How To Clean Micron Gauge

Vacuum Gauge Maintenance

Bought to you by CPS

Did you know that the vast majority of vacuum gauges require some routine maintenance, if you are in doubt about the accuracy of your vacuum gauge, we suggest that before you consider sending it back to the manufacture or manufacture's service agent for repair, that you first clean the vacuum gauge and then check its operation, listed below is how to clean and check a CPS gauge and other brands will be very similar in process, however ensure you read the manufacturer's instructions before commencing.

A vacuum gauge can sometimes get oil into the vacuum chamber and onto the vacuum sensor and this will affect the accuracy of the sensor, one way that the sensor can get contaminated is by turning off your vacuum pump while the vacuum gauge is still attached and close to the vacuum pump, the equalisation of the pressure can force oil from the vacuum pump and lines into the vacuum chamber and on the vacuum gauges sensor.

One sign that shows if there is likely a sensor clean required, is by looking at the rubber inlet O ring or gasket, if this looks moist or shiny then there is a distinct possibility that it has oil on it and the oil could have gone through to the vacuum sensor.

This is how you clean the CPS vacuum gauge:

1. Remove core depressor and black HXG gasket.
2. Invert the gauge and pour 1 teaspoon of methylated spirits or high grade alcohol into the sensor, the best method for this is with a syringe.
3. Hold the unit in one hand with your thumb over the cup area.
4. Vigorously shake the unit to produce a swirling effect of the solution in the housing.
5. Invert again and shake the solution out from the sensor assembly, then repeat the process again however swirling in the opposite direction to ensure you get good coverage over the whole internal sensor.
6. Insert a new gasket and the depressor and leave to dry.

Once you have cleaned your vacuum gauge and given it time to ensure the alcohol is dry (preferably overnight) then it's time to do a basic test of the gauges operation and to do this we recommend the following.

Use a vacuum pump that you know is in good condition and ensure it has new vacuum pump oil in it, this is important as old or contaminated vacuum pump oil has a substantial effect on the performance of any vacuum pump and can give you misleading readings as to a vacuum gauge accuracy.

Turn the vacuum pump on, let it run for a few minutes and then connect the vacuum gauge direct on to the vacuum pump inlet, not via any hoses or fittings.

Any reasonable vacuum pump with new oil should pull around 50-70 microns when connected directly, if your vacuum gauge is reading around this amount then you are good to go and continue using the gauge with the knowledge that it is operating correctly.