Checking Your TruBlu Hose Rig
for Leaks
Let’s start with the statement, “everything leaks!” What concerns us is
the leak rate. The pump and vacuum rig have to overcome the leaks
in the hoses or connections, so a low leak rate is critical for good
evacuations. TruBlu hoses have a very low leak rate and low water
adhesion properties. This means that TruBlu hoses effectively move all
the work that your vacuum pump is doing at the pump inlet to the end
of your hose where it should be.
To check your rig for significant leaks it is first prudent to check the vacuum pump. Vacuum pumps used for
HVAC work should be capable of pulling at least 50 microns, ideally below 20 microns of mercury. To test the
ultimate pull of your pump, start with fresh clean high-quality vacuum pump oil, cap the hose ports and
attach a micron gauge directly to the 1/4" port on the pump with a brass coupling.
Test the Pump
Start the pump, close the gas ballast, and allow the pump to run for at least 10 minutes. The vacuum may
slightly decrease over time as the pump oil warms and the vapor pressure of the oil decreases – this is
normal. Record the vacuum level after 10 minutes. We recommend that you jot the level down on a piece of
tape and attach it to the pump for future reference. If your pump will not pull below 50 microns, you may
need to service the pump or replace it.
Attach the TruBlu Vacuum Rig
Now test the vacuum rig. Attach your vacuum rig or a vacuum and core tools to a (user supplied) brass tee
fitting and in turn to your micron gauge at the end of the rig forming a continuous loop.
Degas and Dehydrate
Start the pump and allow it to run for at least 10 minutes to degas and dehydrate the hoses. Brand new hoses
may require more time to degas, perhaps as much as 10 minutes the first time use.
Performance Test
After 10 minutes, isolate the pump by closing the blocking valve or shutting off the vacuum pump. Break
the vacuum by loosening a connection on the rig. The hoses should be dry. Retighten the connection and
immediately restart the vacuum pump and evacuation. Let the pump run an additional 5 minutes and
confirm that you can pull below 100 microns at the far end of the rig. This is a dynamic test meaning the we
are testing the pump, vacuum rig, to assure that we can achieve the desired vacuum at the system inlet.
Note: After 5 minutes your vacuum rig should be able to achieve 100 microns or less. TruBlu will typically
achieve near the following results.
Performance Expectations
Pump ultimate pulldown = 50 microns ------- TruBlu Rig 100 microns or lower
Pump ultimate pulldown = 25 microns ------- TruBlu Rig 50 microns or lower
Pump ultimate pulldown = 10 microns ------- TruBlu Rig 30 microns or lower
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©2018 Core Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
TruBlu Evacuation Tools
Steps to a Proper Evacuation
AccuTools.com
How to get the most out of the TruBlu Evacuation rig, quickly and safely
achieve deep, dry and tight systems. This manual subject to change without
notice. Visit AccuTools.com for the most current versions and updates.
