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Chapter 8: Cleaning

8.1. STANDARD AND AIR POWERED PUMPS

The exterior of the machine can be cleaned with soap and water. We specifically recommend against pressure washing the machine, as it may drive water or debris into
sensitive areas.

(Cleaning procedure applicable for machines equipped with a Hot Bar)

If plastic has accumulated on the heat sealer bar, bring the bar up to full operating temperature, then wipe the plastic off with a clean, dry rag. Be very careful not to burn yourself on the bar as you clean it.

The interior vacuum circuits of the machine can be cleaned using the CLEAN CYCLE BUTTON:

1. Prepare a cleaning solution – never use a foaming cleaner, as this may damage the vacuum pump. Also, provide a container with a maximum capacity of approximately 2 cups/500 ml. This will ensure that the machine’s external vacuum pump filter is
not overfilled (which might damage the pump).

2. Press the CLEAN CYCLE BUTTON, to put the machine into a cleaning mode.

3. Hold up the container containing cleaning solution to each vacuum probe. The solution should be sucked through the vacuum tubes and into the external vacuum pump filter.

  1. Press the EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON to stop the vacuum pump.
    Then open the external filter and completely drain the cleaning solution.
    Reclose the filter and pull the BUTTON up, to restart the cycle.
    Repeat this cleaning cycle again, as necessary.
  2. In many cases, the vacuum probes can be cleaned simply with a brush and
    cleaning solution. If additional cleaning is required, remove the vacuum cover
    plates from each vacuum probe.

     

    • Unscrew the two knurled thumbscrews on each vacuum cover plate. The screws
      should be removed simultaneously, to avoid losing the clips which hold the
      screws and springs to the cover plate. As the screws are removed, be careful
      not to drop the cover plate.
    • With the cover plate removed, it can be washed, in addition to the vacuum
      probes. Be careful not to scratch or dent the cover plate or vacuum probes, as
      this may cause a vacuum leak.
    • Reinstall the vacuum cover plates – screw in the two thumbscrews
      simultaneously, to avoid losing the retainer clips.
  3. With the machine in its cleaning mode, suck a small amount of water through the
    tubes and into the external filter. This will rinse the cleaning solution out of the
    machine. Be careful not to use too much water.
  4. Press the EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON to stop the vacuum pump, then drain and
    reclose the external filter. Pull the BUTTON up to restart the pump.
  5. For machines with electric vacuum pumps, press the CLEAN CYCLE BUTTON
    again to take the machine out of this operating cycle. It will be confirmed by the
    DISPLAY showing CV-TEK CORR-VAC®. The pump will then continue to run for
    30 minutes to dry it out, and will then automatically shut down. Failure to thoroughly
    dry out the pump may cause mechanical damage.
  6. For machines with air-powered vacuum pumps, press the CLEAN CYCLE BUTTON
    one last time, to take the machine out of this operating cycle. It will be confirmed by
    the DISPLAY showing CV-TEK CORR-VAC®. The pump will then immediately
    shut down.

8.2. WATER-RING PUMPS

The exterior of the machine can be cleaned with soap and water. We specifically recommend against pressure washing the machine, as it may drive water or debris into sensitive areas.

If plastic has accumulated on the heat sealer bar, bring the bar up to full operating temperature, then wipe the plastic off with a clean, dry rag. Be very careful not to burn yourself on the bar as you clean it. (Applies only to machines equipped with a Hot Bar)

The interior vacuum circuits of the machine can be cleaned using the CLEAN CYCLE BUTTON:

  1. Prepare a cleaning solution in a 2 cup/500 ml or less container.
  2. Press the CLEAN CYCLE BUTTON, to put the machine into a cleaning mode.
  3. Hold up the container containing cleaning solution to each vacuum probe.
    The solution should be sucked through the vacuum tubes and out through the pump exhaust.
  4. In many cases, the vacuum probes can be cleaned simply with a brush and cleaning solution.
    If additional cleaning is required, remove the vacuum cover plates from each vacuum probe.

    • Unscrew the two knurled thumbscrews on each vacuum cover plate. The screws should be
      removed simultaneously, to avoid losing the clips which hold the screws and springs to
      the cover plate. As the screws are removed, be careful not to drop the cover plate.
    • With the cover plate removed, it can be washed, in addition to the vacuum probes.
      Be careful not to scratch or dent the cover plate or vacuum probes, as this may cause
      a vacuum leak.
    • Reinstall the vacuum cover plates – screw in the two thumbscrews simultaneously,
      to avoid losing the retainer clips.
  5. With the machine in its cleaning mode, suck a small amount of water through the tubes and
    out of the pump. This will rinse the cleaning solution out of the machine.
  6. Press the CLEAN CYCLE BUTTON again to take the machine out of this operating cycle.
    It will be confirmed by the DISPLAY showing CV-TEK CORR-VAC®. The pump will continue to
    run for 5 minutes, and will then automatically shut down. The pump’s water supply valve will
    also shut down at this time.