Abstract/Background:
Ink supplies and printheads are held at predetermined Reservoir and Weir Vacuum setpoints that can vary system to system. The Reservoir Vacuum setpoint is typically -10 to -13 kPa. The Reservoir Vacuum Pump RPMs--visible in the Pump Info section of the Home Page of the web interface--are expected to be in the 50-200 RPM range most of the time. This stable condition will get disrupted if Circulation is turned off, which is required when a printhead is replaced. These steps can help recover from a leaking or weeping state after Circulation in the Ink Supply is reestablished.
Symptom(s):
The Reservoir Vacuum feedback is significantly lower than the setpoint, and the Vacuum Pump is running all-out at 3300-3600 RPMs. When all pumps are off, and then Fill and Reservoir Vacuum are Enabled, the Reservoir Vacuum Pump cannot keep up with the changing volume of ink, and the Reservoir Vacuum feedback will slowly climb to a positive value
Note: This is very similar to the symptoms of a vacuum leak at the nozzle plates, see related support article below https://ppsihelp.freshdesk.com/a/solutions/articles/27000075467
Potential Solutions/Causes:
1. Replace the Vacuum Pump (PPSI P/N 00-23624)
2. These micro diaphragm gas pumps are designed to only have air pass through, not ink. If an ink trap overfill event occurs, the vacuum lines must be flushed thoroughly. Even then, ink can get trapped inside the vacuum pump and lead to failure over time.
**It is recommended to replace vacuum pumps if they have been heavily contaminated with ink, especially on ink supplies that hold White inks, whose pigments are generally more harsh and abrasive.**
Additional/Related Information:
Correcting Vacuum Leaks at Printheads: https://ppsihelp.freshdesk.com/a/solutions/articles/27000075467
Cleaning Vacuum Lines: https://ppsihelp.freshdesk.com/a/solutions/articles/27000050633
Ink Trap Overfill/Losing Ink: https://ppsihelp.freshdesk.com/a/solutions/articles/27000075111
If you have other problems not listed here, or additional questions on how to diagnose/identify these items, feel free to start a new Support Ticket and an Agent will reach out to you shortly! Emailing support@prototypesys.com will automatically create a new Ticket in the Freshdesk system.