ROBINAIR RA15301A-E Deep Vacuum Pump User Manual

: June 10, 2024
: ROBINAIR

ROBINAIR RA15301A-E Deep Vacuum Pump

ROBINAIR-RA15301A-E-Deep-Vacuum-Pump-PRODUCT

Product Description

The Robinair VacuMaster Deep Vacuum Pump is a machine that complies with the appropriate basic safety and health requirements of the EC Directives. It is designed for use with systems HFOs in conjunction with mineral oil, ester oil, alkyl benzene oil, and PAG oil as lubricants. This pump is not for use with ammonia or lithium bromide systems or flammable refrigerants (e.g. Class A3).

Product Model Numbers

RA15301A-E
RA15501A-E
RA15801A-E
RA15501A-E-A2L

Applicable Standards

Applicable EC Directives

EC-Machinery directive 2006/42/EC
EC- Low voltage directive 2014/35/EU
EC-EMC 2004/108/EC

Applicable Harmonized Standards

EN 1012-2:1996/A1:2009

Product Safety Precautions

Wear goggles when working with refrigerants to prevent personal injury.
Incorrect use or connections may cause electrical shock hazards. Read and follow the instructions carefully, and take precautions to avoid electrical shock hazards.
This device MUST be properly grounded to avoid electric shock. Do not defeat grounding connections and connect only to outlets with a ground connection. Confirm that all associated devices are grounded correctly before energizing circuits.
The normal operating temperature will cause certain external portions of the pump to be hot to the touch. Do not touch the pump housing or motor during operation.

Product Specifications

Exhaust Fitting
Inlet Port
Gas Ballast
Handle
Power Cord Connector
Power Switch
Fan Cover
Motor
Oil Drain
Sightglass
Voltage Selector Switch

Product Before Using Your Vacuum Pump

Select the appropriate voltage by moving the selector switch on the back of the electrical box with a screwdriver. For models RA15301A-E, RA15501A-E and RA15801A-E, you can select between operation on 120 V AC or 230 V AC.
Confirm that the voltage and frequency at the outlet match the specifications on the pump motor decal and selector switch position.
The pump is shipped without oil in the reservoir. Before starting the pump, fill it with oil. Remove the EXHAUST FITTING, and add oil until oil appears in the bottom of the sight glass. For oil capacities, refer to Pump Specifications in this manual.
Replace the EXHAUST FITTING, and remove the cap from one of the inlet ports.

Declaration of Conformity

We herewith declare that the following machines comply with the appropriate basic safety and health requirements of the EC Directive based on its design and type, as brought into circulation by us.

Description: Deep Vacuum Pump
Model Numbers: RA15301A-E, RA15501A-E, RA15801A-E, RA15501A-E-A2L
Brand: Robinair VacuMaster
Company: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions GmbH
- 62 · 41065· Germany
Applicable EC Directives: EC-Machinery directive 2006/42/EC
- EC- Low voltage directive 2014/35/EU
- EC-EMC 2004/108/EC
Applicable Harmonized Standards: EN 1012-2:1996/A1:2009
Authorized Signature:
- Andre Meiners
- Operations Manager

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: TO PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY.

Wear goggles when working with refrigerants.
Contact with refrigerants may cause injury.
Incorrect use or connections may cause electrical shock hazards.
Read and follow the instructions carefully, and take precautions to avoid electrical shock hazards. This device MUST be properly grounded to avoid electric shock. Do not defeat grounding connections and connect only to outlets with a ground connection.
Confirm that all associated devices are grounded correctly before energizing circuits.
The normal operating temperature will cause certain external portions of the pump to be hot to the touch. Do not touch the pump housing or motor during operation.
PLEASE NOTE that model RA15501A-E-A2L is suitable for use on systems intended for Class A2L refrigerants such as R32, HFO1234yf, HFO1234ze or R143a.
However, if ANY unit is used to service such systems it must ONLY be operated by authorized personnel with proper and specific training in the use and handling of these refrigerants.
The unit is NOT for use in hazardous/explosive environments. It must be ensured prior to use that the operating environment is free of hazardous concentrations of gases/vapors/dusts and/or fibers.
We advise the use of an appropriate leak detector or measuring device to ensure the safety of the working environment.

WARNING

For use on A/C-R systems using CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and HOs in conjunction with mineral oil, ester oil, alkylbenzene oil, and PAG oil as lubricants.
Not for use with ammonia or lithium bromide systems.
Not for use with flammable (e.g. Class A3) refrigerants.

Bosch Automotive Service Solutions GmbH declines all responsibilities or claims when our products are used improperly or not according all recommended/mentioned guidelines.

VACUMASTER® HIGH PERFORMANCE VACUUM PUMPS

Congratulations on purchasing one of Robinair’s top quality VacuMaster® vacuum pumps. Your pump has been engineered specifically for air conditioning and refrigeration service, and is built for fast, thorough evacuation.

KEY FEATURES

High Vacuum Rating

The two-stage rotary vane design provides powerful, quiet, high vacuum capability and ensures moisture removal, while the high pumping capacity reduces evacuation time.

Gas Ballast

Allows a precise amount of atmospheric air to be introduced into the pump, preventing condensation of moisture vapor; thereby helping to maintain the purity of the pump oil. By using the gas ballast the pump operates more efficiently and pump life is extended.

Sure-Grip Handle

The one-piece, molded handle makes it easy to carry the pump to and from job sites, and the handle stays cool to the touch during operation.

Compact & Lightweight Design

Aluminium housing and rotary vanes keep the pump weight low, making it easy to carry.

OVERVIEW

ROBINAIR-RA15301A-E-Deep-Vacuum-Pump-FIG-2

Exhaust Fitting
Inlet Port
Gas Ballast
Handle
Power Cord Connector¹
Power Switch²
Fan Cover
Motor
Oil Drain
Sightolass
Voltage Selector Switch³

IEC Electrical Connector on back of Electrical Box
For Models RA15301A-E, RA15501A-E and RA15801A-E Rocker switch is located on back of Electrical Box next to IEC Connector. For Model RA15501A-E-A2L Electronic switch as shown
Only for Models RA15301A-E, RA15501A-E and RA15801A-E; located on back of electrical box.

BEFORE USING YOUR VACUUM PUMP

Note about Motor Voltage Connections: In all cases, motors are designed for operating voltages plus or minus 10 % of the normal rating (see Pump Specifications).

For models RA15301A-E, RA15501A-E and RA15801A-E you can select between operation on 120 V AC or 230 V AC. Choose the appropriate voltage by moving the selector switch on the back of the electrical box with a screwdriver.
Confirm that the voltage and frequency at the outlet match the specifications on the pump motor decal and selector switch position!
The pump is shipped without oil in the reservoir. Before starting the pump, fill it with oil. Remove the EXHAUST FITTING, and add oil until oil appears in the bottom of the sight glass. For oil capacities, refer to Pump Specifications in this manual.
Replace the EXHAUST FITTING, and remove the cap from one of the inlet ports.
Switch ON the power (model RA15501A-E-A2L has an electronic switch, all others use a mechanical switch).
When the pump runs smoothly, replace the cap on the inlet port. This may take from two to 30 seconds, depending on the ambient temperature.
After the pump has run for approximately one minute, check the sight glass for the correct oil level – oil should be even with the sight glass OIL LEVEL line.
With the pump off, add oil if necessary.

Note

When the pump is running, the oil level should be even with the line on the sight glass. Under filling the pump will result in poor vacuum performance; overfilling can result in oil blowing from the exhaust.
Your pump is now ready to evacuate air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Follow normal service procedures and the A/C-R manufacturer’s instructions for connections to the system.

CAUTION

Before connecting your vacuum pump to an A/C-R system, remove refrigerant from the system with an approved recovery device.
Damage to the pump may occur if evacuation is started while the system is under high pressure. Robinair recommends the use of its Promax brand Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling equipment.

EVACUATING A SYSTEM

Refer to Figure 1 for connections.

The larger diameter a hose used, the faster the evacuation process will be. Your Robinair pump is equipped with a 3/8″ SAE MFL inlet port and it is recommended to use a 3/8″ hose if possible. Alternatively a standard ¼” hose may be used but will increase evacuation times.
Connect the vacuum pump via a manifold gauge set to the empty (0 Bar gauge pressure) A/C-R system. This will permit evacuation through both High and Low side service ports, resulting in a more efficient process. The additional connection in line of a separate high vacuum gauge(e.g. Robinair VG-1) will provide for more accurate measurement of the evacuation process.
Open all manifold valves and system service valves, if applicable.
Switch ON the vacuum pump. Operate the Gas Ballast valve as described below in order to maximize pump performance and reduce pump oil contamination.
Run the vacuum pump until desired vacuum level is reached. Proper evacuation of a system is based solely on ultimate absolute pressure readings, not time! Ambient temperature will affect the target micron reading to ensure boiling of all moisture within the system. EN standards call for reaching and maintaining a minimum internal vacuum reading of 275 m Torr absolute.

TO USE THE GAS BALLAST FEATURE

Moisture from the A/C-R system that is carried into the pump as a vapor tends to condense into a liquid and combine with the vacuum pump oil. When moisture contaminates the pump oil, it reduces the pump’s ability to reach its ultimate deep vacuum level.
The gas ballast valve purges a small amount of atmospheric air through the exhaust chamber. This extra volume of air mixes with the vapor from the refrigerant system to prevent condensation and to help exhaust moisture in the form of vapor from the pump.
The gas ballast valve is located beside the handle, opposite the inlet fitting.
To use the gas ballast, start the pump and open the gas ballast valve until the system has reached 1000–3000 microns. Close the valve to allow the pump to pull down to its ultimate vacuum level.
The gas ballast valve may be opened or closed at any time during pump operation.
Note that the ultimate micron rating of the pump will only be reached when the Gas Ballast Valve is fully closed.

TO SHUT DOWN THE PUMP AFTER USE

To help prolong pump life and promote easy starting, follow these procedures for shutdown:

Close the manifold valve between the pump and the system.
Remove the hose from the pump inlet.
Switch the pump OFF.
Cap the inlet port to prevent any contamination or loose particles from entering the port.

TO MAINTAIN YOUR VACUUM PUMP

VACUUM PUMP OIL

For maximum performance, Robinair recommends changing vacuum pump oil after each use. The condition and type of oil used in any high vacuum pump are extremely important in determining the ultimate attainable vacuum. Robinair recommends the use of its Premium High Vacuum Pump Oil. This oil has been specifically blended to maintain maximum viscosity at normal running temperatures and to improve cold weather starts. Robinair Premium High Vacuum Pump Oil is available in several sized containers.

Order by part number

RA13119 – Pint (shipped 12 pints per case)
RA13203 – Quart (shipped 12 quarts per case)
RA13204 – Gallon (shipped 4 gallons per case)

OIL CHANGE PROCEDURE

Run the pump for approximately one minute to warm the oil.

Place a suitable container under the front of the pump below the drain fitting (see Pump Components diagram on page 3).
Remove EXHAUST FITTING. Remove the OIL DRAIN fitting. Drain contaminated oil into a suitable container, and dispose of it according to appropriate regulations. Oil can be forced from the pump by opening the inlet and partially blocking the exhaust with a cloth while the pump is running. Do not operate the pump for more than 20 seconds using this method.
When the flow of oil has stopped, tilt the pump forward to drain any remaining residual oil.
Replace the OIL DRAIN fitting.
Fill the reservoir with new vacuum pump oil until the oil appears at the bottom of the sight glass. For oil capacities, refer to Pump Specifications in this manual.
Verify the inlet ports are capped; then turn ON the pump. Allow it to run for one minute, and check the oil level. If the oil is below the sight glass OIL LEVEL line, add oil slowly (with the pump running) until the oil reaches the OIL LEVEL line.
Replace the EXHAUST FITTING, and confirm the inlet is capped and the DRAIN fitting is tight.
If the oil is badly contaminated with sludge, you may need to force the oil from the pump reservoir. To do this, allow the pump to run until it is warmed up. While the pump is still running, place a suitable container beneath the drain fitting and carefully remove the oil drain cap. Slightly restrict the exhaust. This will backpressure the oil reservoir and forces the oil from it, carrying more contaminants. When the oil ceases to flow, turn off the pump.
Repeat this procedure as required until the contamination is removed. Replace the OIL DRAIN cap, and refill the reservoir until the oil appears at the bottom of the sight glass (See Step 5).

CLEANING THE PUMP

Clean the pump with soap and water only. Do not use commercial cleaners that contain degreasing agents.

EXTENSION CORDS

Use only a 3-wire extension cord that has a grounding plug. Verify the extension cord is not damaged. When using an extension cord, use one that is heavy enough to carry the current the product draws. For lengths less than 8 m, use 18 AWG extension cords. An undersized cord results in a drop in line voltage, loss of power, and overheating.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Your VacuMaster® pump has been designed for dependable use and long life. If something should go wrong, however, the following guide will help you get the pump back into service as quickly as possible.
If disassembly of the pump is required, check your warranty. Misuse or customer tampering that results in the pump being inoperable may void the Warranty.

Failure To Start

Check line voltage. Robinair VacuMaster® pumps are designed to start at ±10 % line voltage (loaded) at 41 °F (5 °C). At extremes, however, switching between the start and run windings may occur.

Oil Leakage

Verify the oil is not a residual accumulation from spillage, etc. If leakage exists, the module cover gasket or shaft seal may need to be replaced. If leakage exists near the oil drain plug, you may need to reseal the plug using a commercial pipe thread sealer.

Failure To Pull A Good Vacuum

Confirm the vacuum gauge and all connections are in good condition and leak-free. You can confirm leakage by monitoring the vacuum with a micron gauge while applying vacuum pump oil at connections or suspected leak points. The vacuum will improve briefly while the oil is sealing the leak.
Verify the pump oil is clean. A badly contaminated pump may require several oil flushes. See OIL CHANGE PROCEDURE.

Note: Use only high vacuum pump oil such as Robinair’s Premium High Vacuum Pump Oil. Other oils will prevent pull-down to a deep vacuum.

Verify the oil is at the correct level. For maximum pump operation, the oil must be even with the OIL LEVEL line on the sight glass when the pump is running. See OIL CHANGE PROCEDURE.

Do not overfill – operating temperatures will cause the oil to expand, so it will appear at a higher level than when the pump is not running. To check the oil level, start the pump with the inlet capped. Check the oil level in the sight glass. Add oil if necessary.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

WARRANTY

ROBINAIR LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT

This product is warranted to be free from defects in workmanship, materials, and components for a period of one year from date of purchase. All parts and labor required to repair defective products covered under the warranty will be at no charge. The following restrictions apply:

The limited warranty applies to the original purchaser only.
The warranty applies to the product in normal usage situations only, as described in the Operating Manual. The product must be serviced and maintained as specified.
If the product fails, it will be repaired or replaced at the option of the manufacturer.
Transportation charges for warranty service are not covered.
Warranty service claims are subject to authorized inspection for product defect(s).
The manufacturer shall not be responsible for any additional costs associated with a product failure including, but not limited to, loss of work time, loss of refrigerant, and unauthorized shipping and/or labor charges.
All warranty service claims must be made within the specified warranty period. Proof-of-purchase date must be supplied to the manufacturer.

OUT OF WARRANTY

This Limited Warranty does NOT apply if:

The product, or product part, is broken by accident.
The product is misused, tampered with, or modified.

VACUMASTER® 2-STAGE PUMP SPECIFICATIONS

| 15301A- E| 15501A- E
---|---|---
Voltage| 120 / 230 V – 50 Hz| 120 / 230 V – 50 Hz
Free Air Displacement| 84 l/min| 128 l/min
Ultimate Vacuum| 15 microns (2 Pa)| 15 microns (2 Pa)
Stages| 2| 2
Motor| 450 W| 500 W
Intake Ports| 1/4″ & 3/8″ Flare| 1/4″ & 3/8″ Flare
Oil Capacity| 450 ml| 500 ml
Power Cord Length| 1.8 m| 1.8 m
Dimensions| 335 x 140 x 255 mm| 335 x 140 x 255 mm
Net Weight| 9.5 kg| 10.2 kg

| 15801A- E| 15501A-E-A2L
---|---|---
Voltage| 120 / 230 V – 50 Hz| 230 V – 50 Hz
Free Air Displacement| 226 l/min| 128 l/min
Ultimate Vacuum| 15 microns (2 Pa)| 15 microns (2 Pa)
Stages| 2| 2
Motor| 650 W| 500 W
Intake Ports| 1/4″ & 3/8″ Flare| 1/4″ & 3/8″ Flare
Oil Capacity| 700 ml| 500 ml
Power Cord Length| 1.82 m| 1.8 m
Dimensions| 376 x 157 x 270 mm| 335 x 140 x 255 mm
Net Weight| 13.9 kg| 10.2 kg