Chapter 6 Pumping Line

Under normal conditions the diaphragm pump runs for about three minutes and then is stopped for about
seven minutes. The LED2 diode remains lighting while the pump turns. The three ways valve opens (open
way between the two pumps) about five seconds after the diaphragm pump is switched on.

This feature is inactive and the pump keeps turning in one of the two following cases:

♦ The BR1 bridge is inserted (manual operation).

♦ The pilot signal UFI returned by the converter board is too high (bad vacuum). The LED1 diode switches
off when the pilot signal is enough low. That means a good vacuum allowing to start the switching sys-
tem for the diaphragm pump.

Note: The LED2 (on the middle of the board) lights more than the LED1, that’s normal.

As long the LED1 lights, the diaphragm pumps works permanently. Also the LED1 remains light-
ing if BR1 is inserted.

In case of retrofit by an ARL MP1-V3 pump the bridge BR1 must remain inserted.

6.2.1.1.1 Adjustment and Troubleshooting

P1 potentiometer allows to adjust the function threshold. P1 must be adjusted so as the system switches when
the potential of the signal returned from the converter board crosses 40 mV (measured on TP2).

If the LED2 is lighting and the diaphragm pump does not work, check first the fuse. If the board is defective,
the complete board must be replaced (no troubleshooting at component level).

If the LED1 remains permanently lighting, check first if the BR1 bridge is removed. If it is the case, then
pumping line problems (leaks) or molecular drag pump problems must be suspected.

6.2.1.2 Molecular Drag Pumps Converter Board

Version 2 Version 3
Number: A037396 A037396
Diagram: S316695 S429079

Hazardous voltage 230 VAC crosses the board.

The board is placed horizontally on the bracket (version 2) or vertically against the panel (version 3). This is
an Alcatel product and is used as a frequency converter to power the molecular drag pump at 27’000 turns
per minutes. The principle diagram as well as the layout are also given in the Molecular Drag Pump manual
that is supplied with the instrument. There are some differences between the Alcatel manual and our appli-
cation, because we use only the converter board and the molecular pump. We do not use the Alcatel box
neither the CVF 100 interface. The elapsed time counter function is also not used.

For our application one should just keep in mind:

♦ Both START (S2) and STOP (S1) push buttons are not used. They remain useful in case of bearings re-
placement (maintenance)
♦ The green pilot LED indicates the pump has reach its nominal state and turns at 27’000 turns per minute;
the yellow pilot LED just beside indicates the motor is in its stating period or maybe overloaded.

6-4 Technical Description - ARL 3460 AA83346