INTRODUCTION
The
Vmax
oil-sealed liquid ring vacuum pump system have been designed to give you safe, reliable trouble-free
service, provided some of the basic maintenance guidelines as set out in this manual are followed. Compared
with other vacuum pump systems the
Vmax
oil-sealed liquid ring vacuum pump system offers the advantages of
no metal-to-metal contact between the impeller and casing. Grease lubricated bearings are mounted external to
the pumping chamber, isolated by mechanical shaft seals. This means that the pump requires no internal
lubrication. However, a vacuum pump is a rotating piece of equipment and operators must exercise good
judgment and follow proper safety procedures to avoid damage to the equipment or personal injury. Please
review and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to install, start or operate equipment.
Safety
All products offered by DEKKER have been designed and manufactured for safe operation. However, the
responsibility for safe operation rests with those who use and maintain these products. Your safety department
should establish a safety program based on OSHA, federal, state and local codes. It is important that due
consideration be given to hazards which arise from the presence of electrical power, hot liquids, toxic gases and
rotating equipment. Proper installation and care of protective devices is essential to safe system operation. These
safety procedures are to be used in conjunction with the instructions contained in this manual.
STORAGE
Keep the system in a cool dry environment and close the seal fluid isolation valve. Plug all open ports to keep
out dirt and foreign objects. Every 2 - 3 months rotate the impeller by rotating the shaft by hand.
INSTALLATION
The design of the piping system, foundation layout and plant location are the responsibility of the purchaser.
Dekker Vacuum Technologies, Inc. and its representatives may offer advice but cannot assume responsibility for
operation and installation design.
Please consult an authorized dealer or a specialist skilled in the design of plant layout, system piping design and
foundation design. The installer should carefully read this manual before installing the equipment. DEKKER or
your local dealer can provide start up assistance in most instances at reasonable cost.
Unpacking
Upon receipt of pump or system, immediately inspect for signs of damage.
Carefully remove packing or
crating from around pump or system. Be sure to keep equipment in upright position. DEKKER products ship
F.O.B. factory, which means that any damage is the responsibility of the carrier and should be reported to them.
Lifting
Lift the equipment carefully and with weight evenly distributed. DEKKER is not responsible for equipment that has
been damaged through mishandling or dropping.
Location
Install the unit in a well ventilated and dust free area. The pump or system should be a minimum distance of 3
feet from surrounding walls to allow for checking fluid level, temperatures, pressures and general servicing.
Mounting
The pump or system must be installed on a level surface in a horizontal position. The foundation must be
designed to support the total unit weight, without any settlement or crushing, be rigid and substantial
enough to absorb any equipment vibration, maintain true alignment with any drive mechanism, and must
permanently support the system baseplate at all points. The vacuum system must be leveled and secured
with foundation bolts. Foundation bolts must be of adequate size to withstand the mechanical stresses
exerted on it.
Systems larger than 40 HP should also be grouted into position. The foundation should be constructed to
allow for ¾ to 1-½ inch of grout. The baseplate is set on shims and the grout is poured between the
foundation and the baseplate. To have the required body to support the baseplate, grout should be at least
¾ inch thick.
The number and location of shims will be determined by the design of the baseplate. Firm support should
be provided at points where weight will be concentrated at the anchor bolt locations. Use enough, and large
enough shims to provide rigid support. Baseplates are usually designed with openings to allow pouring
grout. When the baseplate has been shimmed and leveled and the anchor bolts have been snugly
tightened, a dam is constructed around the foundation to contain the grout. The dam level should be at
least ½ inch above the top surface of the shims. Grout should be poured inside and around the outside of
the baseplate and leveled. Allow the grout to dry for a minimum of 48 hours before tightening the anchor
bolts.
Please note that the pump/motor coupling and V-belt units will need to be realigned prior to start-
up, except with monoblock units.
Dekker Vacuum Technologies, Inc. – Vmax/13
3