Configuration and Daily Maintenance of Vacuum Pump System in Ceramic Plants

1. Standard System Configuration

(Universal for 2BE liquid ring vacuum pumps and rotary vane vacuum pumps)

1. Front Pre-treatment & Protection Section

Vacuum port of pug mill → Manual ball valve → Cyclone gas-water separator → Stainless steel vacuum precision filter → Vacuum check valve → Vacuum pump

Cyclone gas-water separator

Separates large volume of water vapor and coarse clay dust evaporated from clay material. Equipped with a bottom drain valve to discharge water and reduce humidity in advance, preventing oil emulsification and unbalanced water ring concentration caused by water vapor entering the pump.

Vacuum precision filter

304 stainless steel housing, resistant to negative pressure up to -0.1MPa without collapse. Adopts stainless steel sintered mesh filter element with filtration accuracy of 5～10μm, which intercepts fine clay dust and protects the pump chamber, impeller and vanes from wear.

Vacuum check valve

Prevents backflow of accumulated water and muddy liquid in the pipeline into the vacuum pump when shutting down, avoiding pump damage and parts corrosion.

Pipeline and sealing

Pipelines shall be short, straight and with as few elbows as possible; the pipe diameter shall be the same as the pump inlet without reducing diameter. Sealing parts adopt Nitrile / Fluororubber vacuum special seal to avoid air leakage and vacuum drop under negative pressure.

2. Main Unit & Transmission Configuration

Main pump

For pugging and slurry processes in ceramic plants, 2BE liquid ring vacuum pump is the first choice, best suited for high humidity and dusty working conditions; rotary vane vacuum pumps can be used for small working conditions.

Transmission mode

Optional direct-coupled drive, belt drive, gear reducer drive, matched according to the power and speed of the pug mill.

Motor

3-phase 380V, IP54 protection class, F-class insulation, suitable for continuous operation in dusty and humid workshop environments.

3. Monitoring & Control Configuration

Vacuum pressure gauge / Vacuum pressure sensor

Real-time negative pressure monitoring, standard stable range: -0.092～-0.098MPa

Vent valve & Stop valve

Convenient for maintenance and vacuum breaking during start-stop.

Optional electric control cabinet

Automatic pressure stabilization, overload protection and water shortage protection.

2. Common Faults & Maintenance Solutions

Low vacuum degree

Pipeline air leakage, clogged filter element, insufficient water/oil level, impeller wear

→ Check and seal air leakage, clean filter element, replenish water/oil level, inspect and repair impeller.

Pump overheating and high noise

Clogged filter causing poor air intake, bearing wear, over-tight belt

→ Clean filter element, replace bearing, adjust belt tension.

Quick oil emulsification (rotary vane pump)

Incomplete water vapor separation, failed separator

→ Inspect gas-water separator, add front water drainage device, regularly replace anti-emulsification vacuum oil.

Pump easy to accumulate mud and jam

No front filtration or insufficient filtration accuracy

→ Install two-stage protection: cyclone separation + precision filtration, discharge sewage regularly.

3. Core Maintenance Principles

Filter first, then pump intake: Two-stage protection (gas-water separation + dust filtration) is essential to extend vacuum pump service life.

Strictly control water vapor and dust: The main causes of pump damage in ceramic working conditions are water vapor emulsification and dust abrasion; daily maintenance focuses on water drainage and dust cleaning.

No faulty operation: Stop the pump immediately for inspection in case of abnormal vacuum, abnormal noise, water or oil leakage, to avoid minor faults developing into major repairs.

Select pump according to working conditions: Prioritize 2BE liquid ring pump for high humidity and dusty pugging process; use rotary vane pump only for low-dust and dry working conditions。