OPERATION AND MONITORING OF THE OIL FREE VACUUM PUMP(MILLIPORE).

1.0 OBJECTIVE
To lay down the procedure for Operation and maintenance of Oil free vacuum pump .
2.0 SCOPE
This sop is applicable to the Quality Control Department .
3.0 RESPONSIBILITY
Microbiologist
4.0 ACCOUNTABILITY
Department Head
5.0 GENERAL CLEANING PROCEDURE
5.1 Ensure that the power supply to the equipment is switched OFF before cleaning.
5.2 Dedust the equipment daily externally with a clean dry cloth.
5.3 Once in a week remove adhered dust by wet mopping using detergent solution. Afterwards wipe the surface with a clean dry cloth to remove traces of detergent.
5.4 Precaution has to be taken to clean the oven immediately with dry cloth to remove the moisture.
5.5 Once in a month clean the external surface with a wet mop dipped in 5 % Savlon solution and ensure that no water goes into the vacuum pump while cleaning.
6.0 PROCEDURE
6.1 Select the appropriately sized tube.
6.2 Prepare the necessary equipment or filter holder and connect the tubing to the equipment.
6.3 Use a vacuum flask - water trap, allowing a 0.22 µ vent filter between the vacuum pump and the filter holder.
6.4 Do not turn on the pump with all tubing and equipment fully connected. The pump may not function properly when turned on with initial load.
6.5 Plug the power cord into a grounded electrical socket.
6.6 Turn on the pump by flicking the switch, located on the right side of the pump.
6.7 Connect the tubing from the filter holder to the hose adapter meant for vacuum application of the pump and begin the filtration.
6.8 If filtration by pressure is required connect the tubing to the adapter meant for pressure application.
6.9 After completing the filtration , run the pump for about 30 sec. freely and turn off.
6.10 Disassemble the tubing first from the pump and then from the filter holder.
6.11 If the pump’s thermal over load switch automatically shuts off the motor, disconnect the tubing and allow the pump to cool for at least 10 min. before restarting.
6.12 Do not lubricate any of the parts of pump with grease, oil etc.,
6.13 Do not clean with acids , caustic or chlorinated solutions.
6.14 Do not tighten regulator knobs fully. This can cause jamming of the regulators.
7.0 PRECAUTION
7.1 Do not lubricate any of the parts of pump with grease, oil etc.
7.2 Do not clean with acids, caustic or chlorinated solutions.
7.3 Do not tighten regulator knobs fully. This can cause jamming of the regulator.
8.0 CALIBRATION OF VACUUM GAUGE
8.1 Calibration of vacuum gauge will be done by engineering department.
8.2 Report any discrepancy during operating the instrument to Department Head and notify the defect to service engineer to rectify the defect. Affix “BREAK DOWN” label on the instrument.
9.0 FREQUENCY OF CALIBRATION
Once a year and after each Maintenance Job.