Pump_Leaks

Hello,

I think that the correct way will be to push compressed air in the pump and check if air is leaving from the pump outfeed.

You have to stop the pump and manually if possible turn shaft slowly 360º, in order to check if there's any position where pump is leaking air.

I hope this will help you.

An old-fashioned way to check for vacuum leaks is to put shaving cream on the possible leak points.

If air is leaking in, it will suck in the shaving cream.

Smoke test.

Air has to get in thro' shaft sealing area, if not thro' flange joints.

Carefully pointing a thin beam of water around this area will improve the vacuum, indicated by manometer reading. If air gets in, there could be roaring sound as well.

I agree, some water around will make noise and detect external leakage. If you're not supposed to put any strange fluid in the pump, check this out:

Plug pump and attach a manometer. Turn the pump on, wait until vacuum stabilizes, turn the pump off and keep inlet and outlet closed. Monitor pressure rise during time, as an evidence of leakage. Then, listen carefully around the device and feel if there's air flowing anywhere. Rotate shaft, shake it, if possible, give it some gentle hammer cable hits, try to see if it makes any difference anywhere.

But, if it's a diaphragm pump, your seal will work with positive pressure too, and then use soap bubbles or smoke to detect leakage.

To check for leaks in your pump; 1.attached test gauges (a good test gauge that reads in vac. and positive pressure) on the inlet and out let of your pump.2. run the pump for several minutes. 3. Turn off the pump and close-off the inlet and outlet of the pump. 4. Look at the gauges for leakage. If this conclusive, try pressurizing your pump with 1-3 psi and spraying all the joints wit LEK-TECK( a solution of water and liquid detergent).

It sounds like the "rubber" check valves are dried-up and need to be replaced.Or the pump needs maintenance i.e shaft seals etc.

CRYO TECH