Vacuum pump temps and cooling

General Composites Discussions Equipment Talk
#1

Hi everyone, I recently bought a vacuum pump for, infusions and vac bagging, and after leaving it on for about tow hours the pump felt a little warm, I would say around 150 degrees. (I have a pyrometer and should have messured accutal temp but Ill do that tonight) but to sum it up it was warm. now is that normal? and if so what do you guys do to cool it down a bit? I just dont want to burn up a brand new pump.

P.S. there a window to see the oil level and I am perfect on that. ( thought I would throw that in there so I dont sound like a idiot) :laugh:

#2

It’s very normal that a vacuumpump gets hot.

#3

Normal operating temperature is some 80 degrees C. So everything sounds fine. Listen to the pump, there should be no clunky noises. And keep an eye on oil level. If the oil goes milky after a period of standstill, drain the oil and fill with new.

#4

Ok thanks guys, i used the old pyrometer and it was on average 120 degrees but reached 145. I was thinking of putting a fan on it to see if it would help but if its normanl then ill just leave it alone. Thank Herman and Michiel.

#5

Keep in mind the motor needs unrestricted airflow.

#6

and after leaving it on for about tow hours

continuously? With or withouth reaching vacuum?

I keep the pump cool by not letting it run for two hours, usually a few minutes at a time to get to vacuum, and then its hardly 20-30 seconds at a time.

#7

It reaches full Vac, 22-23 inces for 2-4 hours at a time.

#8

Yes, pumps get hot. If oil based pump, make sure you are not drawing air for awhile…aka: leaks. That can cause issues. My dry dual piston recip. pump gets around 150-170f, and I leave it on for a day or 2, depending on my resin. I am also a firm believer of leaving the pump on until it cures, even if there is a 3 gallon resin bucket acting as a vacuum reservoir.

#9

I am a firm believer of using a switch, so you maintain vacuum, but at least the pump shuts its mouth most of the time.

But indeed, maintain vacuum pressure.

#10

I did measure mine today after a few hours of maintaining a 70% vacuum. It got 30C, 87F