Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the questions we get asked the most about Masport pumps
Which Masport Pump should I use with my tank?
| Pump | Recommended Tank Size (Gallons) |
|---|---|
| HXL2 | 100 – 750 |
| HXL3 | 750 – 1,000 |
| HXL4 | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| HXL75 | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| HXL15 | 2,500 – 4,500 |
| HXL400 | 2,500 – 6,000 |
| Titan | 2,500 – 6,000 |
| Sidewinder | 2,500 – 6,000 |
| Hydra | 2,500 – 6,000 |
It should be noted that the above table is simply a recommendation and that the correct Masport Pump should be selected based on your specific application. To ensure that the correct Masport Pump is selected please contact an authorized Masport distributor or Masport directly.
What type of oil should I use in my Masport pump?
Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps require a high quality non-detergent Rotary Compressor Oil or Rotary Turbine Oil. Oil specifically formulated for Masport pumps is available from your local Masport representative or by contacting Masport Inc.
1 gallon bottles
- Part # 13996 – Summer Blend
- Part # 13998 – Winter Blend
6 Gallon Case
- Part # 13997 – Summer Blend
- Part # 13999 – Winter Blend
Warning! Do not use transmission fluid, automotive motor oil, power steering fluid, used oil, vegetable oil, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, gear oil or scented oil in a Masport pump.
Substitute oils approved for use in Masport pumps:
- Shell Turbo T Oil 32, 68, 100
Shell Oil Company – Houston, TX
800-231-6950 - Monolec Compressor Oil
(compressor Oil is colored red and should not be confused with transmission fluid)
Lubrication Engineers – Fort Worth, TX
817-834-6321 - Mobil SHC 525 (Synthesized Hydrocarbon)
Mobil Oil Company – Fairfax, VA
800-662-4525 - Anderol 497
Anderol Inc – East Hanover, NJ
888-263-3765 - Chevron GST 32, 68
ChevronTexaco Corporation – San Ramon, CA
800-822-5823 - Regal R & O Turbine Oil 32, 68
ChevronTexaco Corporation – San Ramon, CA
800-822-5823
Note: Oils numbered 32 & 46 are for winter use. Check pour point to determine minimum temperature. Oils numbered 68 & 100 are for summer use.
What RPM should I run my Masport Pump at?
| Pump | Minimum RPM | Maximum RPM |
|---|---|---|
| HXL2 | 1,250 | 1,750 |
| HXL3 | 1,250 | 1,750 |
| HXL4 | 1,100 | 1,400 |
| HXL75 | 1,100 | 1,250 |
| HXL15 | 1,100 | 1,250 |
| HXL400 | 1,100 | 1,250 |
| Titan | 1,200 | 1,400 |
| Sidewinder | 1,200 | 1,400 |
| Hydra | 1,200 | 1,400 |
What is the size and weight of my Masport Pump?
| Pump | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Weight (Lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| HXL2V | 14” x 12” x 16” | 95 |
| HXL3V | 16” x 12” x 16” | 110 |
| HXL4V | 22” x 12” x 16” | 170 |
| HXL75V | 22” x 12” x 22” | 230 |
| HXL75WV | 22” x 12” x 24” | 260 |
| HXL15V | 26” x 15” x 23” | 315 |
| HXL15WV | 27” x 14” x 26” | 350 |
| HXL400WV | 28” x 14” x 26” | 450 |
| Titan | 31” x 15” x 24” | 545 |
| Sidewinder | 31” x 23” x 16” | 550 |
| Hydra | 31” x 15” x 24” | 550 |
What vacuum level should I run my Masport Pump at?
Masport Pumps can be run either under continuous or intermittent vacuum. As the name states, intermittent vacuum allows you to operate the pump at high vacuum for short periods of time. For longevity and durability it is recommended to run Masport pumps at or below the continuous vacuum levels. For Masport Pumps the maximum continuous vacuum level is as in the table below:
| Pump | Maximum Continuous Vacuum Level at Sea Level (“Hg) |
|---|---|
| HXL2V | 20 |
| HXL3V | 20 |
| HXL4V | 20 |
| HXL75V | 20 |
| HXL75WV | 25 |
| HXL15V | 20 |
| HXL15WV | 25 |
| HXL400WV | 25 |
| Titan | 22 |
| Sidewinder | 22 |
| Hydra | 25 |
It should be noted that the maximum continuous vacuum level can be affected by the following variables:
- Operating at elevated height above sea level – the vacuum level decreases ~1” Hg for every 1,000 feet of elevation
- Operating in condition of high ambient temperature
- Operating RPM of the pump
To ensure that the correct vacuum level is setup for you pump please contact an authorized Masport distributor or Masport directly.
What is the difference between an air-cooled, fan-cooled and water-cooled pump?
The cooling method of a pump dictates the level of continuous vacuum that a pump can operate at. For Masport Pumps the following continuous vacuum levels can be achieved for the different cooling methods:
| Cooling Method | Continuous Vacuum Level at Sea Level (“Hg) |
|---|---|
| Air | 20 |
| Fan | 22 |
| Water | 25 |
Higher levels of vacuum are typically required for the following:
- Deeper lifts – the distance you can move product from below ground level
- Operating at elevated height above sea level – the vacuum level decreases ~1” Hg for every 1,000 feet of elevation
- Operating in condition of high ambient temperature
How often should I flush my Masport Pump?
Masport vacuum pumps require little regular maintenance except for flushing the pump. This should be done weekly or anytime liquid or solids have been allowed to enter the pump. Flushing Fluid specifically formulated for Masport pumps is available from your local Masport representative or by contacting Masport.
1 gallon bottles: Part # 13990
6 gallon case: Part # 13989
How often should I check my vanes?
Masport Pumps should be inspected for vane wear at least once a year. If vane wear is not monitored, the vanes can become too short causing excessive rotor and cylinder wear and eventually result in vane breakage.
Measure the vanes to see if they are within the usable limit. If they are not they should be discarded and replaced. The vanes should be replaced when their height is below the usable limit detailed in the table below:
| Pump | Vane Useable Height |
|---|---|
| HXL2 | > 1 5/8” |
| HXL3 | > 1 5/8” |
| HXL4 | > 2 1/4" |
| HXL75 | > 2 5/8” |
| HXL15 | > 2 5/8” |
| HXL400 | > 2 3/4" |
| Titan | > 2 1/8” |
| Sidewinder | > 2 1/8” |
| Hydra | > 2 1/8” |
Do I need to keep my Masport Pump clean?
Yes! In order to operate efficiently and at their best, vacuum pumps rely on heat radiating to keep them cool. If mud or debris becomes packed on and around the vacuum pump the heat has trouble escaping and the performance becomes limited.
What maintenance schedule should I perform on my Masport Pump?
To keep the pump in a workable condition operators should undertake regular maintenance and keep a written log of those checks.
Before Starting:
- Ensure a vacuum relief valve and a pressure relief valve are installed in the system and adjusted to recommended settings, taking into account the altitude of the job location.
- Always bleed the tank to atmospheric pressure before switching the valve from vacuum to pressure or from pressure to vacuum.
Every Load:
- Drain the scrubber after each tank load. If nothing drains when the ball valve is opened never assume it is empty, check for a blockage in the valve.
- Check the oil level in the oil reservoir and fill as required.
- Monitor vacuum/pressure and temperature gauges to detect any irregularities or problems.
Daily:
- Add oil approximately every 10 hours of operation or when the oil reservoir shows the level is low. Only use approved lubricants.
- Drain the oil separator twice daily. A brass ball valve is mounted at the bottom for easy draining.
Weekly:
- Flush the pump weekly with Masport Flushing Fluid, or any time that liquids or solids have been allowed to enter the pump.
- Check and clean the Inlet Filter. Ensure the filter is completely dry before refitting. This checking process must be done any time contamination may have entered the system.
- Check to ensure the pump RPM is within the recommended range. Running the pump too fast or too slow may cause damage.
- Wash any dirt off the pump as it needs to be clean to allow heat to radiate and prevent it from overheating.
Annually:
- Check bolt mountings, drive coupling alignment and condition, and vane wear.
Storage:
- If the pump is to be sitting for an extended period of time it needs to be flushed prior to storage. After flushing, pour oil into all bearing lubrication ports to protect the bearing surfaces and oil injection points on the pump to eliminate rust formation on the rotor and cylinder.
- Rotate by hand monthly to distribute oil.
