5
Claw Medical Vacuum Systems
operation
BeFore STarT UP
1. Make sure all safety warnings, labels and instructions
have been read and understood before continuing.
2. Remove any shipping materials, brackets, etc.
3. Ensure all fuses, circuit breakers, etc., are properly sized.
4. Verify that all pumps have the proper amount of oil in
them for operation. The claw type vacuum pumps require
oil in the gear boxes. See the enclosed manual from the
pump manufacturer for correct oil type to use.
5. Confirm electric power source and ground have been
firmly connected. Make sure the electrical control box
door is closed and latched.
6. Make sure inlet filter is properly installed and all piping
is connected. Open the isolation valves for each vacuum
pump. Open the valve to the receiver. Close the receiver
drain valve.
7. Make sure all selector switches on the control panel are
OFF.
Risk of injury.
Make sure no one in
contact with any moving parts during the rotation
check.
8. Check that all fuses, circuit breakers, etc., are the proper
size.
If all pumps are running in the
wrong direction, change the
incoming power leads to correct rotation.
On some claw vacuum pumps,
the fan is powered by a sepa-
rate motor. The fan rotation direction may be different from
the main shaft rotation direction.
STarT-UP anD oPeraTion
1. Follow all procedures under “Before Start-Up” before
attempting operation of the vacuum pump.
2. Make sure all selector switches are in the OFF position.
3. Switch on electric source.
4. Open tank connection valve or valves completely.
5. Using the selector switches on the control panel, turn
on each pump – motor in the “Auto” mode until all are
running.
6. Check the vacuum level using the system gauge or
display. The control system will turn off the vacuum
pump motors when the vacuum level is maintained and
the minimum run timer conditions are satisfied.
7. Check for excessive vibration, unusual noises or leaks
during operation. If problems are detected, shut down
the system and make corrections or repairs as needed
before operating the system.
8. Pumps may be operated in “Hand” mode to override
the function of the automatic controls. The pumps and
the system will not be damaged during “hand” mode
operation. The pumps are equipped with automatic
vacuum limiting valves if needed to avoid damage.
9. In normal operation, leave all selector switches in the
“Auto”position and allow the controls to cycle the pumps
as needed based on vacuum demand.
Switch breaker OFF if vacuum
pump will not be used for a
long period of time.
Sequence of operations
All vacuum pumps will operate on a ten minute minimum
run timer (to prevent the short cycling of pumps) and
will alternate Lead, Lag and etc. every 30 minutes, unless
interrupted by the Lead / Lag Freeze (see example below.)
For example, a vacuum switch closes 25 minutes into the 30
minute alternation sequence; pump 1 is activated and held
on for its ten minute minimum run time. The alternation
sequence will be extended to a total of 35 minutes. During
the following 30 minutes, if a vacuum switch closes, pump 2
will be activated and held on for its ten minute run time. This
operation is referred as the Lead / Lag Freeze. Its purpose is
to prevent short cycling of pumps in the event that a vacuum
switch is activated at the end of an alternation period.
The Reserve (or last Lag) Vacuum Switch will bring on the
reserve or last pump in the system and activate the Reserve
Pump In Use Alarm.
The Vacuum Switch’s are factory set to the system
specifications. It is not recommended to adjust the settings
in the field. An adjustment to the setting could result in
inconsistent PLC operation and possible malfunction of the
system controls. Please consult your service contractor if
adjustments are required.
