5.MAINTENANCE
In use, the Solidsvac SV10-AIR FOX requires little to no maintenance, however Solidsvac recommends that the following strict measures
are taken to ensure pump remains in good working order.
Maintenance, repairs, and the disassembling of the unit can be carried out by any qualified Fitter with a basic knowledge of
pneumatics.
SERVICE TIPS
-Set up a maintenance schedule and follow it diligently.
-Clean the machine areas before removing pneumatic components.
Note: When steam cleaning or using water to clean a machine, be sure that filler openings, breather caps etc are protected
from possible entry of water into the system.
-Use clean plastic plugs to cover the ends of disconnected lines or to plug openings when working on a pneumatic system.
-A clean workbench is an absolute ‘MUST’ when servicing components. An industrial-type vacuum cleaner is a valuable aid
in removing dust, dirt and tiny metal particles from the work area.
-Check the condition of your tools – they should be clean. Always use hammers made of plastic or leather, so there is no
danger of metal chips getting into components.
-When removing parts for service, clean them and then store them in plastic bags or other clean containers until they are
installed again.
-When cleaning pneumatic parts, use extreme care to ensure that the cleaning fluid is non-flammable and compatible with the
system.
-Use common-sense precautions to prevent dirt entering components that have been temporarily removed from the circuit.
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
Pneumatic problems that affect system flow and pressure are not always easy to locate. The system testing procedure described later
in this section is based on a useful step-by-step approach to troubleshooting. Troubleshooting charts make the fault-finding process
easier and faster.
EFFECTS OF A DROP IN SYSTEM FLOW RATE
-A pressure drop will affect the speed and cycle times of a pneumatic machine; actuators will not extend, retract, or rotate at
the required speed. Actuator control will become jerky with inconsistencies in flow as cylinders and motors are supplied at
different rates. In many complex pneumatic systems, the sequencing and positioning of component operations will be affected
as cycle times become thrown out of programmed control.
-The compressor’s discharge flow rate should be checked first to ensure that the drop in flow is not a problem of internal
leakage or incorrect setting of compressor controls.
EFFECTS OF DROPS IN PRESSURE
The major causes of pressure drop include:
-Pipework restrictions (for example, incorrect sizing) fitting restrictions and sharp corners
-Incorrect pressure settings
-Sudden enlargement in fluid conductors
-Long lengths of fluid conductors
-Component leakage (internal and external)
-Broken valve springs
-Blocked or crimped air lines
-Loose fittings
-Valves not sealing correctly because of contaminants
-Some combination of the above causes
