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Page 67
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Maintenance
B800-00-880 Issue D
5
Maintenance
5.1
Introduction
Instructions for bearing maintenance and surface cleaning for the nEXT turbomolecular vacuum pump are described
in the following sections. The inlet screens, inlet strainer and inlet flange seals are available as spares (refer to
Section 7.3
).
5.2
Bearing and oil cartidge maintenance
The oil cartridge and oil-lubricated bearing will need to be replaced when it reaches the end of its service life. This
is typically more than 17,500 hours for the oil cartridge and 35,000 hours for the bearing.
When the oil cartridge and/or bearing need replacing, Edwards recommends either,
Send the pump to an Edwards Service Centre for a bearing and/or oil cartridge replacement
Purchase a oil cartridge or bearing service kit and replace the bearing and/or oil cartridge on-site (refer to
Section 7.2
)
5.3
Rotor life
The fatigue life of nEXT Turbomolecular pump rotors is typically 40,000 to 50,000 cycles. As a precautionary measure,
Edwards recommends that pumps are returned for a major service (rotor replacement) after 20,000 cycles of
acceleration to full speed and back to a stop, or after ten years of use, whichever occurs first.
5.4
Clean the external surfaces of the pump
WARNING
When removing the pump, ensure personal protective equipment is used to safeguard against
damage from failed components and possible accumulation of hazardous material that may have
been pumped. Check that the pump is vented to atmosphere and at a safe temperature. Be wary
of possible spillages, sharp edges and debris. Removal of the pump inlet screen will always expose
the risk of injury from sharp edges.
WARNING
Allow the pump rotor to stop, then disconnect the logic interface cable from the power supply and
isolate any other power sources before removing the pump from the vacuum system for
maintenance or fault finding procedures.
WARNING
Clean the external surfaces of the pump in a well-ventilated location. When using cleaning
solutions and solvents to clean the pump, observe all precautions specified by the manufacturer.
Avoid inhalation of any particulates that may be present in the pump.
