vacuubrand RP 15C VARIO User manual

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carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 1 of 29
Roots pumping units
RP 12C
RP 15C VARIO
RP 22C VARIO
RP 35C VARIO
Technology for Vacuum Systems
Instructions for use

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page 2 of 29
Attention! Important notes!
Not permitted! Misuse may cause damage.
Caution! Hot surface!
Isolate equipment from mains.
Note.
After sales service:Contact your local dealer or call [phone].
Dear customer,
YourVACUUBRAND diaphragm pumps should support you for a long time without trouble and with maximal
power.Thanks to our long practical experience we have much information how you could ensure powerful
application and personal safety. Please read these instructions for use before the initial operation of your
pump.
VACUUBRAND diaphragm pumps are the result of many years of experience in construction and practical
operation of these pumps combined with the latest developments in material and manufacturing technology.
Our quality maxim is the ”zero fault principle”:
Every diaphragm pump, leaving our company, is tested intensively including an endurance run of 18 hours.
Therefore also faults, which occur rarely, are identified and can be eliminated immediately.
The achievement of the specifications after the endurance run is tested for every pump.
Every VACUUBRAND pump achieves the specifications.We feel obliged to this high quality standard.
We know that the vacuum pump can not take a part of your real work and hope that our products contribute
to an effective and trouble-free realisation of your work.
Yours
VACUUBRAND GMBH + CO KG

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page 3 of 29
Contents
Safety information! ....................................................................................................4
Technical data............................................................................................................9
Use and operation ...................................................................................................12
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................14
Oil change ................................................................................................................16
Replacing diaphragms and valves ........................................................................17
Notes on return to the factory ................................................................................26
Health and safety clearance form ..........................................................................27

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carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 4 of 29
Safety information!
Remove all packing material, remove the product from its packing-box, remove protec-
tive covers from inlet and outlet ports and keep them. Inspect the equipment.
If the equipment is damaged, notify the supplier and the carrier in writing within three
days; state the item number of the product together with the order number and the
supplier’s invoice number. Retain all packing material for inspection.
Do not use the equipment if it is damaged.
If the equipment is not used immediately, replace the protective covers. Store the
equipment in suitable conditions.
☞Read and comply with this manual before installing or operating the equip-
ment.
Note: See figures on how to lift up and carry the pumping unit.
The handles at the diaphragm pump are not suitable to lift up and carry the complete
pumping unit.
RP 12C and 15C VARIO RP 22C/35C VARIO
Use the equipment for the intended use only, i. e. for generation of vacuum.
☞Prevent any part of the human body from coming in contact with the vacuum.
☞Comply with notes on correct vacuum and electrical connections.
☞Adopt suitable measures to avoid that liquids flow on or into the pump motor when
assembling or disassembling vacuum connections at the pump. Risk of corrosion
and/or short circuit!
☞Take care when connecting and deconnecting the vacuum tube.
☞Make sure that the individual components are only connected, combined and ope-
rated according to their design and as indicated in the instructions for use.
☞Avoid continuous operation of the roots pumping unit RP 12C at inlet pres-
sures > 50 mbar in order to prevent overheating caused by the compression heat
at high inlet pressure and to prevent blockade of the rotors or activation of the
thermal cutout in the winding of the roots pump’s motor.
Comply with national safety regulations and safety requirements concerning the
use of vacuum and electrical equipment.
☞Equipment must be connected to a suitable fused and protected electrical sup-
ply and a suitable earth point. Failure to connect the motor to ground may result in
deadly electrical shock.
☞The supply cable may be fitted with a moulded European IEC plug or a plug suitable
for your local electrical supply. If the plug has been removed or has to be removed,
the cable will contain wires colour coded as follows: green or green and yellow:
earth; blue or white: neutral; brown or black: live.
☞Check that mains voltage and current conform with the equipment (see rating plate).

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carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 5 of 29
Comply with all relevant safety requirements (regulations and guidelines) and adopt
suitable safety measures.
The mains on/off switch is located sidewise at the terminal box.The pumps cannot be
hooked up separately.
☞If the equipment is brought from cold environment into a room for operation, allow
the equipment to warm up (pay attention to water condensation on cold surfaces).
☞Ensure that installation is in compliance with limitations from the degree of protec-
tion, see section ”Technical Data”.
☞RP 15C/22/35/ VARIO only: After switching off the pump, wait at least 3 minutes
before next switching on.
☞RP 15C/22/35/ VARIO only: Due to the high leakage current (up to 3.5 mA), a too
low rated FI-safety switch may be activated.
Comply with all other relevant safety requirements (e.g. safety at work regulations for
laboratories and explosion protection guidelines).
☞Ensure that the equipment is suitable for the intended operation.
☞Provide a firm level platform for the equipment and check that the system to be
evacuated is mechanically stable and that all fittings are secure.
Attention: Flexible elements tend to shrink when evacuated.
Due to the high compression ratio of the pumps, pressure at the outlet port might be
generated being higher than the max. permitted pressure compatible with the mechani-
cal stability of the system.
☞Comply with maximum permitted pressures and pressure differences, see sec-
tion ”Technical data”. Do not operate the pump with overpressure at the inlet.
Do not permit any uncontrolled pressurizing (e. g. make sure that the exhaust pipe-
line cannot get blocked). If you have an exhaust-isolation valve, make sure that you
cannot operate the equipment with the valve closed. Risk of bursting!
☞Ensure that the system design does not allow the exhaust pipeline to get blocked.
☞Avoid overpressure of more than 0.2 bar in case inert gas is connected.
☞The diameter of the inlet and outlet pipeline should be at the least as large as the
diameter of the pump connection pipelines.
Pay attention to symbol ”hot surfaces” on the equipment.
☞Adopt suitable measures to prevent any danger arising from the formation of hot
surfaces or electric sparks.
☞Make sure ventilation is adequate if pump is installed in a housing or if ambient
temperature is elevated.
To the best of our knowledge the equipment is in compliance with the requirements of
the applicable EC-directives and harmonized standards (see ”Declaration of conform-
ity”) with regard to design, type and model, especially directive IEC 1010.This directive
gives in detail conditions, under which the equipment can be operated safely (see also
IP degree of protection).
☞Adopt suitable measures in case of differences, e. g. using the equipment outdoors,
installation in altitudes of more than 1000 m above mean sea level, conductive
pollution or moisture.
The pumps have no approval for operation in or for pumping of potentially ex-
plosive atmospheres.
If pumping different substances, purge the pump with inert gas prior to changing the
pumped media in order to pump out residues and to avoid reactions of the pumped
substances with each other with and the pump material.
Take into consideration interactions and chemical reactions of the pumped media.

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page 6 of 29
The pumps are not suitable for pumping substances which may form deposits inside
the pump.
☞If there is a danger of the formation of deposits in the pump chamber (check inlet
and outlet of the pump) inspect the pump chamber regularly and clean if necessary.
The pumps are not suitable to pump unstable substances and substances which
react explosively under impact (mechanical stress) and/or when being exposed to
elevated temperatures without air.
The pumps are not suitable to pump self inflammable substances, substances which
are inflammable without air and explosive substances.
The pumps are not suitable for pumping dust and have no approval for operation
below ground.
Ensure that the materials of the wetted parts are compatible with the pumped
substances, see section ”Technical data”.
☞If residues can occur or if aggressive or condensable substances may enter the
product, install suitable protection (e.g. gas washing bottle).
☞Adopt suitable measures to prevent the release of dangerous, explosive, corrosive
or polluting fluids.
☞Use inert gas for gas ballast or venting if necessary.
☞The user must take suitable precautions to prevent any formation of explosive
mixtures in the expansion chamber. In case of a diaphragm crack, mechanically
generated sparks, hot surfaces or static electricity may ignite these mixtures.
☞Take adequate precautions to protect people from the effects of dangerous sub-
stances (chemicals, thermal decomposition products of fluoroelastomers), wear
appropriate safety-clothing and safety glasses.
☞Comply with applicable regulations when disposing of chemicals.Take into consid-
eration that chemicals may be polluted.
Always allow the pump to continue to run for a few minutes with the inlet closed or with
little gas ballast.
Adopt suitable measures to prevent any danger arising from potentially explosive or
flammable mixtures.
☞Use inert gas for venting the equipment.
☞As regards root pumps, the rotors rotate with a minimum clearance and at high
speed relatively to each other as well as along the housing. The clearance can
become smaller because of the thermal expansion due to compression heat.There-
fore, the pumping unit RP 12C must not be operated continuously at inlet pressures
> 50 mbar.
Due to the residual leak rate of the equipment, there may be an exchange of gas,
albeit very small, between the environment and the vacuum system.
☞Adopt suitable measures to prevent contamination of the pumped substances or
the environment.
Avoid overpressure at the gas ballast valve in case of high inlet pressure due to the
high compression ratio.
☞Pumped gases or collected condensate may leak in case the valve is open.
☞Ensure that the inlet pipeline does not become contaminated when using inert gas.
☞Avoid high heat supply (e. g. due to hot process gases).
☞Pay attention to the max. permitted ambient temperature and make sure ventilation
is adequate especially if the equipment is installed in a housing.
In case of excess temperature, the motor of the diaphragm pump respectively the
motor of the Roots pump is shut down by a self-hold thermal cutout in the winding.

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carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 7 of 29
☞If the diaphragm pump is shut down, the Roots pump is not shut down automati-
cally. However, the variable speed drive of the Roots pumps of the pumping units
RP 15C/22C/35C VARIO reduces the speed of the Roots pump following a limiting
current regulation, if necessary to standstill of the Roots pump. In case of excess
temperature, the motor of the Roots pump is shut down by a separate self-hold
thermal cutout in the winding.
☞If the Roots pump is shut down or if the speed of the pumping units RP 15C/22C/
35C VARIO is reduced, the diaphragm pump continues to run.
Attention: In each case manual reset is necessary. Switch off the pumping unit or
isolate the equipment from mains. Identify and eliminate the cause of failure. Allow the
pump to cool down sufficiently before restart.
Ensure that in case of failure the pump and the vacuum system always will turn into a
safe status.
☞In case of diaphragm cracks or leaks in the manifold pumped substances might be
released into the environment or into the pump housing.To reduce the risk of leaks,
ask for a diaphragm pump with additional safety diaphragm.
☞Comply especially with notes on operation and use and maintenance.
☞Failure of the pump (e.g.due to power failure) must not lead to a critical dangerous
situation under any circumstances.
Electronic equipment is never 100% fail-safe. This may lead to an indefinite status of
the equipment. Provide protective measures against misfunction and failure.
☞Operating the pump, stand still of the pump or operating the air admittance valve
must not lead to a critical dangerous situation under any circumstances.
Under normal conditions, pump oils and lubrications are not toxic and their use entails
no danger.Certain hazards are, however, associated with some of these products.The
following precautions must be adopted during use and operation in order to meet health
and safety requirements.
Adopt precautionary measures (e. g. wear appropriate safety-clothing and protective
goggles) to avoid excessive contact with the skin and possible skin irritations (includ-
ing dermatitis).
Do not inhale or swallow. Maintain adequate levels of hygiene and cleanliness.
Ensure that the pump location is well ventilated and that possible toxic effects of
certain vapours are avoided.
☞Use suitable collecting and disposing systems if necessary.
Operate the roots pump only, if the oil filling is sufficient (see section ”Oil change”).
Use only oil of the recommended type.
Other oils or operating fluids may cause dangers or damage of the pump.
Use only genuine spare parts and accessories.
☞Otherwise safety and performance of the equipment as well as the electromagnetic
compatibility of the equipment might be reduced.
Possibly the CE mark becomes void if not using genuine spare parts.
Use special oils for the roots pump if:
☞The pump operates in the vicinity of potential ignition sources.
☞Oxygen or other flammable gases account for a large proportion of the evacuated
gases.
Do not allow oils to be poured into or enter the drainage system or other bodies of water.
Spillage can cause accidents. Use suitable means for removing spilt oil.
Observe all relevant statutory requirements and regulations concerning the use, stor-
age and disposal of oil.

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carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 8 of 29
☞Check every capacitor regularly by measuring its capacity and estimating its opera-
tion time. Exchange old capacitors early enough to prevent a failure. If an overaged
motor capacitor fails it might get hot and even melt and may cause a flame to form
which could be dangerous for persons and equipment in the vicinity. The ca-
pacitors have to be replaced by an electrician.
Ensure that maintenance is done only by suitably trained and supervised technicians.
Ensure that the maintenance technician is familiar with the safety procedures which
relate to the products processed by the pumping system.
Never disassemble the aggregatof the Roots pump but return it to the factory for repair
or maintenance.
➨Isolate equipment from mains before starting maintenance and wait two min-
utes to allow the capacitors to discharge.
☞Before starting maintenance vent the system, isolate the pump and other compo-
nents from the vacuum system and the electrical supply. Drain condensate if appli-
cable, avoid the release of pollutants. Allow sufficient cooling of the pump.
Ensure that the pump cannot be operated accidentally. Never operate the pump if
covers or other parts of the pump are disassembled. Never operate a defective or
damaged pump.
☞Attention: The pump might be contaminated with the process chemicals that have
been pumped during operation. Ensure that the pump is decontaminated before
maintenance and take adequate precautions to protect people from the effects of
dangerous substances if contamination has occurred.
☞Wear appropriate safety-clothing when you come in contact with contaminated com-
ponents.
In order to comply with law (occupational, health and safety regulations, safety at work
law and regulations for environmental protection) vacuum pumps, components and
measuring instruments returned to the manufacturer can be repaired only when certain
procedures (see section “Notes on return to the factory“) are followed.
The A-weighed emission sound pressure level of the pump does not exceed 70 dB(A).
Measurement according to EN ISO 2151:2004 and EN ISO 3744:1995 with standard
silencer or exhaust tube at outlet.
Ensure that maintenance is done only by suitable trained and supervised techni-
cians. Ensure that the maintenance technician is familiar with the safety procedures
which relate to the product processed by the vacuum system and that the equipment,
if necessary, is appropriately decontaminated before starting maintenance.
Comply with local and national safety regulations.
Wear parts have to be replaced regularly. In case of normal wear the lifetime of the
diaphragms and valves is > 10000 operating hours. Bearings have a typical durability
of 40000 h. Motor capacitors have a typical durability in the range of 10000 to 40000 h
depending strongly on the operation conditions like ambient temperature, humidity or load.

Documents are only to be used and distributed completely and unchanged. It is strictly the users´ responsibility to check
carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 9 of 29
Technical data
* The pump achieves its ultimate pumping speed and ultimate total pressure only at operating termperature
(after approx. 60 mins).
We reserve the right for modifications without prior notice!
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carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 10 of 29
We reserve the right for modifications without prior notice!
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carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 11 of 29
condensate drain plug mains switch
motor rating plate
roots pump
inlet: small flange NW 25
oil filler plug
oil drain plug
rating plate
pumping unit
sight glass for
oil level with
marks
min./max.
RP 12C / 15C VARIO
inlet: small flange NW 25
motor rating plate
roots pump
condensate drain plug
frequency converter
oil drain plug
gas ballast valve
rating plate
pumping unit
mains switch
oil filler plug
sight glass for
oil level with
marks
min./max.
RP 22C VARIO with MBS 030
RP 35C VARIO with MBS 050
and frequency converter (both)
(fig. RP 15C VARIO)
frequency converter
RP 12C with MBS 030
RP 15C VARIO with MBS 030
and frequency converter
RP 22C/35C VARIO
(fig. RP 22C VARIO)

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page 12 of 29
Use and operation
Installation in a vacuum system
☞Avoid throttling losses by using connecting pipes with large diameter and keep
them as short as possible.
☞Reduce the transmission of vibration and prevent loading due to rigid pipelines.
Insert elastic hoses or flexible elements as couplings between the pump and rigid
pipes. Attention: Flexible elements tend to shrink when evacuated.
☞Use a suitable valve to isolate the pump from the vacuum system to allow the
pump to warm up before condensable vapours are pumped or to clean the pump
before it is switched off.
☞Connect the exhaust to a suitable treatment plant to prevent the discharge of dan-
gerous gases and vapours to the surrounding atmosphere. Use a catchpot to pre-
vent the drainage of contaminated condensate back into the pump.
Prior to use
☞Max. ambient temperature: 40 °C
☞Check that mains voltage and current conform with the equipment.
☞Make sure ventilation is adequate if pump is installed in a housing or if ambient
temperature is elevated. Keep a distance of min.20 cm between fans and ambient
parts.
☞Ambient temperature should be at least 12 °C, because otherwise the pump pos-
sibly does not start because of the high oil viscosity at low temperature.
☞If the pump is installed in altitudes of more than 1000 m above mean sea level
check compatibility with applicable safety requirements, e. g. IEC 60034 (motor
may overheat due to insufficient cooling).
Attention: Before use pour oil into roots pump.
(See section oil change.)
☞Prevent internal condensation, transfer of liquids or dust.
☞The rotors of the pump may block.
☞Pumping of liquids or dust damages the roots pump as well as the diaphragms and
valves of the diaphragm pump.
☞If the gas ballast valve is open, a power failure may cause unintentional ventilation
of the pump. In case this constitutes a potential source of danger, take appropriate
safety measures (e. g. install a electromagnetic operated gas ballast valve).
☞Only operate the pumping unit in a horizontal normal position. Avoid turning if
pump is transported with oil filling. Oil may enter the separator or the pump
chamber of the roots pump, if the pump is tilted more than 15°.
☞When assembling, ensure vacuum-tightness.After assembly, check the complete
system for leaks.
☞Check oil level of the roots pump every time before starting the pump, however at
least once a week. Check oil level more frequently if high gas or vapour quantities
are pumped.
During operation
☞Pumping down can be started at any pressure, max. at atmospheric pressure.
For the pumping unit RP 12C continuous operation is possible only at inlet pressures
< 50 mbar.
The roots pump in the pumping units RP 15C/22C/35C VARIO are equipped with a
frequency control unit, which adapts the frequency of the roots pump according to the
inlet pressure via a maximum current control.
☞Continuous operation is possible at any pressure below atmospheric pressure.

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page 13 of 29
☞The frequency is reduced at high inlet pressures (especially at atmospheric pres-
sure) in order to avoid thermal overload of the roots pump.
☞Under normal conditions, the maximum pump speed is reached only at inlet pres-
sures < 50 mbar.
☞The noise level can be different when evacuating.
☞The pump achieves its pumping speed, ultimate total vacuum and vapour pumping
rate only at operating temperature (after approx. 60 minutes).
In case of oil in the separator:
☞The shaft seal of the roots pump may leak. Note: Also if the shaft seal is not
damaged, a small amount of oil may enter the pump chamber of the roots pump.
☞Not degassed lubrication oil may foam.
☞May this be caused by an oblique position of the roots pumping unit?
☞Oil consumption increases at inlet pressures above 100 mbar. Check oil level at
shorter intervals.
☞Operate the pump without gas ballast only with clean systems and without conden-
sable vapours.
☞Let the pump run with gas ballast to reduce condensation of pumped substances
(water vapour, solvents, ....) in the pump or to decontaminate the pump oil from
volatile substances. The manual gas ballast valve is open if the arrow on the gas
ballast cap points upwards (RP 12C and 15C VARIO) or away from the diaphragm
pump (RP 22C/35C VARIO).
☞In case of pumping aggressive, corrosive or otherwise dangerous gases and va-
pours, take appropriate measures to protect pump and environment by using ap-
propriate equipment such as cold trap, separator, oil separator, full flow oil filter,
shut-off valve as well as special oil.
Shut down:
Has the pump been exposed to condensate?
☞Allow the pump to continue to run at atmospheric pressure for a few minutes,
then with the inlet closed.
☞Stop pumping unit and admit air.
☞Drain condensate, if necessary.
Has the pump been exposed to media which may damage the pump materials or form
deposits?
☞Let the pump continue to run for a longer time with the gas ballast valve open,
check and clean pump heads if necessary.
Short-term:
☞Wait at least 60 s before restarting the pumping unit (RP 15C/22C/35C VARIO
only).
Long-term:
☞Separate pump from the apparatus.
☞Flush pump with dry nitrogen.
☞Change oil.
☞Fill the pump with new oil (not above upper level line!).
☞Close manual gas ballast valve.
☞Close inlet and outlet port (e. g. with transport caps or blind flanges).
☞Store the pump in dry conditions.
☞If necessary carry out oil change and maintenance prior to use if the pump is stored
for a longer time.

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carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 14 of 29
Troubleshooting
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?ssecorp
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retemarapssecorpkcehC
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?degamad
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iO
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).gulpnethgihT
ÎrotomehttalaestfahS
?evitcefededis
)rolaestfahsecalpeR
.rotubirts
idlacoltcatnoc

Documents are only to be used and distributed completely and unchanged. It is strictly the users´ responsibility to check
carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 15 of 29
A service manual with exploded view drawings, spare part lists and directions for
repair of the diaphragm pump only is available on request.
☞The service manual is for trained service people.
ehtrednuegakaelliO
stoorehtfoegnalfrotom
?pmup
ÎrotomehttalaestfahS
?evitcefededis
)rolaestfahsecalpeR
.ro
tubirtsidlacoltcatnoc
.rotarapesehtniliO Î?liohcumooT )kramotlevelliorewoL
.xam
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.yrassecen
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deirracebtonnacssecorp
?tuo
)rorotubirtsidlacoltcatnoC
pmupstoorecalper
.etagergga
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?lionoitacirbul
)ehtfotophctacehtytpmE
.rotarapes
ÎneebtonsahtinugnipmuP
?noitisoplamronnidetarepo
)nitinugnipmupetarepO
.noitisoplamron
.ysiono
otpmuP ÎhgihrocirehpsomtA
troptelnitaerusserp?
)pmupotesoohtcennoC
otnoitnettayaP.teltuo
taerusserpdewolla.
xam
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?esoolcsid
).ecnanetniammrofreP
Î?levelliowolooT )ehtfoelddimehtotlionill
iF
.ssalgthgis
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sesuacdenoitnem?
).rotubirtsidlacoltcatnoC
.deziespmuP ).rotubirtsidlacoltca
tnoC

Documents are only to be used and distributed completely and unchanged. It is strictly the users´ responsibility to check
carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 16 of 29
Before starting maintenance, isolate the pump from the vacuum system and the elec-
trical supply so that the pump cannot be operated accidentally.
Has the pump been exposed to dangerous or corrosive gases?
Take appropriate safety measures (e. g. safety-clothing and protective goggles) to avoid
inhalation and skin contact.
The pump and the oil may be contaminated with pumped chemicals which have been
pumped, adopt suitable decontamination measures if necessary.
Aging of the oil necessitates oil change in case of darker colour (see new oil), strange
odour of the oil or foreign particles.
Depending on individual cases (especially if corrosive gases or vapours have been
pumped) it may be efficient to check the oil at appropriate intervals.
Under normal operating conditions:
☞Check oil level every time before starting the pump.
☞Change oil on a yearly basis at the latest.
☞Dispose of the used oil, which may be contaminated by chemicals, according to all
applicable regulations.
Oil change:
☞Heat pump to operating temperature before changing oil.
☞Isolate the pump from the electrical supply and admit air.
☞Choose suitable pad, oil may drop.
☞Remove oil filler plug and oil drain plug.
☞Tilt pump and catch oil in a suitable container.
☞Dispose of the used oil according to the regulations.
☞Reassemble oil drain plug with O-ring.
☞To flush the pump, pour in fresh oil (approx. 50 ml) through the pump inlet.
☞Operate the pump briefly, drain flushing oil and repeat flushing procedure if neces-
sary.
☞Fill in fresh oil through the oil inlet port until oil level reaches mark Max. in the sight
glass.
Note: The oil flows from the gearing side of the roots pump through a connecting
bore in the housing to the motor side.
☞Check oil level after some minutes, pour in oil if necessary.
☞Do not use too much oil - oil may enter the pump chamber.
☞Close oil filler plug.
Oil change
oil drain
plug
oil filler plug
☞Recommended oil (B-oil, 1l) ..................................................................... 68 70 10

Documents are only to be used and distributed completely and unchanged. It is strictly the users´ responsibility to check
carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 17 of 29
Replacing diaphragms and valves
All bearings are encapsulated and are filled with long-life lubricant. Under normal opera-
ting conditions, the pump is maintenance free.The valves and diaphragms as well as
the motor capacitors are wear parts. If the rated ultimate vacuum is no longer achieved
or in case of increased noise level, the pump interior, the diaphragms and the valves
must be cleaned and the diaphragms and valves must be checked for cracks or other
damage. Check every capacitor regularly by measuring its capacity and estimating its
operation time. Exchange old capacitors early enough to prevent a failure.The capaci-
tors have to be replaced by an electrician. Depending on individual cases it may be
efficient to check and clean the pump heads on a regular basis. In case of normal wear
the lifetime of the diaphragms and valves is > 10000 operating hours.
☞Prevent internal condensation, transfer of liquids or dust.The diaphragm and valves
will be damaged, if liquids are pumped in significant amount.
If the pump is exposed to corrosive media or in case of deposits, maintenance should
be carried out frequently.
☞Regular maintenance will improve the lifetime of the pump and also protect both
man and environment.
Ensure that maintenance is done only by suitable trained and supervised technicians.
☞Ensure that the pump cannot be operated accidentally.Never operate the pump if
covers or other parts of the pump are disassembled. Never operate a defective
or damaged pump.
☞Before starting maintenance isolate the pump from the electrical supply and wait
two minutes after isolating the equipment from mains to allow the capacitors to
discharge. Avoid the release of pollutants. Allow sufficient cooling of the pump.
☞Attention: The pump might be contaminated with the process chemicals that have
been pumped during operation. Ensure that the pump is decontaminated before
maintenance and take adequate precautions to protect people from the effects of
dangerous substances if contamination has occurred. Ensure that the maintenance
technician is familiar with the safety procedures which relate to the products proc-
essed by the pumping system.
☞Wear appropriate safety-clothing when you come into contact with contaminated
components.Drain condensate.Avoid the release of pollutants.
Before starting maintenance vent the pump and isolate it from the vacuum system.
Tools required (metric):
- Phillips screw driver, size 2
- Open-ended wrench w/f 15/17
- Hex key size 5
- Face wrench with torque indicator
Face wrench with torque indicator ............................................................................................. 63 75 80

Documents are only to be used and distributed completely and unchanged. It is strictly the users´ responsibility to check
carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 18 of 29
Cleaning and inspecting the pump heads:
RP 12C and RP 15C VARIO (with MD 4C)
☞Please read the whole chapter ”Replacing diaphragms and valves” before
starting maintenance.
Partially the pictures show pumps in other versions.This doesn´t influence replacing diaphragms and
valves of the pump.
Set of seals (diaphragms and valves) for MD 4C ..................................................................... 69 68 15
☞If necessary, disassemble diaphragm pump MD4C from pumping unit.
➨Use open-ended wrench (w/f 17) to remove union nuts.
➨Use open-ended wrench (w/f 15) to turn elbow fitting 1/4 of a
turn, remove hose.
☞Do not remove the elbow fitting from the pump head.Through
reassembly a leak may result.
➨To check valves use hex key to remove four socket head
screws from pump head and remove upper housing (hous-
ing cover with housing cover insert), head cover and valves.
☞Never remove parts by using a spiky or sharp-edged tool
(e.g. screw driver), we recommend to use a rubber mallet or
compressed air (to be blown carefully into port).
➨Remove head cover from housing cover insert and check
valves. Note position of valves and remove.
☞Replace valves if necessary.
☞Use petroleum ether or industrial solvent to remove depos-
its. Do not inhale.

Documents are only to be used and distributed completely and unchanged. It is strictly the users´ responsibility to check
carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 19 of 29
☞Check diaphragm for damage and replace if necessary.
➨To do so use Phillips screw driver to remove four counter-
sunk head screws and lift off housing plate with rating plate.
☞Use petroleum ether or industrial solvent to remove depos-
its if necessary. Do not inhale.
Replacing the diaphragm
➨Use face wrench to remove diaphragm support disc.
➨Check for washers under clamping disc. Do not mix the wash-
ers from the different heads. Make sure that the original
number is reassembled at the individual pump head.
☞Smaller number of washers: The pump will not attain ulti-
mate vacuum. More washers: Clamping disc will hit head
cover; noise or even blockade of the pump.
head cover
housing cover with
housing cover insert
valve
connecting rod
housing
diaphragm
diaphragm clamping disc
with square head screw
diaphragm support disc
washer
View of the disassembled pump head parts

Documents are only to be used and distributed completely and unchanged. It is strictly the users´ responsibility to check
carefully the validity of this document with respect to his product. manual-no.: 999019 / 22/12/2009
page 20 of 29
Assembling pump heads
➨Use face wrench with torque indicator (recommended: face
wrench with torque indicator from VACUUBRAND, Cat.-
No.: 63 75 80) to assemble diaphragm clamping disc, dia-
phragm and diaphragm support disc (and eventually wash-
ers) to the connecting rod.
☞Make sure that the square head screw of the diaphragm
clamping disc is correctly seated in the guide hole of the
diaphragm support disc.
Optimum torque for the diaphragm support disc: 6 Nm.
☞The optimum torque is achieved if the pointer in the handle
of the VACUUBRAND face wrench shows to the longer mark-
ing line.
➨Position new diaphragm between diaphragm clamping disc
with square head screw and diaphragm support disc.
☞Make sure that the square head screw of the diaphragm
clamping disc is correctly seated in the guide hole of the
diaphragm support disc.
☞Note: Position diaphragm with white PTFE side to diaphragm
clamping disc (to pump chamber).
➨By turning eccentric bushing (front of connecting rod), bring
connecting rod into a position in which diaphragm is in con-
tact with housing and centred with respect to bore.
Reassemble in reverse order.
➨Install head cover, valves and housing cover with housing
cover insert.
☞Make sure that the valves are correctly seated: Valves at
the outlet with round centred opening under valve, valves at
the inlet with kidney-shaped opening beside valve.
➨By turning eccentric bushing, bring connecting rod into up-
per turning point position (Max. stroke of the rod).
☞Pay attention that the diaphragm stays positioned centrally
so that it will become clamped uniformly between housing
and head cover.
➨Screw in four socket head screws fixing housing cover cross-
wise (e. g. in the sequence ➀,➁, ➂, ➃) first slightly, then
tighten.
☞Do not tighten until head cover is in contact with housing,
torque 12 Nm.
➂➂
➂➂
➂
➃➃
➃➃
➃
➀➀
➀➀
➀➁➁
➁➁
➁