The diffusion pump oil should be changed at least annually, as a minimum. This frequency is necessary to prevent oil degradation, which can lead to a lowering of the oil's flashpoint and potentially cause an explosion if the oil overheats with air present. The specific model of oil mentioned in the reference is HFV-3.
Explanation:
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Oil Degradation and Safety Concerns: The reference highlights a critical safety issue related to the degradation of diffusion pump oil. Over time, the oil can become contaminated, particularly from oil present on workloads that is volatized during heating and migrates to the diffusion pump. This contamination lowers the oil's flashpoint, which is the temperature at which it can ignite. If the oil overheats and there is air present, an explosion can occur. This is particularly dangerous in a vacuum furnace environment.
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Annual Change as a Minimum: To mitigate the risk of such incidents, it is recommended to change the diffusion pump oil at least once a year. This preventative maintenance step helps ensure that the oil remains effective and safe for use. The reference suggests that this is the minimum frequency for oil changes, implying that more frequent changes might be necessary depending on specific operational conditions or the level of contamination.
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Detailed Cleaning and Maintenance: For a more thorough maintenance approach, the reference recommends completely disassembling the diffusion pump at least every few years to clean the jet assembly and diffusion pump internals. This deep cleaning helps remove any accumulated contaminants that might not be addressed by simply changing the oil.
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Specific Oil Model and Care: The oil model specified for the diffusion pump is HFV-3. It is important to use the correct type of oil as specified by the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance and safety. Additionally, the reference emphasizes the importance of not interchanging vacuum-pump oils between different types of pumps and ensuring that maintenance and operating personnel are educated about their proper use.
In summary, the maintenance of diffusion pump oil is crucial not only for the efficient operation of the pump but also for safety reasons. Regular oil changes, at least annually, combined with thorough cleaning and maintenance procedures, are essential to prevent oil degradation and potential safety hazards.
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