TM 5-6640-212-14
CHAPTER 3
OPERATOR/CREW MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
b. Cleaning.
3-1. General. This section contains instructions on the
(1)
Use a clean cloth to clean the interior
duties which must be performed by Operator/Crew
and exterior of centrifuge.
Maintenance. Refer to table 3-1 for preventive
maintenance checks and services (PMCS).
(2)
Use a suitable solvent and mild soap
and water solution for cleaning the centrifuge tubes.
3-2. Utility Oven.
Rinse tubes with clear water, and air dry.
a. Inspection. Check the on-off switch and pilot
3-5. Vacuum Pump.
light for proper function and replace if necessary.
b. Cleaning. Use a clean cloth and a mild soap
a. Lubrication.
and water solution to clean the interior and exterior when
(1)
Motor. Lubricate monthly with engine
the oven has cooled.
crankcase lubricating oil.
c. Troubleshooting. The operator should be
(2)
Vacuum Pump. Remove the top plate
guided by the following chart (table 3-2) in diagnosing
and fill with vacuum oil supplied with the pump until it is
and correcting operating difficulties.
slightly above oil level (approximately 3 quarts) as
indicated in window on the side of the pump. In
3-3. Kinematic Viscosity Bath.
operation, the oil should be even with or slightly above
a. Inspection.
the oil level as indicated in the window. If sufficient oil is
(1)
Inspect motor regularly for signs of
used, a good seal around the vanes may not be
deterioration and wear.
maintained. If too much oil is used, oil may back through
(2)
Examine Pyrex jar for cracks or chips
the pump trap into the vacuum line. The oil supplied with
and replace if necessary.
the pump is specially prepared for high vacuum work.
(3)
Check for proper function of line switch
For maximum pumping speeds at low pressure, no other
and 5 position switch.
oil should be used. After the oil is changed, the pump
(4)
Inspect
the
unit
for
excessive
must run for some time on a closed system before
accumulation of dust and leaking or spilled oil.
lowest pressure is obtained. Refer to PMCS chart, table
b. Cleaning.
(1)
Clean the exterior of the bath, using a
b. Troubleshooting. The operator should be
clean damp cloth.
guided by the following chart (table 3-3) in diagnosing
(2)
When required, clean the bath interior
and correcting difficulties.
after completely draining oil, using suitable solvent to
3-6. Air Compressor.
remove remaining oil. Wash the bath with a mild soap
a. Lubrication.
and water solution and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
(1)
Motor. Lubricate monthly with lubricating
Air dry or use a clean, lint-free cloth.
oil (PL-S). A few drops of oil in each oil fitting once a
c. Lubrication. Oil the stirrer motor every 1000
month is generally sufficient for average services.
hours of operation, using light lubricating oil (PL-S).
(2)
Air Compressor. Fill the crankcase with
3-4. Centrifuge.
engine crankcase lubricating oil (OEA for cold weather,
a. Inspection.
OE30 for hot weather operation.) Remove oil filling plug
(1)
Inspect test tube holder. Tighten nut if
and check oil level weekly. If the oil level is not up to the
necessary to insure the holder is securely in place.
tapped opening, add sufficient oil to raise the level to this
(2)
Check the two centrifuge covers for
opening. Never remove the oil filling plug while the
snug closure.
compressor is operating. Clean the compressor monthly.
To clean, drain oil, disconnect tubing to the unloader
3-1
