This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could
endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate your machine.
Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
General Operation
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting.
Keep this manual in a safe place for further and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
• Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the instructions to operate the machine. Be
sure to know controls and how to stop the machine quickly.
• Never put your hands near moving parts.
• Only allow qualified individuals for the maintenance of your machine.
• Remove all obstacles, which may interfere with the machine functions.
• Clear the work area such as electrical wires, buckets, knives etc.
• Be sure that everyone else is clear of your work area before operating the machine.
• Do not sit nor stand on the machine.
• Always turn off the machine after your work is done. Never leave a running machine
unattended.
• Always disconnect and wait till the machine has cooled before attempting any maintenance.
• Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jewelry as they may get caught in moving parts of the
machine.
• Always wear security shoes, to prevent injury caused by moving the machine or objects falling
from the machine.
• Never exceed the time limit to seal, which is recommended by the manufacturer. This is to
avoid any damage that may be caused to the sealing bars and to eliminate the risk of fire in the
machine. Thus avoiding corporal burns.
• Never touch the sealing bars after they have been used, this will avoid corporal burns. Wait a
few minutes to let the machine cool down before touching.
• Always make sure that the sealing bars are well installed in their "Guide Blocks" before starting
a cycle.
• Never incline the machine more than 30 degrees, it may tip over and hurt someone seriously.
• Work only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs!
3
Service
• Use proper containers when draining the oil. Do not use food or beverage containers that may
mislead someone into drinking from them. Properly dispose of the containers, or store in a safe
place immediately following the draining of the oil.
• Prior to disposal, determine the proper method to dispose of waste from your local office of
Environmental Protection Agency. Recycling centers are established to properly dispose of
materials in an e nvironmentally safe fas hion.
Do not pour oil or other fluids into the ground, down a drain or into a body of
water
.
Warning-Your responsibility:
This machine should only be operated by personal who can read, understand and respect
warnings and instructions regar di ng this machi ne in the owners manual. Save these
instructions for future reference.
4
VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE
SIPROVAC 620A
TABLE OF CONTENT
Section 1- Setting up the mac hine ............................................................................. 6
Before choosing the site for the machine, please consider that you will also need room for
packaged and non-packaged products apart from the space needed for the machine itself.
Keep in mind that the machine must not be set up upon uneven ground. Especially with
mobile models, the weight of the pump might then cause warping of the machine. Then the
lid will not fit correctly.
Before starting to work, check the oil view glass on the pump, if there is a sufficient
quantity of oil in the pump. Never use oil other than recommanded by the producer. Never
exceed maximum quantity of oil indicated, when adding or changing oil. Verify weekly.
Normal ambient temperature for the vacuum pump is between 10 to 70oC.For temperature
below 10oC; it is recommended to use synthetic oil. Please consult factory and pump
manufacturer manual for more information or when ambient temperature are outside
normal limits
1.1. Connections
1.1.1. Electric connections
Electrical connections must be made by qualified personnel. This person must make
sure that the electrical entry corresponds to the proper voltage and amperage of the
machine. GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS: This appliance must be connected to a
grounded, metal, permanent wiring system; or an equipment-grounding conductor must
be run with the circuit conductors and connected to the equipment-grounding terminal or
lead on the appliance. A qualified electrician should be consulted if there is any doubt
as to whether an outlet box is properly grounded.
All vacuum machines are supplied with an electrical schematic drawing. An important
step in connecting the machine is to make sure that the pump turns in its correct
rotation.
The pump should not rotate more than 3 to 4 seconds in the wrong rotation or it
may cause serious damage. The proper rotation is indicated by an arrow on the
pump motor.
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Section 2- Operation
2.1. Working principles
A vacuum packaging cycle is made of 3 stages. First the vacuum is made, the air is
completly taken out of the chamber and from bag containing the product. (See figure 1).
Then it is possible to inject neutral gas from the nozzles, if the product is delicate. Finally, a
mechanism pushes the sealing bar to the rubber support to seal the bag.
To obtain nice packages, the products and the bags have to be of proportional sizes. The
bag's opening should never exceed 50 cm(2") past the seal bars. The product should be
centered in height in relation to the seal bar by adjusting the spacers provided.
To obtain a good seal, make sure that no residue of fat is left between the bag's inner sides
where sealing is done.
2.2. Special packaging
2.2.1. Gas flushing (option)
There is an atmospheric pressure of 1 kg/ sq. cm (14 lbs/sq. inch) upon products when
fully evacuated. Products which can be damaged by high pressure must be packaged
with a partial vacuum, or the pressure must be counterbalance by inflating the bag with
gas (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) before sealing after evacuation.
For gas flushing, the bags are placed on the sealing bars, the open end placed over
the gas nozzles mounted alongside the sealing bar. After evacuation, the vacuum
valve closes and the gas valve opens. Gas time (sec.) can be set in the program
menu.
The necessary gas tank and pressure valve mounted on tank is not supplied, The
pressure of the gas regulator should be set at approximately 1/3 kg/sq. cm
( 5 lbs/sq.inch.). Each machi ne has an adaptor for gas connection when gas flush
option is ordered.
8
2.3. Vacuum packaging operations
2.2.2. Top and bottom sealing (option)
When seali ng aluminium l aminate bags (especially bags for e.g. coffee) it is imperative
to have an upper and a lower sealing bar.
2.2.3. Electrical bag cut (option)
This option is used to obtain a package that the excess bagtail is cut off close to the
seal (cannot be used with top and bottom sealing).
2.3.1. Basics
Use key "POWER" to power ON / OFF the vacuum packaging machine. When the unit
is energized, the identification of the last executed program is displayed on LCD
screen.
Use the "ESC" key to change over from the programs menu to the functions menu an d
from the functions menu to the prog rams menu.
In functions menu, use key "SELECT" to select a function and key "ENTER" to accede
and executed the selection.
In programs menu, use key "SELECT" to select a program and key "ENTER" to
accede and modify the selection.
In programs submenu, use key "ENTER" to pass over the parameters and point to the
following one; the parameters are blinking to point out the acquisition mode. A return to
programs menu is performed automatically following the last parameter acquisition.
In program submenu, use key "ESC" to get back to the programs menu.Str i ke any key
to clear the error messages which may be displayed on LCD screen.
2.3.2. Functions
2.3.2.1. Create a program
When executing the "cr eate a prog r am" f unction, the program submenu is
acceded, starting with the identification. The initial identification "Pxx NO NAME"
is given to the program and all parameters are established to zero; the program
number is allocated automatically.
2.3.2.2. Delete a program
When executing the "delete a prog r a m" funct ion, the programs menu is acceded
and the number of the first program in memory is blinking to point out the deletion
mode. Use key "SELECT" to select a program and key "ENTER" to accede and
confirm deletion of the selec ti on . Use key "ESC" to unconfirm a deletion and to
leave the function. When leaving the function, the number of the actual program
on LCD screen cease to blink.
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2.3.2.3. Select operating mode
When executing the "select operating mode" function, which is available only for
the automatic units, the actual selection is blinking to point out the acquisition
mode. Use key "SELECT" to get through the operating modes, which are
automatic, semi-automatic and manual; the vali dation of the selected operating
mode is performed automatically. Use key "ESC" or "ENTER" to leave the
function and get back to the program menu.
2.4. Program menu
2.4.1. Program identification
For a selected program, set the identification, using the numeric keyboard
characters chart; press numeric key untill the desired character is selected
(4 times for the numeric value). Use key "ENTER" to validate the character and
to validate the characters string at the end(the new characters string is blinking).
In a middle of an acquisition, use key "ESC" to come backward and erase one or
several characters.
Example: EXAMPLE 1 keys 2, 2, ENTER E
(9 characters) keys 8, 8, 8, ENTER X
keys 1, ENTER A
keys 5, ENTER M
keys 6, ENTER P
keys 4, 4, 4, ENTER L
keys 2, 2, ENTER E
keys 9, 9, 9, ENTER space
keys 1, 1, 1, 1, ENTER 1
key ENTER to validate the characters string
2.4.2. Vacuum level setting
For a selected program set the vacuum level, starting with the values; the
decimal point is automatically inserted following the second digit entry and the
validation is automatically performed following the third digit entry (the new
vacuum level is blinking). The vacuum level is rounded off to the nearest hal f
value. In the middle of an acquisition, use key "ENTER" to validate the vacuum
level and key "ESC" to come backward and start over with a new acquisition
(the old vacuum level is blinking). Set vacuum level to zero to bypass the
pressure transducer and proceed only using the vacuum plus time.
Examples: 90.0% keys 9, 0, 0 or 9, 0, ENTER or
keys 9, 0, 1 or 9, 0, 2 or 9, 0, 3 or 9, 0, 4
97.5% keys 9, 7, 5 or
keys 9, 7, 6 or 9, 0, 7 or 9, 0, 8 or 9, 0, 9
0.0% keys 0, 0, 0 or 0, ENTER
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2.4.3. Vacuum plus time setting
For a selected program set the vacuum plus time, in seconds; the validation is
automatically performe d following the second digit entry (the new vacuum plus
time is blinking). In a middle of an acquisition, use key "ENTER" to validate the
vacuum plus time and key "ESC" to come backward and start over with a new
acquisition (the old vacuum plus time is blinking).
Examples: 1s keys 0, 1 or 1, ENTER
15s keys 1, 5
2.4.4. Gas flush level setting
For a selected program set the gas flush level following the same procedure as
for the vacuum level; the maximum gas flush level setting is 10% below the
vacuum setting.
2.4.5. Sealing time setting
For a selected program set the sealing time, starting with the seconds; the
decimal point is automatically inserted following the first digit entry and the
validation is automatically performed following the third digit entry (the new
sealing time is blinking). T he s ea ling time is truncated to the nearest half
hundredth. In a middle of an acquisition, use key "ENTER" to validate the sealing
time and key "ESC" to come backward and start over with a new acquisition
(the old sealing time is blinking).
Examples:4.50s keys 4, 5, 0 or 4, 5, ENTER or
keys 4, 5, 1 or 4, 5, 2 or 4, 5, 3 or 4, 5, 4
2.35s keys 2, 3, 5 or
keys 2, 3, 6 or 2, 3, 7 or 2, 3, 8 or 2, 3, 9
0.00s keys 0, 0, 0 or 0, ENTER
2.5. Vacuum cycle execut ion
For the manual units and the automatic units set on manual, close the cover to initiate a
vacuum cycle. For the automatic units set on semi-au t o matic or on auto mati c, use push
button "STOP / START" to initiate or interrupt a vacuum cycle. A selected program can
be initiated only in the prog r ams men u, w hen no modi fications are in progress, and the
access to the other programs and functions is denied. During cycle execution the
operation status is sequencally displayed on LCD screen, except for the parame ter s
established to zero, which are not displayed:
- chamber vacuum level during vacuum sequence,
- vacuum plus time status during vacuum plus sequence,
- chamber vacuum level during gas flush sequence,
- sealing time status during sealing sequence,
- chamber vacuum level during atmosphere sequence.7
11
During cycle execution, use key "1" to abort the vacuum sequence and ex ec ute the
following sequence, which is gas flush or sealing, and key "ENTER" to accede and
modify the program; the parameters become valid only for the following vacuum cycles.
2.6. System monitor
To access the diagnostics menu, power up the vacuum packaging machine while
keeping pushed in the "ESC"key. Use key "SELECT" to select the system monitor
function and key "ENTER" to accede and visualize the monitored parameters. Use key
"SELECT" to change over from the software revision, the amount of working hours done
and the amount of complete cycles performed since first initialization.
Section 3- CONTROL KEYBOARD DETAILS
ESC KEY
POWER ON/OFF KEY
ENTER KEY
SELECT KEY
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3.1. Menu structure
• Functions menu: (Press ‘’SELECT’’ to scroll and ‘’ENTER’’ to select.)
"F1 CREATE A PRGM"
"F2 DELETE A PRGM"
"F3 SELECT OPMODE" (automatic units only)
• Programs menu: (Press ‘’SELECT’’ to scroll and ‘’ENTER’’ to select.)
"Pxxxx NAME"
Program submenu:
"VACU UM: xx.x%" (10.0% - 99.5%)
"VACUUM PLUS: xxs"(0s - 99s)
"GAS FLUSH: xx.x%" (0.0% - 10% below the vacuum level) (units with gas option)
"SEAL TIME: x.xxs" (0.00s - maximum unit allocated setting)
"Pxx NAME" (12 characters)
• Diagnostics menu (keys "ESC" & "POWER" for access):
"DIAGNOSTICS MENU" (access code required)
"D1 INPUTS TEST"
"D2 OUTPUTS TEST"
"D3 MODEL SELECT"
"D4 GAS OPTION"
"D5 SEALING TIME"
"D6 COOLING TIME"
"D7 OFFSET CALIB.”
"D8 VACUUM SENSOR”
"D9 SIPROMAC PUB”
"D10 LOADING TIME" (automatic units only)
"D11 UNLOADNG TIME" (automatic units only )
"SYSTEM MONITOR" (no access code required)
"SOFTWARE: R x.xx"
"WORK HRS: xxxxx"
"CYCLES: xxxxxxx"
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Section 4- Cleaning
For hygenic cleanliness, it is imperative to clean chamber and spacers daily. Also clean
the lid rubber to assure tight seat of the lid.
Cleaning instructions for gas injection nozzles: Periodically on a regular basis the gas
injection nozzl es must be removed with the connection tube and soaked in a food grade
soap and water solution, then dried and re-installed.
Section 5- Troobleshooting
5.1. Failure during packaging cycles
5.1.1. ‘’VACUUM ERROR’ message displayed on LCD
No pressure variation is picked up by the PCB transducer during the vacuum sequence
within a preset period of time.
- Check vacuum lines for potential leaks or kinks.
5.1.2. ‘’GAS FLUSH ERROR’’ message displayed on LCD
No pressure variation is picked up by the PCB transducer duringthe gas flush sequence
within a preset period of time.
- Check gas flush and vacuum lines for potential leaks or kinks.
5.1.3. ‘’ATMOSPHERE ERROR’’ message displayed on LCD
No pressure variation is picked up by the PCB transducer during the atmosphere
sequence within a preset period of time.
- Check vacuum lines for potential leaks or kinks.
5.1.4. ‘’COVER DOWN ERROR’’ message displayed on LCD
The input signal of the down position switch has been lost during cycle execution.
- Check limit switch adjustment.
5.2. Insufficient vacuum
5.2.1. Leakage in the bag
Most frequently, insufficient vacuum in bags is due to leakage in bag and not due to any
fault of the machine.
Pin-hole leak for which there is no obvious explanation is due to faulty bag material.
Pin-hole leak caused by sharp edge of the product (bone, etc.).Use bone-guard or
thicker film.
Tear in bag by careless handling (sharp edge on filling table, damage made by retailer
or customer).
Leakage in lateral or bottom seal, complain to supplier of bags or film.
14
5.2.2. No leakage in the bag
Bag is too large, therefore the surplus of air remains visible (there is surplus of air in
0.4% of the bag volume in each bag). Use bags of suitable size.
Vacuum level is too low:
Pressure bar is jammed and closes opening of bag during evacuation.
5.2.3. Insufficient vacuum in the chamber
If troubles described under 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 do not apply, there is something wrong with
the evacuation.To find the le ak ag e qui ckly, check for leaks with a precision vacuumeter,
going back step by step from the chamber to the pump.
At the chamber (measuring point at base of valve) at maximum time of evacuation. If
more than 6 torr, proceed directly to the pump, if more than 3 torr:have pump service by
pump supplier.If pressure at pump is good, reconnect hoses to pump and measure
again.
Verify at vacuum hose connections and valve connections.
When proceeding this way, starting from pump, loss of pressure per step must not
exceed 0.5 to 1 torr.
Caution:Verify connections of measuring equipment before verifing machine.
Most frequent points of leakage: lid gasket, damaged vacuum hose or loose hose
clamps.
5.3. Faulty seal
5.3.1. Insufficient seal
Damaged teflon or silicone rubber.
Sealing pressure too low, bellows leaking or pressure bar jammed.
Leakers in seal: heating wire mechanically damaged (knicked) or silicone rubber
uneven.
5.3.2. No seal
Sealing wire burnt.
Faulty contact in sealing circuit.
Sealing transformer burnt through.
Contactor does not work.
15
5.3.3. Permanent sealing current
Contactor is jammed check sealing transformer for damage through overload.
5.3.4. Seal does not stick
Insufficient layer of polyethylene (inferior quality of bags).
Seal area extremely contaminated by fat or meat juice. Use filling aid.
Sealing temperature is too low (when using very thick films).
Caution: Do not increase sealing time more than really necessary; higher temperature
will reduce working life of teflon and silicone rubber.
5.4. Fault in the valve
Vacuum or air valve does not open.
Check whether there is voltage on the magnetic valves during their period of operation. If
there is no voltage a wire is broken or the PC board is damaged.
Lid does not open at the end of the cycle; air enters, but there is still 20 - 40% vacuum in
chamber. Vacuum valve does not close.
5.5. MC-40 control board failure
NOTE:Refer to menu structure on page 12.
This board software is allowing access to a "Diagnostics Menu". Only qualified service
technicians are authorized to access this menu by entering a security password.
By acceding either the "D1 input test" feature or the "D2 output test " feature,a trained
technician will be able to quickly know the origin of the problem: pump, sealing system,
pneumatic problem, security switches problem, etc...
Keep in mind that in most cases trouble is due to a leakage, loose electrical connection or
evident damage to the mai n co mpo nen t s: vacuum pump, valves, electrical contactors,
thermal overload, fuses holder or transformer.
For assistance do not hesitate to contact your local service technicians.
Section 6- Maintenance
Routine controls to be made at regular intervals:
Check teflon for wear.
Check silicone rubber for burnt spots and smooth even position.
Check pressure bar for jamming.
Check lid sealing for damage and hardened spots.
16
Check switch-point of micro switch, adjust if necessary.
Check evacuation hose for damage (contraction of diameter, or abrasions).
Check vacuum connections for tightness.
Check oil in pump (oil level in view glass; add if necessary. Regular change of oil - necessity
indicated by change of color).
Check vacuum in chamber with precision vacuumeter.
Check function of cycle with various settings of timers.