Thank you for choosing a REFCO vacuum pump. We are proud of each
and every REFCO product and are dedicated to ensuring our products
always perform reliably.
The design of the vacuum pump ensures that the requirements of the
relevant CE directives and standards are fulfilled. Reading the following
operating instructions thoroughly and following our recommendations
will give you important information for the smooth operation and
maintenance of your pump and help to prolong its lifespan.
Please observe the warning signs!
They are indicated by this symbol: This international symbol warns
of hazards which could lead to serious injury or material damages.
Contents
Important safety notices …..………..………………………………………………3
Use of the pump ……..……………………..…………………………………………4
Set up operation/transport ..…………………..………………………………..4, 5
Electric data …..………………………………………………………………………..5
Technical description …………………………………………………………………5
Contents of delivery of standard execution RL-2, RL-4, RL-8 ……………5, 6
Other accessories ……………………………………………………………………..6
Note ….……………………………………………………………………………………6
Service/Oil change ………………………………………………………………….6, 7
Trouble shooting …………………………………………………………………….7, 8
Warranty …………………………………………………………………………………8
Technical data ………………………………………………………………………….9
Spare parts ………………………………………………………………………2, 9, 10
Environmental issues ………………………………………………………………10
Important safety notices
Before working with the vacuum pump, please read the
instruction manual carefully. This manual contains
important information regarding the smooth operation,
maintenance and disposal of the vacuum pump.
The vacuum pump should only be operated on a fused
power supply and must be correctly earthed. If the mains
cable is damaged or cut through during operation, do not touch the
cable and unplug the mains plug immediately. The device should
never be used with a damaged cable.
REFCO products have been specially designed and
manufactured for use by trained refrigeration installation
engineers. Because of the high pressures and the chemical
and physical gases used in refrigeration systems, REFCO
cannot be held responsible or liable for any accidents,
injuries or deaths arising from the use of their products.
REFCO explicitly states that their products must only be
sold to professionally-trained experts.
Use of the pump
The REFCO vacuum pumps have been especially designed and
manufactured for the evacuation of closed vessels and units in the
field of refrigeration and air-conditioning. The pump must always be
operated by a qualified professional technician!
This pump should only be operated by qualified personnel.
Suitable protective equipment like gloves, goggles and safety
footwear should be worn when working with refrigeration
systems.
The vacuum pump should not be exposed to rain, or used in wet
or damp conditions.
The vacuum pump must only be used in the field of
refrigeration and air-conditioning and must not be used, built in
or mounted into other appliances and applications.
The vacuum pump must not be used as a compressor or to
build up pressure with air or other gases.
The vacuum pump must not be operated in flammable
environments or places where explosive gas could be present.
The vacuum pump must not be used in connection with
aggressive liquids and gases such as i.e. ammonia or pure
oxygen which could cause damage to parts and components of
the pump.
Combustible refrigerants such as i.e. R600a, R600, R290, must
be vented through the exhaust to the outside of buildings by
means of a venting hose (see accessories).
The vacuum pump must not be used to pump liquids such as
i.e. water, fuels, oils, beverages, other liquid food, liquid refuse
or faeces.
Set up operation/transport
The vacuum pumps supplied without electrical plug must be equipped
with an electrical triple-pole plug according to the norms and
regulations of the country where the vacuum pump will be used. The
plug must be fitted by a trained professional. The electrical power
supply, with which the vacuum pump will be run, must be in
accordance with the voltage and frequency indicated on the rating
plate of the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump must only be connected
to a fused electric installation.
The vacuum pump is supplied without oil filling. Prior to the first
operation the vacuum pump must be filled to half level of the oil sight
glass (Pos. 20) with the oil provided (DV-44/DV-45). The oil is being filled
in through the port of the oil mist filter (Pos. 19).
Only fill oil up to half level of the oil sight glass. Refit the oil mist
filter (Pos. 19) after filling.
Remove the flare cap from the intake port to start the pump (with
model RL-8 also turn the ball valve to open position). Connect the
charging hose to the intake port as soon as the pump motor
reaches full speed.
Running the pump without being connected to a system and pulling
vacuum will result in extensive exhaust of oil mist through the oil
mist filter.
Carry the vacuum pump on the designated handle only.
Keep the pump levelled and secured during transport to avoid oil
spillage. Oil spillage could cause damage to the electric motor.
Electric data
The electric data is mentioned under „technical data“ on page 9 of this
manual.
Technical description
The REFCO vacuum pumps RL-2, RL-4, RL-8 are rotary vane type
vacuum pumps. The pump is cooled internally by a mechanical impeller
during operation. A fitted oil mist filter allows oil back flow into the oil
circulation system of the pump head. The gas ballast valve prevents the
build-up of condensation inside the oil box and the pump head. The
motor is protected by a thermocouple which turns the pump off
automatically if overheated.
Caution! The motor will restart automatically after a cooling period
of approximately 20 minutes.
Contents of delivery of standard execution RL-2, RL-4, RL-8
• Vacuum pump oil DV-44/DV-45
• Instructions of use
The RL-8 is in addition equipped with a ball valve to isolate the pump
from a system.
The pumps are supplied without oil filling. The must be filled with
the oil provided prior to the first operation.
Option: Intake port with anti-back flow to prevent oil sucks back in case
of an accidental shut off of the pump or power cut.
Intake port with back flow prevention:
For RL-2: RL-2-307-RS 4663786
For RL-4: RL-4-307-RS 4663336
For RL-8: RL-8-307-RS 4664244
Other accessories
Vacuum gauge with ball valve:
For vacuum pumps RL-2, RL-4, RL-8: RL-VAC 4663981
Special hose to vent combustible refrigerant from closed
environments:
Available for RL-2, RL-4: 10859-CL-197-Y-SP 9881865
Note
Please note the minimal operating temperatures for the vacuum
pumps are described under „technical data“ on page 8 of this
manual. If the environmental temperatures are below the minimal
rates the pump may take several seconds or minutes until the motor
runs on full speed and the pump can develop its full capacity.
Always turn off and disconnect power before moving or servicing
the REFCO vacuum pumps.
The vacuum pump and especially the front cover can reach
temperatures of up to 70°C/160°F during operation.
Check the appropriate oil level (half level of sight glass) and make
sure that there is enough oil. Should the oil be cloudy, dark or
contaminated, or should the oil level have increased without refilling,
change the oil immediately.
Ensure that the air intake of the impeller fan at the back of the pump
is not covered with any objects or cloths etc. Preventing the air flow
through the pump can lead to an automatic motor shut off by the
thermo couple.
Caution! Automatic restart after cooling time of approx.
20 minutes.
Service/Oil change
The main service point of a vacuum pump is the oil. Vacuum pump
oil must be changed at least after every 20 hours of service or
whenever the oil in the sight glass is cloudy or dark. The oil must be
changed immediately after an evacuation of a heavily contaminated
system. Residue of moist/water in the oil may cause corrosion and
damage to the vacuum pump.
• Run the pump until operating temperature has been reached. Turn the
pump of and disconnect from mains.
• Unscrew the oil mist filter (Pos. 19)
• Drain oil through drain plug (RL-4/RL-8 Pos. 23) or through opening for
oil mist filter (model RL-2 does not have an oil drainage plug and the
oil must be drained through opening of oil mist filter).
• Connect pump to the mains again and turn on. Let the pump run for
10-15 seconds with open intake port in order to drain oil residue in the
pump head.
• Turn the pump off and disconnect from the mains.
• Drain possible oil residue.
• Remount oil drain plug (Pos. 23).
• Refill with oil to half level of sight glass.
• Refit oil mist filter (Pos. 19). Let the pump run for a few seconds.
If the oil has been strongly contaminated the oil change procedure
must be repeated after a run time of 30 minutes in order to assure
that all waste particles inside the pump have been washed out with
the oil.
In order to achieve best performance with the REFCO vacuum pumps
only use REFCO oils DV-44, DV-45, DV-46, DV-48 or REFCO ester oil.
Waste oil must be disposed of according to the rules and
regulations which apply in the country of use of the pump.
Further service work than oil change has to be executed by a specialised
company.
REFCO grants a 24 month warranty period. Damage caused due to
improper use, lack of service as described in this manual, use of the
pump for other applications as the designated ones, use of unsuitable
vacuum pump oil or opening and dismantling the pump during warranty
period by the user will lead to loss of warranty. For repairs during the
warranty period the vacuum pump must be returned to the seller at
owners cost.
⇒ To avoid damage or reduced pump performance, please make
sure to use the appropriate REFCO replacement parts and
components. Please indicate pump type and serial number (see
name-plate) when ordering spare parts.
Environmental issues
The vacuum pump has been developed for long term use. REFCO
takes energy saving and environmental impact into account when
procuring materials and manufacturing its products.
REFCO Manufacturing Ltd. feels responsible for all its products
throughout their entire lifespan and has therefore been certified in
accordance with DIN EN ISO 14001 : 2004.
When decommissioning the device, users should observe the disposal
regulations applicable in their country.
Oil and other components must be disposed of in an environmentallyfriendly manner.