The vacuum pumps are widely used for industrial applications like producing electric bulbs, CRT tubes, lamps, semi conduction, coating glass and many more. Different manufacturing technologies require various types of vacuum pumps such as chemical process pumps, single cones, liquid rings and close couple among others. However, every industry or laboratory using vacuum pumps should undertake certain safety precautions to avoid potential chemical, mechanical and fire hazards.
Read on to get an idea about some of these precautionary measures to ensure operational safety.
How to prevent physical injuries while using vacuum pumps
- Check for belt guards – Make sure the pumps have belt guards in proper places to prevent hands or clothing from getting pulled into the system, leading to catastrophic injuries.
- Keep the pumps ventilated – Heat and dust accumulation from the exhausts is detrimental to the vacuum pumps, which should be kept in a properly-ventilated room. It’s best to avoid keeping them in closed cabinets.
- Keep them away from flammable substances – To avoid accidental fires and explosions, you should make sure that the pumps are not operated near flammable chemical substances or combustible materials like paper, cardboard or others.
- Replace old tubes – It’s necessary to keep the tubes updated to maintain optimum performance. Any old tubing should be replaced as soon as possible.
Investing in industry-standard equipment reduces maintenance efforts to a great extent, as well as ensures longevity. You should only opt for reliable products like LeDab vacuum pumps to improve functions while minimizing potential hazards at the same time.
How to prevent machine malfunction
- Don’t use solvents: Refrain from using solvents of any kind, which may damage the pump. You should also take care not to let the vacuum oil get sucked into the system by closing the valve between the vessel and the pump before shitting it off.
- Replace vacuum oils regularly: Change the vacuum oils as and when deemed necessary. You should also dispose of them off properly as hazardous chemical waste to prevent pollution.
- Prevent evaporated materials from entering: Use a cold trap to prevent evaporated materials (in case of oil rotary pumps) from reaching the pump and deteriorating its performance. If the substances are more volatile, you should use highly efficient traps like a dry ice trap for the same purpose. Further, vent the vacuum pump exhaust properly to minimize such issues.
Besides the aforementioned precautions and measures to ensure safety, you should also mandate the use of safety gloves, lab coats and glasses for everyone operating the vacuum pumps. Remember, neglecting these basic safety regulations can have serious consequences leading to the loss of lives and property. Of course, no one would want that ever, right?
