Discussion Category:  Centrifuge

Vacuum error

Hi,

I recently replaced a couple of blown capacitors on the interface board and now the unit fails to maintain a low vacuum.

The rotor will achieve around 40,000rpm and then display drive error. Using S604 on the interface board it displays the vacuum going down to zero then the vacuum pump will switch off and it will rise up again and cause issues.

Is there a way to adjust the vacuum guage? Is there a service manual available?

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Asked by

rogerwagner79_5227
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bberg7794

Are you sure you aren't actually experiencing a "drive" problem, like a broken shock mount or bad speed sensor?

If I remember correctly from our machine, once a "drive" error is triggered, it shuts down the vacuum.  From your description, your machine may be operating correctly.

See posts from February 1st, 2016 and September 29th, 2016 on this forum regarding my issues with a "drive" error.

Brian

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dpkleessr

There is a profound difference between "DRIVE" errors and a "VACUUM" problem and NO, the vacuum is NOT released when a drive diagnostic occurs and there is a rotor spinning in the chamber. That action is specifically prohibited in EVERY ultracentrifuge that Beckman ever manufactured. Vacuum issues on the TL100 series of centrifuges were fairly common ranging from problems with the metal vacuum tubing going into the side of the chamber, vacuum hose issues, and especially problems with the connector pins on the vacuum sensor cable. I would first just try turning on the centrifuge with the door closed and slowly back off the connector from the sensor while wiggling it slowly. If you see a sudden drop in the vacuum then you have found your problem. You can take the connector off the sensor and CAREFULLY insert a small screwdriver to move the pins inside of the connector slightly together. Do not push them so far that they touch each other but tightening them up fixed many vacuum issues during my 33 years with Beckman.

Don

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rogerwagner79_5227
Thanks for the replies. I may not have described the behaviour thoroughly. The unit is coming up with drive and vac errors. After reading the previous posts, checking the led's, the drive is unable to control the speed, which I suspect is due to a lack of vacuum. When I monitor the vacuum it fluctuates from zero to around 500 with the vacuum pump switching on and off. I suspect that a value of zero should be impossible, and I am not sure if the vacuum pump should switch on and off during operation.
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johnpudel

Hi Don, I am working with a VAC problem also. Turn it on and after about 1 min the VAC light goes out. The problem is after 35-40 mins the VAC pops back on. went through all your advice as in bellows mounts o-rings diffuser oil rebuilt pump and new hoses and filter on the pump. The centrifuge operates normally for that first 35-40 mins until the VAC pops back on. I'm lost, sorry if I'm adding to this thread but I'm new to this group. thanks

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MaxExpres2ion
Hi Don I hope you are still reading this forum?. I am in trouble with my TL100 again. LI seem to have the same problem as Johnpudel - vac pulls down fine. Then the Vac light comes on and stops the run after exactly 45 minutes (to the second) every time?. I am convienced this has nothing to do with the actual measured vaccum but rather with some check it does which goes wrong? I have tried the trick with pushing in the pins in on the connector going into the top board and I have degreased all contacts but it does not change anything. Any input would be hugely appreciated. Update: Never mind - I found that the vacuum tubing between the rough pump and the Diff pump was about 2 inches too long. It caused the tubing to warp and let air in when the pump had heated sufficiently - after about 45 minutes it seems. Best regards Max
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