Chapter 6 Pumping Line

Continue the run in by switching both pumps on and off according to the following cycle.

15 s 15 s 30 s 30 s 45 s 45 s

START
2 min 30 s 2 min 30 s 3 min 3 min 4 min 30 s

Time
STOP
Figure 6.31

At the end of the run in, you can leave the pumps on.

6.2.5 Leak Detection

Before proceeding of a leak detection survey with a diaphragm pump ARL MP1 - V3, please replace the air
ballast by a top (see section 6.2.3.1 Air Ballast).

6.2.5.1 Checking for Leaks

The pumping system must have run during several hours with the spectrometer regulated in temperature,
with the diaphragm pump working continuously (version 2, bridge BR1 of the switching board inserted).
Then, in order to check for leaks, the pumping system must be switched off by switching the VACUUM
PUMP switch of the power distribution panel (at the back of the instrument). The usual vacuum evolution,
observed on the multimeter or status display should be similar to the following diagram:

P [µmHg]

200

150

100

50
T [min.]

5 10 15 20
Figure 6.32

During the first two minutes nothing happens because the molecular drag pump retains enough speed to keep
the vacuum into the spectrometer. After about two minutes, the air inside the pipe between the pumps passes
progressively into the spectrometer. This phase also lasts for about two minutes and the pressure into the
spectrometer (and inside the pipe) balances around 100 µmHg (this value depends on the pressure into the
pipe at the time the pumping has been interrupted).

During the next seven minutes we sometime observe a diminution of pressure, even if this phenomenon can-
not be logically explained. The diminution is usually very low, around 10 µmHg. In order this phenomenon
does not alter the check we recommend to wait 15 minutes after the pumping system is switched off before
to start any testing procedure.

6-20 Technical Description - ARL 3460 AA83346