Certain vacuum pump oils are available with improved corrosion resistance that can help you to protect your vacuum pump during wintertime.
When cold weather approaches, safeguarding the performance and longevity of your vacuum pumps becomes a top priority. Cold conditions pose unique challenges that can affect the reliability and efficiency of these crucial industrial components. At Busch Vacuum Solutions, we understand the importance of winterization in preventing corrosion, freezing and other potential damage. In this guide, we’ll share tips to ensure your vacuum pumps continue to operate optimally during the colder months.
1. Periodic Start-Ups
Much like a car engine, vacuum pumps left idle, especially in cold weather, benefit from occasional start-ups. This practice ensures the distribution of oil on lubricated components, preventing corrosion. Additionally, periodic warming of the pump helps clear any condensation, further mitigating the risk of corrosion.
Changing to fresh oil at the end of a season removes contaminants, providing superior protection to lubricated components.
2. End-of-Season Oil Changes
Lubricating oil can thicken over time, exacerbated by the presence of contaminants. Cold weather can further increase the viscosity of the oil, leading to a higher starting current being required, potentially causing inconvenient power trips. Consider servicing your vacuum pump, including an oil change, before anticipated cold weather or a shutdown. Changing to fresh oil at the end of a season removes contaminants, providing superior protection to lubricated components. Special vacuum pump oils are also available with improved corrosion resistance and can help you to protect your vacuum pump during wintertime.
Lubricating oil can thicken over time—especially in cold weather—and is exacerbated by the presence of contaminants.
3. Yearly Coolant Changes
For pumps with coolants, such as our COBRA dry screw vacuum pumps, annual coolant changes are recommended to prevent degradation that may impact the fluid’s ability to prevent freezing. Opt for certified premixed coolant with known performance properties, concentration and corrosion protection.
4. Water-Cooled Pumps
In pumps directly cooled with water, ensure continuous water flow during cold weather to prevent freezing. Draining the water from the pump during extended periods of inactivity, especially in sub-zero temperatures, is good practice to avoid potential freezing and subsequent damage.
5. Insulation and Heat Tracing
Regularly inspect the condition of lagging materials (materials used to insulate the pump to reduce heat transfer and energy loss) that provide heat insulation to vacuum pumps and associated pipework. Look for signs of damage, wear or moisture ingress, and confirm secure installation. Pay special attention to areas where lagging may have been removed for maintenance or where accidental damage could occur. For systems with heat tracing (the use of electrical cables to maintain or elevate the temperature of the pump or its components), ensure it functions correctly. Consider using a thermal imaging camera to identify hot spots, especially if heat tracing is absent. Note that meaningful thermal imaging results without heat tracing require the contents to be hotter than the ambient temperature.
6. Filtration Maintenance
Regularly check and empty filtration systems that collect water to prevent freezing-induced cracking. Those with polycarbonate bowls can be especially brittle and prone to cracking. Ensure water-separating filters are emptied before any shutdown to avoid complications during inactive periods.
Proactive winterization measures are crucial for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of your vacuum pumps, ensuring your equipment is well-prepared to handle the challenges of the winter season. Don’t let the cold compromise your operations—safeguard your investment with these expert maintenance tips.
About Busch Vacuum Pumps and Systems
Busch Vacuum Pumps and Systems is one of the largest manufacturers of vacuum pumps, blowers and compressors in the world. Our products are at the forefront of vacuum and low-pressure technology. For more information, visit www.buschvacuum.com.
All images courtesy of Busch Vacuum Pumps and Systems.
Originally published in the May 2024 issue of Blower & Vacuum Best Practices Magazine.
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