Pumping Line Chapter 6

Once the 15 minutes delay time elapsed, read the pressure through the status check and write the value. Wait
for another 15 minutes and measure the vacuum again. The difference between the two measures must not
exceed 50 µmHg.

Notes: If there is a big leak, this will be evident before the check being done, as the pressure behaviour
will be completely different compared with the one shown on the diagram.

Version 2 only: The check does not test the diaphragm pump leakness. Indeed, when the pump’s
supply is turned off, the vacuum is kept only up two the three ways valve, the diaphragm pump
being ventilated. If during the first five minutes of the test the pressure passes from less than 10
µmHg to more than 200 µmHg, and then the pressure increases only very slowly (less than 50
µmHg in 15 minutes), then a leak between the valve and the molecular drag pump can be highly
suspected.

The vacuum reached by the high vacuum pumping line is normally lower than 1 µmHg, but the
vacuum measuring system is not able to indicate pressure lower than 5 µmHg (either on the mul-
timeter or through the status board). In such a case the vacuum reading system is not anymore
valid, but remains useful for leak detection.

Version 2 only:

After the check, do not forget to remove the BR1 bridge on the diaphragm switching
board.

6.2.5.2 Leak search on the spectrometer body

Proceed as for the leak check (turn off the pumping line supply and wait for 15 minutes).

Set the SW1 switch of the vacuum and profile board to the position 1 (completely up) in order to have the
higher vacuum reading sensitivity. Use the P1 potentiometer (with the large knob) so as to adjust the reading
range.

Spurt ether oil above suspected places of leaks and observe the vacuum gauge behaviour.

Note: The ether cannot be used in order to detect a leak between the two pumps, because this will not af-
fect the spectrometer vacuum value. If this part should be seriously checked a gauge should be in-
stalled between the two pumps!

AA83346 Technical Description - ARL 3460 6-21