ROBINAIR 15120A High Performance Vacuum Pump User Manual

15120A High-Performance Vacuum Pump
User Manual

High-Performance Vacuum Pump
Model 15120A/15122A
Operating Manual

For use on A/C-R systems using CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs in conjunction with mineral oil, ester oil, alkyl benzene oil and PAG oil as lubricants. Not for use with ammonia or lithium bromide systems. Not for use with flammable refrigerants.
U.S Patents 4,523,897; 5,209.653.
Other U.S. and Foreign Patents Pending.

Warnings

When working with refrigerants, goggles should always be worn. Contact with refrigerants may cause injury.
Improper use or connections may cause electrical shock hazards. Read and follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid electrical shock hazards. Be sure that all associated devices are properly grounded 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.
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 with Robinair’s proven offset rotary vane for fast, thorough evacuation.
You’ll appreciate these key features…
Iso-ValveTM
Allows the pump to be shut off while still connected to the A/C-R system, which is handy for checking the rate of rising. With the valve handle in the “Open” position, the pump is open to the system being evacuated. In the “Close” position, the pump is isolated from the system.
High vacuum rating
The two-stage, offset rotary vane design provides powerful, quiet high vacuum capability and assures moisture removal, while the high pumping capacity reduces evacuation time.
Lifetime Filtration
The intake filter prevents foreign matter from entering the pumping chamber, and an exhaust filter separates oil vapor from the exhaust flow.
Gas ballast
A precise amount of atmospheric air is introduced into the pump, preventing condensation of moisture vapor and helping 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 design
Your pump measures approximately 42 cm (16 1 /2”) long, while aluminum housing and offset rotary vanes keep the pump weight low, making it easy to carry.
NOTICE: Airborne
Noise Emissions
This equipment has been tested for airborne noise emission per the Council Directive for Machinery (89/392/EEC) Section 1.7.4
Instructions — Essential Health and Safety Requirements.
Sound levels do not exceed 80dB(A) actual value.
Pump components

1. Intake Fitting

2. Gas Ballast Valve (located beside the handle)

3. Exhaust Filter

4. Oil Fill Port

5. Sight Glass

6. Die-Cast Aluminum Housing

7. Oil Drain

8. Molded Polycarbonate Base

9. Iso-ValveTM
   — Isolates the pump from the system

10. Powerful, High Torque Motor

11. Power Switch

12. Sure-Grip Handle

Before using your vacuum pump

In all cases, motors are designed for operating voltages plus or minus 10% of the normal rating (see SPECIFICATIONS). Single voltage motors are supplied fully connected and ready to operate.

1. Check to make certain the voltage and frequency at the outlet match the specifications on the pump motor decal. Check the ON-OFF switch to be sure it is in the OFF
   position before you plug the pump into an outlet. Check to be certain the gas ballast valve is closed. Remove and discard the red plastic plug from the top of the oil reservoir. Failure To Remove Red Plastic Caplug May Result In Bodily Injury.

2. The pump is shipped without oil in the reservoir. Before starting the pump, fill with oil until oil just shows in the bottom of the sight glass. The approximate oil capacity of the pump is 488 milliliters (16 1/2 ounces).

3. Thread in the exhaust filter (hand tightens) and remove the cap from one of the inlet ports. Turn the Iso-Valve to OPEN. Turn the motor switch to ON. When the pump runs smoothly, turn the Iso-Valve to CLOSED and replace the cap on the inlet port. This may take from two to 30 seconds depending on the ambient temperature. After the pump runs for approximately one minute, check the sight glass for proper oil level — oil should be even with the sight glass OIL LEVEL line.

Add oil if necessary.
When the pump is running, the oil level should be even with the OIL LEVEL line. Underfilling 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 in an accepted manner. Damage to the pump may occur if evacuation is started while the system is under high pressure. Robinair recommends use of our Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling equipment.
Wiring Instructions (15121A):
The VacuMaster vacuum pump features dual voltage ranges. Before operating the pump, read and follow these rewiring instructions (if necessary) to be sure your pump is wired for the appropriate voltage.
CAUTION! Unplug the unit before beginning any service work. Improper use or connections can cause electrical shock. Only qualified personnel should perform service work.
The VacuMaster vacuum pump is factory wired for a high voltage of 220 volts. To wire the switch for a low voltage range of 110 volts to 127 volts, follow these steps.

1. Disconnect the unit from the AC power source before proceeding.
2. Loosen the screws on the plate at the rear of the motor, and carefully move the plate aside to clear the opening.
3. Disconnect the leads and reconnect for low voltage, following the diagram and chart. (High voltage connections are also shown if you want to rewire at some time.)
4. Check to see that all connections are secure and that there are no short circuits. Be sure the grounding connector is properly connected.
5. Re-install the plate on the rear of the motor with the screws which were loosened in Step 2.

IMPORTANT: Check for short circuits using a continuity tester before reconnecting to the AC power source.

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.
To use the gas ballast, start the pump and open the gas ballast valve until the system has reached approximately 1000-3000 microns. Close the valve to allow the pump to pull down to its ultimate vacuum level. The gas ballast valve is located beside the handle, opposite the inlet fitting.
The gas ballast valve may be opened or closed at any time during pump operation. It is fully open at two turns counterclockwise.
NOTE: Robinair recommends the use of a thermistor vacuum gauge to most accurately measure vacuum levels.
To shut down your pump after use
To help prolong pump life and promote easy starting, follow these procedures for shutdown:
1. Close the manifold valve between the pump and the system.
2. Turn the Iso-Valve to the CLOSED position.
3. Remove the hose from the pump inlet.
4. Turn the pump power switch to OFF, then return the Iso-Valve to the OPEN position for a few seconds to relieve any vacuum inside the pump.
5. Cap the inlet port to prevent any contamination or loose particles from entering the port.

To maintain your high vacuum pump

For maximum performance, Robinair recommends changing vacuum pump oil after each use.
Vacuum pump oil
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 our 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 convenient pint, quart or gallon containers. Order by part number:
13201 — Pint (shipped 12 pints per case)
13203 — Quart (shipped 12 quarts per case)
13204 — Gallon (shipped 4 gallons per case)
Oil change procedure

1. Be sure the pump is warmed up.
2. Remove the OIL DRAIN cap. Drain contaminated oil into a suitable container and dispose of properly. 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.
3. When the flow of oil has stopped, tilt the pump forward to drain residual oil.
4. Replace the OIL DRAIN cap. Remove the exhaust filter and fill the reservoir with new vacuum pump oil until the oil just shows at the bottom of the sight glass. The  approximate oil capacity of the pump is 488 milliliters (16 1/2 ounces).
5. Be sure the inlet ports are capped, then turn ON the pump. Allow it to run for one minute, then 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 filter (hand tightens), making sure the inlet is capped and the drain cap is tight.
6. If the oil is badly contaminated with sludge that forms when water is allowed to collect in the oil, you may need to remove the oil reservoir cover and wipe it out.

Repeat this procedure as required until the contamination is removed. Replace the OIL DRAIN cap and refill the reservoir to the proper level with fresh pump oil (see Step 4).
Cleaning your pump
Clean the pump with soap and water only. Do not use commercial cleaners that contain degreasing agents that can damage polycarbonate. The pump handle and base are made of Lexan, one of the toughest polycarbonate plastics available. However, it is sensitive to degreasing agents. Lexan is a registered trademark of General Electric Motor lubrication After three years of normal service or one year of heavy-duty service, add oil annually. Use electric motor oil or SAE 10 oil.

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, please check your warranty. The warranty may be voided by misuse or customer tampering which results in the pump being inoperable.
Failure to start
Check the line voltage. Robinair pumps are designed to start at +10% line voltage at 0 o C (32 o F).
At extremes, however, switching between the start and run windings may occur.
Oil leakage

1. Be sure the oil is not a residual accumulation from spillage, etc.
2. If leakage exists, the module cover gasket or the shaft seal may need replacing. Follow the instructions in the seal replacement kit, part number 15367. If leakage exists in the area of the oil drain plug, you may need to reseal the plug using a commercial pipe thread sealer.

Failure to pull a good vacuum

1. Be sure the Iso-Valve is in the OPEN position.

2. Be sure the vacuum gauge and all connections are in good condition and leak-free. You can confirm leakage by monitoring the vacuum with a thermistor gauge while applying vacuum pump oil at connections or suspected leak points. The vacuum will improve briefly while the oil is sealing the leak.

3. Be sure 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.

4. Be sure the gas ballast knob is tightly closed.

5. Be sure the oil is at the proper level. For maximum pump operation, the oil must be even with the OIL LEVEL line on the sight glass when the pump is running. Do not overfill. To check the oil level, start the pump with the inlet capped. Add oil if necessary.

VacuMaster ® specifications

Model 15120A
Frequency Range …………………………………… 60 Hz
Voltage Range ………………………………………… 115V
Free Air Displacement …………….. 283 l/m (10 cfm)
Stages ………………………………………………………….. 2
Motor Speed …………………………………….. 1725 rpm
Factory Micron Rating …………………….. 20 microns
Approximate Oil Capacity ………. 488 ml (16 1 /2 oz.)
Weight …………………………………. 17.24 kg (38 lbs.)
Width ……………………………………… 14.29 cm (5 5 /8”)
Height …………………………………….. 27.3 cm (10 3 /4”)
Length ……………………………………. 41,9 cm (16 1 /2”)
Intake ……………………………… 1 /2” and 1 /4”SAE MFL Min.
Starting Temp. (at 90% Voltage) …………..0 o C (32 o F)
Motor Size …………………….. 1 /2 HP,
Capacitor Start Operating Temp. …………………………. 74 o C (165 o F)
Model 15122A
Frequency Range ………………………………. 50/60 Hz
Free Air Displacement …………….. 283 l/m (10 cfm) 236 l/m @ 50 Hz
Stages ………………………………………………………….. 2
Motor Speed ……………………………. 1450/1725 rpm
Voltage Range ………………………………………… 240V
Factory Micron Rating …………………….. 20 microns
Approximate Oil Capacity ………. 488 ml (16 1 /2 oz.)
Weight …………………………………. 18.60 kg (41 lbs.)
Width ……………………………………… 14.29 cm (5 5 /8”)
Height …………………………………….. 27.3 cm (10 3 /4”)
Length ……………………………………. 44,5 cm (17 1 /2”)
Intake ……………………………… 1 /2” and 1 /4” SAE MFL Min.
Starting Temp. (at 90% Voltage) ………………………0 o C (32 o F)
Motor Size ……….. 0,37 kw ( 1 /2 HP)
Capacitor Start Operating Temp. …………………………. 74 o C (165 o F)

Note:
1. All motors are internally protected (automatic reset).
2. Operating temperatures are typical for normal operating conditions.

When you need help

If these procedures do not correct the problem, contact your nearest Robinair distributor. The distributor may recommend an additional replacement part (this manual contains a parts list) or suggest you send your pump to the nearest authorized service center.
Because of ongoing product improvements,we reserve the right to change design, specifications, or materials without notice.

Replacement parts

Warranty coverage

Robinair VacuMaster vacuum pumps are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for one year of normal use from the date of purchase.
See your distributor for warranty details.
Out of warranty
A pump that is no longer covered by the one-year warranty period and which fails to operate properly should be returned to the distributor with a full written explanation of the problem. Before returning an out-of-warranty pump, review all maintenance procedures to avoid an unnecessary return. Replacement parts are available for doing your own service.

Visit our website at
www.robinair.com
or call our Toll-Free
Technical Support Line at 1-800-822-5561
in the continental U.S. and Canada.
In all other locations, call your local distributor.
NATIONWIDE NETWORK OF
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTERS
If your unit needs replacement parts, contact the service center in your area. For help in locating a service center, call the Toll-Free Technical Support Line or visit our website.
ROBINAIR
1224 Robinair Way
Montpelier, OH 43543-1952 USA
Phone: 419-485-5561
Fax: 419-485-8300
Web site: www.robinair.com
122939 (Rev. 02/00)
Model 15120A/15122A VacuMaster® Vacuum Pump
Printed in U.S.A.

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