
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often must I calibrate the eVac Pro? Calibration of the eVac Pro is only necessary
when the Calibration Test indicates that calibration is required. Regardless, frequent cleaning
and/or calibration will not adversely affect the long-term reliability of the instrument. For best
results, ensure the sensor is clean and dry, and the dust cap is in place, prior to calibration.
Q. Can I use the eVac Pro to check the proper operation of my vacuum pump? Yes. Attach
the eVac Pro directly to the pump with a short hose or coupler. Turn the pump on, open the
blank-off valve, and close the ballast. A good pump with clean and dry oil will typically pull very
quickly to less than 100 microns (generally around 25 microns for a two-stage pump). Always
close the blank-off valve and/or disconnect the BluVac Pro prior to turning off the pump so as to
avoid oil contamination of the sensor.
Q. The eVac Pro does not indicate acceptably low pressure when I test my pump. Ensure
the pump oil is clean and dry (it should be completely clear when viewed through the pump’s
sight glass). Replace the oil. Ensure the pump ballast is completely closed and the blank-off
valve is completely open, and all fittings are tight and seals are not damaged. If low pressure is
still not achieved, the pump may be damaged or worn.
Q. I’ve attached the eVac Pro directly to my pump with a short hose or coupler. As soon
as I blank off the pump, the indicated pressure rises rapidly. Is the eVac Pro’s sensor
leaking? No. There will always be molecular-sized leaks, outgassing, and/or permeation in any
hose or fitting, and the pump’s blank-off valve may not be entirely gas tight. The indicated
pressure will rise due to the small internal volume of the hose or coupler.
Q. What is the recommended method for attaching the eVac Pro for evacuation service?
Ideally, the eVac Pro should be as close to the internals of the system under evacuation, and
as far from the vacuum pump as possible. Attaching the eVac Pro to the auxiliary port of a core
removal tool (CRT) connected directly to a service port is the best method. The ball-valve of
the CRT can be closed to completely isolate the system from the pump and hoses, thereby
allowing for an accurate rise-time test at the completion of evacuation. Additionally, removing
the Schrader core(s) via the CRT and using large diameter hoses will greatly speed the
evacuation process.
Q. I accidentally exposed the eVac Pro to high-pressure refrigerant. Did I damage the
eVac Pro? No. The eVac Pro’s sensor is rated to 500 PSI overpressure, and can be directly
exposed to gas/liquid refrigerant. At worst, the sensor may be exposed to oil, in which case the
oil indicator will activate and cleaning/calibration may be required.
Q. I removed the eVac Pro from the system under vacuum, but the indicated pressure
rises slowly and/or the gauge does not return to Hi-P. Is the eVac Pro damaged? No. The
slow rise in pressure is due to residual refrigerant gas captured in the sensor. Gently blowing air
into the sensor to remove the residual gas will effect an immediate rise to Hi-P.
Q. How do I use the leak rate indicator? The leak-rate indicator is especially useful for system
diagnostics during a rise-time test. If the indicated leak rate is stable and constant, this usually
indicates a physical vacuum leak. If the leak rate is stable, but decreases as the pressure rises,
this usually indicates evaporating moisture or outgassing. If the leak rate is unstable (bouncing
between different numbers), this usually indicates liquid water boiling off inside the system.
Since the resolution of the eVac Pro is so high, it may be difficult to achieve a zero leak-rate.
This is not a problem as long as the system meets the manufacturer’s recommended vacuum
rise-time performance.
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