Found Kinney KC-8 Vacuum Pump - what is it for?

[dolorm]

Hi,

Anyone know much about one of these:

I found a Kinney KC-8 Vacuum Pump a guy offered to me for $75. I bought it, but not sure what to use it for.

I have a cheap 2 stage vacuum pump I bought to install a mini split, so I am not sure what to use this monster for?

I am interested in some vacuum bagging among other fabrication, woodworking, etc.. I tinker a bit, but not sure if this thing will just collect dust in my shop. The Kinney website says:

"Applications: Evacuating Refrigeration Systems, Liquid Gas Storage, Brake Filling Systems, Low-Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPCVD), Leak Detection"

Do I sell it or does it offer something of value for my garage?

I am going to put a micron gauge on it and see if it is holding vacuum well. Apparently it pulls to .2 microns vs 20-30 for regular hvac vacuum pumps.

Also, vacuum oils can be very spendy or very reasonable. JB Industries Black Gold is about $28 for a gallon. This is Hydro-processed oil. Is it suitable for the KC-8?

Thank you for any help.
-Mike

 

[ttpete]

Make sure that the oil isn't contaminated with bad chemicals. Sometimes people will accidentally pull something into the pump. Change the oil regardless. Just because it is advertised to be capable of .2 micron doesn't mean it will do it in practice. What happens is any system it's connected to will off-gas until all of the gases are gone. I've had pumps sit on the bench running for 2 or 3 days dead-headed before they get to maximum vacuum.

 

[dogdog]

dam that is a nice find....

 

[royesses]

That's a YOU **** deal. Industrial/Laboratory vacuum pumps sell for big money. My CPS VP4D 4 cfm dual stage pulls 10 microns (measured with a Blue Vac micron meter)and cost $220 on sale. And that's an economy pump.

I use CPS Pro Set VPOQ vacuum pump oil or JB Black Gold. Any high quality oil should do the job.

Roy

 

[American Locomotive]

Keep in mind that oil-sealed vacuum pumps are basically limited by the vapor pressure of the working oil. Putting regular vacuum pump oil in it may not allow it to achieve its advertised vacuum rating.

 

[rsanter]

That is overkill for your garage.
But at that price you can afford overkill

 

[dolorm]

Thanks all. In reference to "oil-sealed vacuum pumps are basically limited by the vapor pressure of the working oil." I am very interested in understanding this concept of vapor pressure. How to interpret the nimbers. I will find out the numbers and may post it here to see if you or others understand. Much thanks for this clue.

 

[Corndoggeh]

That's a YOU **** deal. Industrial/Laboratory vacuum pumps sell for big money. My CPS VP4D 4 cfm dual stage pulls 10 microns (measured with a Blue Vac micron meter)and cost $220 on sale. And that's an economy pump.

I use CPS Pro Set VPOQ vacuum pump oil or JB Black Gold. Any high quality oil should do the job.

Roy

You couldnt be more right about the cost of industrial/lab grade vacuum equipment. The lab I work in uses a lot of D30 and turbo pumps. I ALWAYS pay attention to the university auction hoping to score vacuum equipment for cheap.

 

[royesses]

Here is a link to an article on vacuum pump oil and its rquirements.
https://vacaero.com/information-res...on-and-training/988-oil-for-vacuum-pumps.html

Roy

 

[dolorm]

Thank you for that link Roy.

 

[dolorm]

Funny how it makes me happy to hear I got a good deal. Now all I need is a use for this boat anchor. I want to do some vacuum bag composit projects. just don't know why I would need more than my little 2 stage hvac pump.

 

[royesses]

Thank you for that link Roy.

You are welcome.

Roy