vacuubrand RC 6 User manual

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Chemistry-HYBRID-pump
RC 6
Instructions for use
Technology for Vacuum Systems

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Dear customer,
Your VACUUBRAND pumps are designed to provide you with many years
of trouble-free service with optimal performance. Through our long expe-
rience in design, construction and operation of vacuum pumps, combined
with the latest developments in material and manufacturing technology,
we have accumulated a wealth of application and safety insights that we
want to share with you.
Please read these instructions for use before the initial operation of your
pump.
Our quality maxim is the ”zero fault principle”:
Every pump, before leaving our factory, is tested intensively, including an
endurance run of 60 hours. Any faults, even those which occur rarely, are
identied and can be eliminated immediately.
After completion of the endurance run, every pump is tested, and must
achieve specications before shipment.
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
After sales service:
Contact your local dealer or call [phone].
Trademark index:
VACUU•LAN® (US-Reg.No 3,704,401), VACUU•BUS®, VACUU•CONTROL®,
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.

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Contents
Safety information!............................................................. 5
Important information! ......................................................................... 5
General information............................................................................. 7
Intended use........................................................................................ 7
Setting up and installing the equipment .............................................. 9
Ambient conditions.............................................................................11
Operating conditions ......................................................................... 12
Safety during operation ..................................................................... 13
Maintenance and repair..................................................................... 16
Technical data................................................................... 19
Gas inlet temperatures..................................................................... 21
Wetted parts ..................................................................................... 21
Abbreviations.................................................................................... 21
Pump parts....................................................................................... 22
Use and operation ............................................................ 23
Initial operation / Pouring in the pump oil .......................................... 24
Installing a pump in a vacuum system .............................................. 25
During operation................................................................................ 27
Important notes regarding the use of gas ballast .............................. 30
Operating the pump with condensate in the catchpots ..................... 32
Pumping chemically aggressive or toxic gases and vapors.............. 33
Shutdown .......................................................................................... 34
Oil change ......................................................................... 35
Oil change procedure........................................................................ 36
Notes on choosing the appropriate oil for the application ................. 37
Accessories ...................................................................... 39
Troubleshooting ............................................................... 41
Replacing diaphragms and valves.................................. 44
Cleaning and inspecting the diaphragm pump heads ...................... 46
Replacing the diaphragm ................................................................. 48
Assembling the pump heads ............................................................ 50
Assembling the connecting hose...................................................... 51
Checking the operability of the diaphragm pump............................. 51
Replacing the lter element in the oil mist lter................................ 52
Inspecting the safety pop valve........................................................ 52

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Repair - Maintenance - Return - Calibration................... 53
Warranty ............................................................................ 55
Health and safety clearance form ................................... 56
EC Declaration of Conformity of the Machinery ........... 57

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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.: 997829 / 04/05/2016
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

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➨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.
• CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
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.
NOTICE
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 (➨/ + / • / plain text) following each
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!

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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
void any and all warranty claims for those deciencies.
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. 19).
+Do not use any damaged equipment.
• Check the pump‘s oil level.
• The pump is delivered without oil lling. Fill with oil
before operating the pump, see section ”Use and
operation”, pg. 23.
• Aging of the oil (as indicated by darker color compared
to new oil, strange odor of the oil, particles in the oil, or
contamination) necessitates an oil change.
• Use the handle when moving the pump.
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
NOTICE

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accessories. Otherwise the safety and performance
of the equipment, as well as the electromagnetic com-
patibility of the equipment might be reduced.
The CE mark may be voided if not using original man-
ufacturer’s spare parts.
+Comply with all notes on correct vacuum and electri-
cal connections; see section “Use and operation”, pg.
23.
+Do not use the pump to generate pressure.
+ The pumps are designed for ambient temperatures
during operation between +54°F and +104°F (+12°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. 19).
+ Particles and dust must not enter the pump.
+ Do not pump liquids.
• Ensure that the pump is chemically resistant to the
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.
NOTICE

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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.
The supply cable may be tted with a molded Europe-
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.
+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. Make
sure that the exhaust tubing cannot become blocked. If
there is an exhaust isolation valve, make sure that you
cannot operate the equipment with the valve closed to
avoid a risk of bursting!
+Keep the electrical power cord away from heated sur-
faces.
• Provide a rm, level platform for the equipment. Check
that the system which you are going to evacuate is
mechanically stable. Check that all ttings are secure.
Ensure a stable position of the pump without any me-
chanical contact other than the pump feet.
• Comply with maximum permissible pressures at in-
let and outlet and with maximum permissible pres-
sure differences between inlet and outlet. See section
“Technical data”, pg. 19. Do not operate the pump
with overpressure at the inlet.
• Avoid overpressure of more than 17.5 psi absolute (1.2
bar absolute) in the event that gas or inert gas is con-

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nected to the pump, to the gas ballast or to a venting
valve.
• Note: Flexible elements will shrink when evacuated.
• Connect hoses gas tight at inlet and outlet of the pump.
• Ensure that no foreign objects can be drawn into the
pump.
• Check the power source and the pump’s rating plate
to be sure that the power source and the equipment
match in voltage, phase, and frequency.
• Use only oil of the recommended type. Other oils or
operating uids may cause damage of the pump or
danger.
Use special oils (see “Oil change”, pg. 35) for the
rotary vane pump, if, e.g.,
- acid vapors are pumped.
- extremely high aging stability is required.
- oxygen or other strong oxidizing agents are pumped.
• Take adequate precautions when handling pump u-
ids, lubricants, and solvents. Use appropriate protec-
tive clothing, safety goggles and protective gloves to
avoid excessive contact with the skin and possible
skin irritations (including dermatitis). Do not inhale or
swallow! Ensure that the pump location is well venti-
lated and that possible toxic effects of certain vapors
are avoided. Maintain adequate levels of hygiene and
cleanliness.
• Comply with all relevant statutory requirements and
regulations concerning the handling, storage and dis-
posal of oil.
Note: Do not allow oils to enter the drainage system
or other bodies of water. Spillage can cause accidents
(slip hazard)!
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
NOTICE

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(e.g., housing, walls, etc.), or else install an external au-
tomatic ventilation system. Check fan regularly for dust/
dirt. Clean fan guard if necessary to avoid a reduction of
ventilation.
The On/Off switch is located at the side of the terminal
box.
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 connections (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.
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.
+Do not use this product in an area where it can fall or
be pulled into water or other liquids.
• Adopt suitable measures in case of differences from
recommended conditions, e.g., using the equipment
outdoors, installation in higher altitudes, conductive
pollution or external condensation on the pump.
• Do not operate this product near ames.

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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. 19).
Operating conditions
➨These pumps are not approved for operation in po-
tentially explosive atmospheres. Do not operate the
pumps in potentially explosive atmospheres.
➨These pumps are not approved for the pumping of po-
tentially explosive atmospheres. Do not pump poten-
tially explosive atmospheres.
➨The pumps are not suitable to pump any of the sub-
stances listed below.
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,
- self inammable substances,
- substances which are inammable without air
- 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. De-
posits may cause seizing of the pump unit.
NOTICE

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• Check the inlet and outlet of the pump and its oil condi-
tion, if there is a danger of forming deposits inside the
pump, e.g., in the pump unit of the rotary vane pump or
in the pump chamber of the diaphragm pump. Inspect
the pump regularly and clean if necessary.
• Install a cold trap in front of the pump if pumping ag-
gressive or corrosive gases or vapors.
• 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. 19.
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.
Safety during operation
➨Adopt suitable measures to prevent the release of dan-
gerous, toxic, explosive, corrosive, noxious or pollut-
ing uids, vapors and gases. To prevent any emission
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 expansion cham-
ber, in the oil reservoir, in the pump chamber of the
diaphragm pump, 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 vent-
ing, if necessary.
➨Drain appropriately or otherwise remove any poten-

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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.
+ Always provide a free and pressureless exhaust out-
let. Make sure that the exhaust tubing cannot become
blocked. Do not exceed an pressure of 16 psi (1.1 bar)
in the exhaust tubing.
+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
(chemicals, oil mist, thermal decomposition products
of uoroelastomers). Use appropriate protective cloth-
ing and safety goggles.
+ Even if the pumped medium is only air or a pure gas,
the discharge from rotary vane pumps will contain small
quantities of oil vapor and petroleum fractions. These
substances are particularly contaminating in closed
spaces or in case of insufcient ventilation.
The discharge from the pump invariably contains the
pumped gases or vapors! Connect a hose to the pump
outlet to dispose of the exhaust gases.
Prevent any dangerous reactions with oil or oil vapors
and the formation of impermissible or dangerous emis-
sions.
+Failure of the pump (e.g., due to power interruption),
failure of connected components or of parts of the sup-
ply, or a change of parameters must not be allowed to
lead to a dangerous situation under any circumstances.

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In case of a leak in the manifold or at the shaft seal of
the rotary vane pump, or in case of a diaphragm crack
of the diaphragm pump, pumped substances might be
released into the environment or into the pump hous-
ing or motor.
Especially comply with notes on use and operation and
maintenance.
+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.
• Ensure that no parts of your clothing, hair or ngers
can be caught or drawn in at the inlet of the pump.
Never insert ngers or drop any other object into the
inlet or outlet.
• Pumping at high inlet pressure may lead to overpres-
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.
• Check oil level of the rotary vane pump (through sight
glass) every time before starting the pump.
• Check the pump’s oil level and the condition of the oil
on a regular basis.
• 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.
• A power failure or switching off the pump may cause
accidental ventilation of the pump or the vacuum sys-
tem, if the manual gas ballast valve of the rotary vane

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pump is open. If this constitutes a potential source of
danger, take appropriate safety measures, e.g., install
a solenoid operated gas ballast valve.
Prevent the backpressure of gases and the backow of
condensates at the outlet.
Important notes on working with condensable vapors:
Allow the pump to attain its operating temperature before
pumping condensable vapors. Keep the vapor inlet pres-
sure below the permitted maximum (see ”Technical data”,
pg. 19).
Open the gas ballast valve in case of pumping signicant
amounts of vapor.
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-
nate the cause of failure. Wait approx. ve minutes before
restarting the pump.
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. 53”, pg. 53) are followed.
Take advantage of our service seminars, which put special
focus on the maintenance and repair of vacuum pumps.
NOTICE
NOTICE

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For details and for the online ”Instructions for repair” man-
ual see www.vacuubrand.com.
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
power cord and wait ve seconds 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. Avoid the release of
pollutants.
+ Take adequate precautions to protect people from the
effects (e.g., in case of inhalation or skin contact) 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-
tor may get hot. It may even melt or emit a ame, which
could be dangerous for persons and equipment in
the vicinity. The capacitors have to be replaced by an

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electrician.
+Vent the pump before starting maintenance. Isolate the
pump and other components from the vacuum system.
Allow sufcient cooling of the pump. 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.
NOTICE

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Technical data
Type RC 6
Maximum pumping speed
50/60 Hz (ISO 21360)
cfm
(m3/h)
3.5 / 4.1
(5.9 / 6.9)
Ultimate partial pressure
without gas ballast a.)
Torr
(mbar)
3*10-4
(4*10-4)
Ultimate total pressure
without gas ballast b.)
Torr
(mbar)
1.5*10-3
(2*10-3)
Ultimate total pressure
with gas ballast
Torr
(mbar)
0.75*10-2
(1*10-2)
Water vapor tolerance c.) Torr
(mbar)
>>30
(>>40)
Oil capacity min./max. quarts
(ml) 0.36 / 0.56
(340 / 530)
Total pressure in oil reservoir d.) Torr
(mbar)
13.5
(18)
Oil temperature e.) (under typical
operating conditions)
°F
(°C)
140
(60)
Recommended oil VACUUBRAND B-oil
Maximum permissible inlet / outlet
pressure (absolute)
psi
(bar)
16
(1.1)
Maximum permissible pressure
difference between inlet and outlet
psi
(bar)
16
(1.1)
Maximum permissible pressure
(absolute) at gas ballast valve
psi
(bar)
17.5
(1.2)
Permissible ambient temperature
storage / operation
°F
(°C)
14 to 140 / 54 to 104
(-10 to +60 / +12 to +40)
Permissible relative atmospheric
moisture during operation
(no condensation)
%30 to 85
Maximum permissible installation alti-
tude above mean sea level
ft
(m)
6500
(2000)
Rated motor power hp
(kW)
0.5
(0.37)
No-load speed 50/60 Hz rpm 1500 / 1800
Maximum permissible range of
supply voltage
Attention: Observe specications
of rating plate!
100-120 V~ +5%/-10% 50/60 Hz
230 V~ ±10% 50/60 Hz

page 20 of 58
Type RC 6
Motor protection self-hold thermal cutout,
manual reset
Rated current during operation f.) at:
100-120 V~ 50/60 Hz
230 V~ 50/60 Hz
A
A
5.7 / 5.1
2.7 / 2.6
Degree of protection IEC 529 IP 40
A-weighted emission sound
pressure level g.)
(uncertainty KpA : 3 dB(A)) dB(A) 50
Inlet small ange KF DN 16 h.)
Outlet hose nozzle for tubing I.D. 3/8”
(hose nozzle DN 10 mm)
Dimensions L x W x H approx. in
(mm) 20.1 x 12.0 x 9.1
(510 x 305 x 230)
Weight with oil lling approx. lbs.
(kg)
53.4
(24.2)
a.) Partial pressure of permanent gases measured at pump inlet.
b.) The total pressure is higher than the partial pressure because the former includes the vapor
pressure of the pump oil and other condensable vapors (e.g., water); the condition of the oil
(cleanliness, content of hydrocarbons with higher partial pressures) is crucial for this value.
c.) The maximum inlet pressure for water vapor, or rather the maximum inlet pressure for vapor,
cannot be specied in accordance with ISO 21360-2 because it cannot be determined for the
HYBRID pump in accordance with this standard. Because the diaphragm pump reduces the
pressure in the oil-sealed part of the RC 6, however, the water vapor tolerance is considerably
higher than that of a conventional oil-sealed rotary-vane pump.
d.) With inlet sealed and without gas ballast.
e.) Oil temperature and pressure in the oil reservoir are the relevant parameters for maximum
vapor inlet pressure and chemical resistance.
f.) During the start-up period of the pump (rst 6 minutes after switching-on), the current draw
may be elevated to twice the nominal current draw during normal running conditions.
g.) Measurement according to EN ISO 2151:2004 and EN ISO 3744:1995 at 230V/50Hz and
ultimate vacuum with exhaust tube at outlet.
h.) 120V version: Additional adapter small ange KF DN 16 / hose nozzle DN 10 mm (material: PP)