Chapter 7: Preventative Maintenance

Different machine models or options, as well as various product applications, have different preventative maintenance requirements.

7.1. DAILY CHECK UPS

 Before operating, drain water from the air compressor tank and supply line to machine. Drain water filter on machines with manual drain. Is supply air pressure above 100 psi / 7 bar?

 Is gas supply adequate?

 Are vacuum line filters clean?

 Does cabinet cooling fan operate whenever pump is running?

 Is heat sealer bar clean?

 Is the vacuum/gas cycle and heat-seal operational?

 Is the conveyor at the correct height and parallel to the machine head?

 Are there any sharp points on the machine around the heat sealer area that could damage the vacuum bags? Is the bag forming mandrel (when used) also OK?

7.2. DAILY CLEANUP

 See CLEANING section of this manual.

 Clean the vacuum filter as necessary.

 Remove the vacuum cover plate. Clean it, and the probe carefully (a tooth brush is recommended). Be careful not to scratch or dent the mating surfaces of the probe and cover plate, or vacuum leakage can occur.

 Clean the heat sealer bar as needed. Do not scrape or use abrasives, as this can damage the Teflon coating and change the bar’s heat-sealing characteristics.

 Clean the surface of the silicone rubber strips which are contacted by the heat sealer bar (on the clamping jaw) as needed. These strips should not be removed unless they are to be replaced.

 Flush the vacuum pump(s) with water as needed to avoid later problems with sticking pump vanes. With the pump running, dip the pump’s vacuum inlet tube into a maximum quantity of 2-3 tablespoons of water. Do not exceed this amount or the pump may be damaged. The water will flush the pump and be expelled into the exhaust muffler bottle. This process should be repeated a few times, and then the bottle should be emptied. Allow the pump to run for 15 minutes to dry it internally.

 Turn off the main electrical disconnect switch on the door of the electrical cabinet.

 Shut off or disconnect the air supply to the machine.

 Shut off the gas supply valve. It may also be advisable to remove the handle on the gas supply regulator in case someone accidentally turns it to a dangerously high pressure setting.

7.3. WEEKLY CHECKS

 Clean out any material that may have accumulated in the water filter section of the air regulator assembly.

 Refill the lubricator jar in the air regulator assembly with mineral oil or “white” oil. Do not use any other oil, or damage may occur within the machine. Ensure that the lubricator is releasing approximately one drop for every 1-3 packages at the normal packaging line speed. If not, adjust the small needle valve screw which is located in a recessed well next to the clear plastic dome where you can observe the oil drip rate.

 Consult your vacuum pump manual for the proper maintenance as well as the recommend service schedule in the appropriate vacuum pump manual.

 For all water-ring pumps, check the in-line strainer on the water supply manifold for accumulated debris.

7.4. AS NEEDED

 All rotating and sliding surfaces on the head must be lubricated periodically as described in the MAINTENANCE section. Frequency of lubrication will be determined by operating conditions such as line speed, dusty conditions, frequent washing of the machine, etc.