© Edwards Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
Page 27
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Maintenance
B722-20-880 Issue D
5
Maintenance
5.1
Introduction
The maintenance operations for the EXT Turbomolecular pumps are described in the following sections. The ISX inlet-
screen, the WCX water-cooler, the inlet-strainer and inlet-flange seals are available as spares (refer to
Fit the ISX inlet-screen as described in
. Fit the WCX water-cooler as described in
.
5.2
Bearing life
When supplied, the pump contains sufficient lubricant to supply the bearings for life. No routine maintenance is
therefore required between bearing replacements. The bearings are not user-serviceable. The bearings will need to
be replaced when they reach the end of their service life. This is typically more than 20,000 hours, but may be less;
this depends on the type of pumping duty on which the pump is used.
When the bearings need replacement, we recommend that you exchange your pump for a factory reconditioned
replacement. Alternatively, you can send your pump to an Edwards Service Centre to have the bearings replaced.
When returning EXT pumps to Edwards Service Centres please use the procedure included at the end of this manual.
However, the instruction to drain all fluids does not apply to the lubricant in the EXT pump oil-reservoirs.
5.3
Rotor life
The life of the EXT pump rotor is typically 40,000 to 50,000 cycles (of acceleration to full speed, and then
deceleration to a stop). The pump rotor is not user-serviceable.
We therefore recommend that you exchange your pump for a factory reconditioned replacement every 20,000 cycles,
or 10 years of use, whichever occurs first. Alternatively, you can send your pump to an Edwards Service Centre for a
major service (which will include rotor replacement).
When you return EXT pumps to Edwards Service Centres please obey the procedure included at the end of this
manual. However, the instruction to drain all fluids does not apply to the lubricant in the EXT pump oil-reservoirs.
5.4
Clean the pump
CAUTION
Do not attempt to clean any parts of the EXT pump other than the external surfaces. Organic solvents may
damage internal pump components. Do not use abrasive materials to clean any part of the pump.
WARNING
Allow the pump-rotor to stop, then disconnect the EXDC Drive Module from the pump before you
remove the pump from your vacuum system for maintenance or fault-finding procedures.
WARNING
Clean the external surfaces of the EXT pump in a well-ventilated location. When you use cleaning
solutions and solvents to clean the pump, observe all precautions specified by the manufacturer.
Avoid inhalation of any particulates which may be present in the pump.
