May 31, 2024

The following is a case where a user was experiencing excessive vacuum pump vibration after installing a brand-new vacuum
pump in the resonator cabinet. The user was sure that the new pump was faulty. The only way they kept the pump from vibrating
so much was to disconnect the exhaust tubing from the exhaust port of the pump. Then they started the laser up and waited for
the system to come up to pressure and then reconnect the tubing to the exhaust port.

As it turns out, the customer had unknowingly already diagnosed the problem but
didn’t realize they had. By disconnecting the exhaust tubing, the pump was able to
vent properly and the vibrations stopped. This indicates that the pump is functioning
as it should. So what is causing the problem?

The tubing that connects to the exhaust port of the pump (as shown in the photo
to the left) leads up to a small exhaust vent filter located on the top of the cabinet.
If the exhaust vent filter becomes clogged the pump cannot vent properly thereby
causing the pump to vibrate excessively. (There have been cases were the pump
vibrated so much that it caused the motor mounts to tear apart.)

The solution to this issue is very simple, locate the vent filter on the top of the
cabinet, as shown in the photos on the following page, remove the brass cover,
and clean the filter using compressed air and/or water. If the filter is beyond
cleaning, you’ll need to order a new one from the OEM.