Most vacuum pump failures do not happen suddenly. Oil degrades, filters clog and vanes wear until performance crosses a threshold. Servicing on a schedule costs less than repairing after a stop.
Maintenance intervals
| Item | Oil-sealed vane | Oil-free vane |
|---|---|---|
| Pump oil | 500 - 2000 h or every six months | none |
| Inlet filter | check monthly, replace on high differential | check monthly |
| Mist separator element | 1000 - 2000 h | none |
| Vane clearance | measure every 3000 h | every 5000 h |
Shorten these where the duty is hard: heavy dust, high vapour or 24-hour operation means running at half the lower figure in the table.
Symptoms and diagnosis
- Lower capacity, poorer ultimate vacuum: check the inlet filter and line leaks first, then whether the oil has emulsified or darkened, then measure vane wear.
- Oil turns milky: the gas carries too much water vapour. Open the gas ballast, add a moisture separator, shorten the oil change interval.
- Oil mist at the exhaust: the mist separator is saturated or badly seated — replace the element and check the return line.
- More noise and vibration: worn vanes, increased bearing clearance or loose mounting; stop and inspect.
- Pump overheats: dust on the cooling fins, ambient above 35 °C, insufficient cooling water flow.
Spare parts
Common parts: pump oil, inlet filter elements, mist separator elements, vanes, seals, bearings, coupling inserts, vacuum gauges and pressure switches. For units, also check valves, automatic drain valves and flexible connectors.
Order by model and serial number and we will match the correct part; for older pumps, send a photo of the nameplate so we can confirm.
Service arrangements
- In-warranty faults are handled under the contract terms.
- Out of warranty, we supply parts and on-site repair, quoted by model and site conditions.
- Packaged units ship with operating and maintenance instructions covering oil changes, element replacement and common faults.
For a maintenance plan or a spare parts quotation, send the model, serial number and operating conditions.