© NOVATEC, Inc. 2013 All Rights Reserved
VL-VLP IM 4-12-2013
12
Remove
Clamping Ring
Carefully
Remove Motor
Lid
11- MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: Disconnect electrical power and compressed air supplies before any type of
loader maintenance.
Typical maintenance for self-contained vacuum loaders consists of two main areas: Filter
cleaning and motor brush replacement.
11.1- VL Series - FLAT FILTER CLEANING:
VL Series loaders are typically used for conveying virgin pellets and/or regrind. The amount of
dust within the conveyed materials will determine the frequency of necessary manual filter
cleaning.
NOTE: Although the blowback system of the VL loaders will extend the operational life of the filter
media, it cannot be relied upon alone. Frequent checks of the filter accompanied by thorough
manual cleanings are required, in addition to cleanings during material changes to prevent cross
contamination.
The filter media may be removed for
inspection and cleaning by unclamping the
ring clamp of the lid, directly below the
motor. If necessary, unplug the control
cable and disconnect the air line.
Carefully remove the motor lid and expose
the flat filter directly below the lid. The filter may now
be removed for inspection and cleaning.
Vacuum cleaning the bottom of the filter is recommended
to remove
collected resin debris, dust and fines. If compressed air is used, be sure to
wear goggles and blow from the top (coarse screen side) of the filter down
through the filter media. Never bang the filter against a hard surface to dis-
lodge debris. Distortion of the media or sealing ring can result.
Once clean, thoroughly inspect the filter for severe wear, holes, tears and material abrasion. Any
break in the filter media indicates the need for new filter. Do not attempt to repair the media.
Remember that the filter protects the vacuum motor and holes or any kind of leakage through the
filter can allow material to pass into and through the motor, severely shortening the mot
or’s life,
possibly creating a fire hazard and sending material dust into the air around the loader. In
addition, examine the sealing ring around the filter media. This ring provides the vacuum seal
between the motor lid, the filter and the loader body. The ring must be smooth, clean and intact
to provide a suitable seal for vacuum sealing. Replace the filter if the seal is not in perfect shape.
Once cleaning/inspection is complete, the filter may be reinstalled by
placing it on the flat rim of the loader body (cloth DOWN and coarse
screen UP) and placing the motor lid down upon it and centering the filter
between the two. Replace the clamp and tighten. With newly installed
filters, the clamp may need to be adjusted to provide a vacuum-tight and mechanically firm seal.
