Researchers, teachers, and students rely on a dependable negative pressure source to deliver consistent, accurate, and repeatable lab results. When lab vacuum systems underperform or fail, even partially, it can delay or disrupt important research, skew results, damage equipment, reduce productivity, and even create unsafe working conditions.
The most common problems with laboratory vacuum systems include:
- Inadequate suction
- Leaks
- Excessive noise
- Pump failure
- Electrical or controls failure
For example, inadequate suction pressure or leaks can cause oxygen to leak into anaerobic experimental environments, creating a combustion risk. A sudden pump failure might also see dangerous or corrosive laboratory gases drawn directly into your pumps, with unpredictable results.
The following table lists each of these lab vacuum system issues along with their causes and recommended solutions.
| Common Vacuum Pump Problems and their Solutions | |
| Problems | Solutions |
| Insufficient Suction | |
| Restricted pump inlet filter | Ensure proper service of the pump and filter |
| Blocked or restricted pipe | Check that the piping is clean and free of foreign materialImproving restrictive or poorly designed piping can also improve system suction |
| Inadequate pump size | Confirm you have the right application equipment, and you have not outgrown your pump |
| Leak in system | Check for open valves and worn gaskets on chambersKeep vacuum ports closed (when not in use)Inspect facility plumbing to ensure no connections have become loose or damaged |
| Mechanical pump failure | Contact your local Becker Pumps service provider |
| Leaks | |
| Tank drain valves left open | Ensure tank valves are closed |
| Source valves left open | Check source valves |
| Filter canisters not secured properly | Check filter canisters; maintain pump and filter canisters regularly |
| Poor connections on hoses, gaskets, and point-of-use equipment | Listen for leaks and visually inspect all connections for signs of damageClean and replace seals and gaskets if necessary |
| Excessive Noise (pump running louder than normal) | |
| Sticking vanes, bad bearing, bad coupling, loose fan, failed check valve, electrical problems | Complete visual inspection of the pump for loose parts.Check maintenance points for damage or wearTry to determine if the noise is mechanical or electrical (“slow” pump operation is often electrical)Contact your local Becker Pumps service provider |
| Pump Failure | |
| Lack of proper maintenance | Always perform regular maintenance–this can help identify potential problems early |
| Ingestion of debris/liquids/vapors from lab processes | Contact your local Becker Pumps service provider Add additional filtration |
| Overheating | Check for system blockages and check oil levelsEnsure adequate space around the pump for proper cooling airflowContact your local Becker Pumps service provider |
| Electrical or motor failure | Confirm the motor & starter wiring is correct for the power supplied to the motorMake sure proper motor protection is installed, and the power supply is stableCheck for loose connections and mechanical failuresContact your local Becker Pumps service provider |
| Electrical/Controls Failure | |
| Supply power issues | Contact an electrician |
| Blown fuses | Check your control panel for blown fuses |
| Failed controls components | Consult with a controls technician or controls system manufacturer |
| Loose wiring connections | Repair or contact an electrician |
4 TIPS FOR AVOIDING LAB VACUUM SYSTEM ISSUES
Any of these problems can cause an unexpected loss of negative pressure and unplanned downtime on your vacuum system, with big consequences for lab users. Prevention and planning are the best ways to avoid pressure loss, rather than scrambling to restore a failed or partially failed system after the fact.
Here are some key ways you can help to prevent vacuum system problems before they occur.
1. REGULAR MAINTENANCE
It’s hard to overstate the importance of regular maintenance in preventing unplanned vacuum losses on your system. It’s essential to have a scheduled maintenance plan in place for both your pumps and your centralized vacuum piping system. Check your Becker Pumps documentation to see how often we recommend maintaining and servicing your units, including cleaning and replacing filters.
In addition, you should be inspecting your system daily, including:
- Checking oil (for oil-filled pumps)
- Checking for excessive vibration
- Checking for unusual noise
- Check for oil and pressure leaks
Also be sure to check gaskets and connections on your vacuum piping network, and keep unused vacuum ports closed.
2. PROPER INSTALLATION
Proper installation of your lab vacuum system is one of the best ways to support optimal performance. Common installation problems include:
- Not allowing sufficient space around the system for cooling and maintenance.
- Inadequate airflow causes the system to run hotter than designed
- Low or improper power supply causes electrical issues
- Improper wiring of motors may make motors burn out or fail
- Lack of control equipment to isolate or monitor the system
- Missing or incorrect isolators and flexible connections can cause excessive vibration
Your system must be installed with the necessary check valves to prevent your pumps from running backward, which can damage components or cause pump failure.
3. CHOOSING THE RIGHT SYSTEM
It’s critical to work with a vacuum pump specialist from the outset to guarantee you get the right equipment for your specific vacuum installation. There are many types of technology to produce vacuum, but equipment needs to be matched to the size and specifications of your system.
Undersized systems will not be able to keep up with the vacuum demand of your facility. It is important to select a system that will support both your current and future needs. Building redundancy into your vacuum capacity is wise, with additional pumps able to step in to avoid loss of vacuum or potential system downtime.
Operators who choose equipment based solely on price, availability, or service, rather than actual system parameters are setting themselves up for failure, including excessive downtime and even premature pump failure.
Instead, working with an experienced end-to-end equipment supplier like Becker Pumps will ensure you get the right equipment, installed correctly and maintained regularly. That’s long-term value versus short-term saving.
4. UPGRADING OUTDATED EQUIPMENT
When you use old and outdated equipment on your vacuum system you are working on borrowed time, waiting for unpredictable failure or underperformance. In addition, many suppliers have moved to “just-in-time” manufacturing, meaning you could be waiting weeks for repairs or parts for the older system or for a new system to be built from scratch.
Outdated control equipment is an issue because control technology is changing and improving rapidly. It is not uncommon for electrical components to become obsolete. These parts usually do not have exact replacements and integrating new components into your existing older system can be difficult, costly, and time-consuming.
Instead, work with a respected manufacturer to ensure you have the latest equipment suitable for your system from the start.
WANT BETTER LAB VACUUM? MAKE IT BECKER.
Supplying research-ready vacuum services to laboratories leaves little room for error. These applications demand always-on service and a rock-steady flow to standardize experiments, calibrate equipment, and facilitate work in low-atmosphere environments.
Becker has been building quality vacuum pump equipment for almost 140 years, and in that time we’ve become a trusted and respected partner for many colleges, universities, companies, and institutes involved in world-class training and research.
At Becker, we understand the critical importance of regular, consistent, and reliable negative pressure, and we’ve developed a wide range of single and multi-pump units designed specifically for use in laboratory environments.
Let us recommend or customize a system custom-fit for your needs. Contact us today, or click below to learn more about Becker’s industry-leading vacuum pump systems.
