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Re: Gas Ballast Adjustment

Posted By: SVP Neon Equipment
Date: Thursday, 17 August 2006, at 12:19 p.m.

In Response To: Gas Ballast Adjustment (Dana)

> Have not been able to find adequate
> information on the adjustment of the gas
> ballast fitting on the 1402.

> The manual does not elaborate on the subject
> and really does not give a position in which
> to start adjustment from, except I can hear
> when the gurgling starts.

> I have gathered the optimal setting will
> have an effect on pump life in the long run.

For our purposes there is no "adjustment". Fully closed = the best ultimate vacuum. Any opening of the ballast will make the ultimate vacuum worse. Most pump mfgs. state what the ultimate pressure is with the gas ballast either open or closed.

The main function of the gas ballast is to purge the oil of condensable vapors, which is mainly water vapor for us. In all the years I've used, and have seen used, 1402's I have never found it necessary to use the gas ballast. If it gets to the point where you think it is necessary due to a decline in pump performance, it's time to change the oil. But if you do want to use the ballast (for whatever reason) do yourself a favor and make sure you have an oil mist filter on the exhaust or you will have a room full of oil vapor smoke (think of it as an oil-burning car blowing its exhaust into you shop).

Btw, with the ballast open the pump runs hotter.

Mark

Messages In This Thread

• Gas Ballast Adjustment -- Dana -- Wednesday, 16 August 2006, at 11:22 p.m.
  • Re: Gas Ballast Adjustment -- SVP Neon Equipment -- Thursday, 17 August 2006, at 12:19 p.m.
    • Re: Gas Ballast Adjustment -- Dana -- Thursday, 17 August 2006, at 11:21 p.m.
      • Re: Gas Ballast Adjustment -- SVP Neon Equipment -- Friday, 18 August 2006, at 11:34 a.m.

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