
AK
”
/
”
EK
”
)quarts
(ml)
0.52
(500)
A-weighted emission sound pressure
level* (uncertainty K
pA
: 3 dB(A))
dB(A)
45
*
Measurement according to EN ISO 2151:2004 and EN ISO 3744:1995 at 230V/50Hz and ulti
-
mate vacuum with exhaust tube at outlet.

page 25 of 75
Gas inlet temperatures
Type ME 2C NT ME 4C NT
ME 4C NT + 2 AK
Maximum pumping
speed* 50/60 Hz
(ISO 21360)
cfm
(m3/h) 1.2 / 1.4 (2.1 / 2.4) 2.3 / 2.6 (3.9 / 4.3)
Ultimate vacuum
(absolute) Torr (mbar) 52.5 (70) 52.5 (70)
Rated motor power hp (kW) 0.24 (0.18)
Maximum permissible range
of supply voltage ( ±10% )
of rating plate!
100-115 V~ 50/60 Hz, 120V~ 60 Hz
230 V~ 50/60 Hz
Dual voltage motor
100-115 V~ 50/60 Hz, 120~ V 60 Hz /
200-230 V~ 50/60 Hz
Maximum rated current at:
100-115 V~ 50/60 Hz, A
120 V~ 60 Hz
200-230 V~ 50/60 Hz A
230 V~ 50/60 Hz A
3.4
1.8
1.8
Inlet KF 16)
Outlet hose nozzle for tubing I.D. 3/8”
(hose nozzle DN 10 mm)
approx.
design 2 AK
in
(mm)
in
(mm)
9.6 x 8.3 x 7.8
(243 x 211 x 198
-
(-)
10.0 x 9.6 x 7.8
(254 x 243 x 198)
12.4 x 9.6 x 11.5
(316 x 243 x 291)
Weight approx.
design 2 AK lbs. (kg) lbs. (kg)
22.5 (10.2)
-
24.3 (11.1)
30.0 (13.6)
* Pumping speed of diaphragm pump
Operating condition
Inlet pressure
Permitted range of gas
temperatures at inlet
Continuous operation
> 75 Torr (100 mbar)
(high gas load)
50 °F to 104 °F
(+10°C to +40°C)
Continuous operation
< 75 Torr (100 mbar)
(low gas load)
32 °F to 140 °F*
(0°C to +60°C*)
Short-time
(< 5 minutes)
< 75 Torr (100 mbar)
(low gas load)
14 °F to 176 °F*
(-10°C to +80°C*)
* if pumping potentially explosive atmospheres:
50 °F to 104 °F (+10°C to +40°C)