Labconco VACUUBRAND Diaphragm Pump 7393001: Use and operation

page 38 of 74

Installing a pump in a vacuum system

➨ 

If dangerous or polluting fluids could be released at the 

outlet, install an appropriate system to catch and dis-

pose of those fluids.

+

 Connect a gas-tight exhaust line at the pump outlet if 

necessary. Always vent exhaust gases appropriately 

(e.g., into a fume hood).

+

 Never block the gas outlet. The exhaust line must al-

ways be free of obstructions (no back pressure) to en-

sure an unimpeded discharge of gas. The cross-sec-

tion of the outlet tubing must be at least the size of the 

pump’s exhaust connection.

+ 

Particles and dust must not be aspirated. If necessary, 

you  must  install  appropriate  filters.  You  must  ensure 

their  suitability  concerning  gas  flow,  chemical  resis

-

tance and resistance to clogging prior to use.

+ 

Make sure ventilation is adequate, especially if the pump 

is installed in an enclosure, or if the ambient temperature 

is elevated. Provide external ventilation, if necessary.

•  Reduce the transmission of vibration. Prevent mechan

-

ical load due to rigid pipelines. Insert elastic hoses or 

flexible elements as couplings between the pump and 

rigid pipes. 

Note

: Flexible elements will compress or 

flatten when evacuated if not designed for use under 

vacuum. 

•   Hose  connections  at  the  pump  inlet  must  always  be 

gas tight.

•   A power failure may cause accidental ventilation of the 

pump, especially if the gas ballast valve is open . If this 

constitutes a potential source of danger, take appropri-

ate safety measures. 

Use and operation

 page 39 of 74

Keep a distance of minimum 8 in (20 cm) between fan and 

adjacent equipment or casework. 

Use connecting hoses with large diameter and keep them 

as short as possible to avoid flow losses. Locate the pump 

as closely as possible to the application.

Always install outlet tubing descending from the pump to 

avoid backflow of condensate towards the pump. 

Use a suitable valve to isolate the pump from the vacuum 

application. This is to allow the pump to warm up before 

pumping condensable vapors and to clean the pump after 

use before it is switched off.

When assembling, ensure 

vacuum-tightness

. After as-

sembly, check the whole system for leaks.

Secure hose connections at the pump appropriately, e.g., 

with hose clamps, to protect against accidental detach-

ment. 

NOTICE

Voltage selection switch:

  1. Disconnect the electrical power cord. 

  2. Use a screw driver to adjust the

 voltage selec-

tion switch

 at the terminal box of the pump to the 

supply voltage: 

  ”115” corresponds to 90-126 V and 

  ”230” corresponds to 180-253 V.

voltage selection switch

•   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.

•  

Pump with dual-voltage motor

: Check that the volt-

age selection switch at the terminal box is positioned 

correctly. Check every time before starting the pump.

 Note

: If the pump is switched on with wrong voltage 

selection, the motor may be damaged!

  Change the selection at the voltage selection switch 

only, if the pump is unplugged from the power 

source.

page 40 of 74

To reduce pump noise emanating from the pump exhaust 

port, connect an exhaust hose or use a silencer (see ”Ac-

cessories”, pg. 48).

Separator (inlet) and 

exhaust waste vapor condenser (outlet)

Assembling the hose nozzle with union nut:

➨

 Take the hose nozzle with attached compression fer-

rule and union nut out of the catchpot and put onto inlet 

connection (version 2 AK: onto inlet and outlet connec-

tions). 

➨

 Tighten the union nut by hand until you can feel the 

stop. Then tighten an additional 1/4 rotation with an 

open-ended wrench (size 17mm) for final installation.

Catchpots:

The catchpot at the inlet protects against drop-

lets and particles from entering the pump.

+

 Enhances lifetimes of diaphragms and 

valves.

+

 Improves vacuum performance in applica-

tions with condensable vapors.

Both catchpots are coated with a protective lay-

er to protect against shattering in case of break-

age or implosion.

➨

 Assemble the catchpots at the inlet and at 

the outlet using joint clips.

Exhaust waste vapor condenser:

➨

 Assemble the hose nozzles for coolant inlet 

(12) and coolant outlet (13) tubing at the ex-

haust waste vapor condenser.

The 

exhaust waste vapor condenser

 enables 

an efficient condensation of the pumped vapors 

at the outlet.

+

 No backflow of condensates.

+

 Controlled recovery of condensates.

+

 Close to 100% solvent recovery.

+

 The isolation cover protects against glass 

overpressure 

safety relief 

device (11)

catchpot 

at outlet (9)

catchpot 

at inlet (9)

outlet (gas!) (2)

(12)

(13)

 page 41 of 74

splinters in case of breakage, acts as ther-

mal isolation to avoid condensation of hu-

midity and is intended to absorb shocks.

➨ 

Attach the tubing of the coolant circuit to the respective 

hose nozzles (hose nozzles for tubing I.D. 1/4”-5/16” 

(6-8 mm), see image) at the waste vapor condenser. 

Check all hose connections prior to starting operation of 

the cooling system.

Secure coolant hoses at the hose nozzles (e.g., with hose 

clamps) to prevent their accidentally slipping off.

➨

 Prevent the discharge of dangerous gases and vapors 

to the surrounding atmosphere. If appropriate, connect 

the exhaust line to a suitable treatment system.

+

 Never block the gas outlet ((2) hose nozzle for tubing 

I.D. 3/8” (10 mm)). The exhaust hose has always to be 

unobstructed and without back pressure to enable an 

unhindered discharge of gases and protect the pump 

valves from damage.

• 

Note

: Install the hoses of the cooling system in a way 

to avoid the flow / dripping of condensed water onto the 

pumping unit (especially cables and electronic parts, 

see also IP degree of protection, ”Technical data”,  pg. 

24.

•  Ensure that the 

coolant outlet tubing

 is always unob-

structed and that it cannot get blocked.

•  Maximum permissible coolant pressure at the exhaust 

waste vapor condenser: 87 psi (6 bar) absolute. Outlet 

flow must always be unhindered.

•  Comply  with  the  maximum  permissible  coolant  pres

-

sures of additional components in the coolant circuit 

(e.g., coolant valve).

•  Avoid overpressure in the coolant circuit (e.g., caused 

by blocked or squeezed coolant hoses).

•  Only install the optional coolant valve in the supply line 

of the exhaust waste vapor condenser.

NOTICE

page 42 of 74

During operation

➨

 Vent and dispose of 

potentially dangerous gases or 

vapors

 at the outlet of the pump appropriately. 

+

 Due to the high compression ratio, the pump might gen-

erate overpressure at the outlet. Check pressure com-

patibility with system components (e.g., exhaust tubing 

or exhaust valve) at the outlet. Ensure that the pump 

outlet is neither blocked nor restricted.

+ 

Maximum ambient temperature

: 104 °F (40 °C)

  Check the maximum temperatures, if installing the 

pump in a cabinet or a housing. Make sure ventilation 

is adequate, especially if the ambient temperature is 

elevated.

•  If the pump is installed at an altitude of more than 3300 

ft (1000 m) above mean sea level, check compatibil-

ity with applicable safety requirements, especially IEC 

60034. There is a risk of the motor overheating due to 

insufficient cooling.

•   Check  compatibility  with  the 

maximally permitted 

pressure

 at outlet and the 

maximum pressure differ-

ence

 between inlet and outlet ports.

Do not start the pump if the 

pressure difference between 

inlet and outlet ports exceeds max. 16.0 psi (1.1 bar)

. 

Attempts to start the pump at higher pressure difference 

may cause stalling and damage of the motor.

If pumping condensable vapors (water vapor, solvents, 

etc.), let the pump run with 

gas ballast

 to help purge any 

condensation in the pump.

Prevent internal condensation, transfer of liquids or dust. 

The diaphragms and valves will be damaged, if liquids are 

pumped in significant amounts.

Check the pump regularly for external soiling and depos-

NOTICE

 page 43 of 74

its. Clean the pump if necessary to avoid an increase of 

the pump’s operating temperature.

Operation with silencer (optional) at the outlet: Operating 

the pump at a high inlet pressure or pumping dusty gases 

for a long time may cause clogging of the silencer. Check 

the silencer regularly and replace if necessary.

In case of overload, the motor is shut down by a 

self-hold 

thermal circuit breaker

 in the winding.

Note

: Only a manual reset is possible. Switch off the 

pump and disconnect the electrical power cord. Identify 

and eliminate the cause of failure. Wait approximately five 

minutes before restarting the pump.

• 

Note

: In case of 

supply voltage below 100V

, the lock 

of the breaker may not latch and the pump might restart 

on its own after sufficient cooling. Take appropriate pre

-

cautions, if an automatic restart of the pump may lead 

to a dangerous situation. 

A warm up period (approximately 15 min.) is required to 

ensure that the rated ultimate vacuum and pumping speed 

are attained. Avoid overheating (e.g., due to hot process 

gases).

Pumps with flow control diaphragm valve:

Use  the  flow  control  diaphragm  valve  (14)  at  the  pump 

inlet    to  control  the  pumping  speed.    Open  flow  control 

diaphragm to pump down.

➨

 Opening the flow control diaphragm: Turn counterclock

-

wise. Do not attempt to open the valve further than when 

resistance is first encountered. 

➨

 Closing: Turn clockwise. Close flow control diaphragm 

valve slightly hand-tight. Further tightening will not in-

crease sealing of the valve, and may lead to damage.

Note

: Over-tightening or -loosening may damage the dia-

phragm or the valve seat, and the valve may not close 

properly thereafter.

Replace diaphragm in case of leaks.

NOTICE

NOTICE

page 44 of 74

Important notes regarding the use of gas bal-

last

Gas ballast is a continuous purge to keep the pump’s in-

terior as clean as possible and to reduce the possibility of 

condensation inside the pump.

➨

 Air and pumped media might react inside the pump or 

at the outlet of the pump and form hazardous or explo-

sive mixtures, when you use air rather than inert gas 

for the gas ballast. This constitutes a risk of significant 

damage to equipment and/or facilities, a risk of person-

al injury or even loss of life.

+

 Make sure that air/gas intake through the gas ballast 

valve can never lead to hazardous, explosive or other-

wise dangerous mixtures. If in doubt, use inert gas.

To reduce condensation in the pump, do not pump vapor 

before the pump has reached its operating temperature. 

Open the gas ballast valve when pumping condensable 

vapors. Turn gas ballast cap to open valve.

For 

condensable vapors 

(water vapor, sol-

vents, etc.):

-  The gas ballast valve is open if the arrow on 

the gas ballast cap is pointing towards the 

labelling ”GB”.

-  With gas ballast valve open, the ultimate 

vacuum will be reduced.

-  Use inert gas for gas ballast to avoid the formation of 

explosive mixtures. A special adapter fitting is needed 

to connect an inert gas supply line (see ”Accessories”, 

pg. 48). This adapter replaces the standard gas bal-

last cap and allows for an inert gas line to be connected 

via a KF DN 16 small flange at a maximum supply pres

-

sure of 17.5 psi (1.2 bar) absolute.

-  Close the gas ballast valve by turning the cap 180°.

NOTICE

gas ballast 

(3) 

(open)

 page 45 of 74

In case of low boiling solvents (when the formation of con-

densate is unlikely), the use of gas ballast might be unnec-

essary. Operating the pump without gas ballast increases 

the solvent recovery rate at the exhaust waste vapor con-

denser.

Important notes concerning the operation of 

the exhaust waste vapor condenser

➨

 Connect the exhaust to a suitable treatment system to 

prevent the discharge of dangerous gases and vapors 

to the surrounding atmosphere.

+

 Never block the gas outlet ((2) hose nozzle for tubing 

I.D. 3/8” (10 mm)). The exhaust hose must always be 

unobstructed and without back-pressure to enable an 

unhindered discharge of gases.

+

 Check the overpressure safety relief device (11) at the 

exhaust waste vapor condenser (10) regularly; replace 

if necessary. Check especially for deterioration, coales-

cence and cracks.

•  Ensure that the 

coolant outlet hose

 is always free and 

that it cannot get blocked.

•  Maximum permissible coolant pressure at the exhaust 

waste vapor condenser: 87 psi (6 bar) absolute

•  Comply  with  the  maximum  permissible  coolant  pres

-

sures of additional components in the coolant circuit 

(e.g., coolant valve). 

•   We strongly recommend installing an optional coolant 

valve (see ”Accessories”, pg. 48) 

in the supply line

of the exhaust vapor condenser to save water and re-

duce the risk of water spill. 

•  Avoid overpressure in the coolant circuit (e.g., caused 

by blocked or kinked coolant hoses).

In case of 

condensation

: Check the liquid level in both 

catchpots (9) during operation. Check the liquid level in 

both catchpots regularly. Do not allow the catchpots to 

NOTICE

page 46 of 74

overfill. Drain catchpots in time to avoid overflow. Install a 

level sensor (see ”Accessories”, pg. 48) for monitoring, 

if necessary (VACUUBRAND controller CVC 3000 or VNC 

2 is required). 

The maximum liquid level is at approximately 80% of the 

total  filling  level  to  avoid  problems  when  removing  the 

catchpots.

Permissible range of coolant temperature at the exhaust 

waste vapor condenser: 

5 °F to 68 °F (-15°C to +20°C)

Check hose connections prior to starting operation of the 

cooling system.

Check coolant hoses regularly during operation.

Removing the catchpots:

Catchpot at outlet: 

Remove joint clip. Remove catchpot and drain conden-

sate.

Catchpot at inlet: 

Admit air or inert gas (via the pump inlet) to restore at-

mospheric pressure in the catchpot before attempting 

removal.. Remove joint clip. Remove catchpot and drain 

condensate. 

Reattach drained catchpots.

+

Important

: Comply with regulations when disposing 

of solvents/condensates. Recycle if possible; purify if 

contaminated.

NOTICE

 page 47 of 74

Shutdown & storage

The pump can be switched off under vacuum.

Short-term:

Has the pump been exposed to condensate?

Allow the pump to continue to run at atmospheric pres-

sure for a few minutes.

Has the pump been exposed to media which may damage 

the pump materials or form 

deposits

?

Check and clean pump heads if necessary.

Long-term:

Take measures as described above regarding short-term 

shutdown.

Separate the pump from the application.

Close inlet and outlet ports (e.g., with transport caps).

Close the gas ballast valve.

Drain catchpots.

Store the pump under dry conditions.

NOTICE