Tip Seal Replacement Procedure for the IDP-3 Pump

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent GC/MSD Systems using the Agilent IDP-3 dry scroll pump

Issue

Scroll pump requires replacement two tip seals and one O-ring after approximately one year of use (9000 hours).

Requirements

1. The system must be vented before starting this procedure. See the article How To Vent (Shut Down) the GC/MSD - EI - MassHunter
2. For your safety, the IDP-3 power chord must be disconnected before the maintenance procedure
3. Wait at least 10 minutes for the pump to cool

Items Required

• Razor blade or side-cutting pliers
• IDP-3 tip seal maintenance kit (p/n G7077-67018). See Figure 1 for details
  

  
  
  Figure 1. IDP-3 tip seal maintenance kit
  
  

  Part Label	Part Name	Quantity
  A	4 mm T-handle Allen wrench	1
  B	Low lint cleaning wipes	1 pkg
  C	Abrasive pad 9” by 6”	1
  D	Low Lint Cleaning Swabs	1 pkg
  E	Nitrile gloves (color may vary)	One pair
  F	O-ring	1
  G	Tip seal 1 set	2
  H	Silencer Filter	1
  I	Dust Mask	1

  Table 1. IDP-3 tip seal maintenance kit contents details
  
  

Steps to Follow

1. Remove the muffler assembly from the front of the IDP-3 if muffler assembly option is equipped. If an optional barb fitting is equipped instead, remove it and set aside (see Figure 2).
   

   
   
   Figure 2. Removing the muffler assembly
   
   

2. Remove the filter from the muffler assembly (if equipped) and replace it with the new filter (See Figure 3). Set aside.
   

   
   
   Figure 3. Removing the filter
   
   

3. Unscrew and remove the gas ballast filter plug from the top of the pump (see Figure 4). An adjustable wrench may be used if necessary.
   

   
   
   Figure 4. Removing the gas ballast filter
   
   

4. Using the 4 mm T handled hex key, remove the four M5 screws that hold the front cowling on to the IDP-3 and disconnect the cable that powers the fan (see Figure 5).
   

   
   
   Figure 5. Removing front cowling
   
   

5. Using the same 4 mm hex key, remove the four M5 screws that hold on the outboard housing and remove the housing from the pump (see Figure 6).
   

   
   
   Figure 6. Removing the outboard housing
   
   

6. Remove the tip seal from both the outboard housing and the orbiting plate (see Figure 7).
   

   
   
   Figure 7. Removing tip seals
   
   

7. Remove the O-ring that provides the seal between the orbiting plate and the outboard housing from the pump frame (see Figure 8).
   

   
   
   Figure 8.Removing the O-ring 
   
   

8. Clean the groves and interior of both the outboard housing and the orbiting plate using the abrasive pad, low lint cloth, and low lint cleaning swabs from the maintenance kit. If a cleaning fluid is necessary, use isopropyl alcohol (not included) (see Figure 9).
   Do not use water, detergent, or home/industrial cleaning products. Do not use compressed air or canned air to remove tip seal dust from the interior of the pump.
   

   
   
   Figure 9. Cleaning the outboard housing and orbital plate
   
   

9. Install the tip seal from the center of the orbiting plate and work it outward (Figure 10). When the tip seal groove is filled, cut off the excess, leaving 1/8th of an inch (3 mm) of open space in the groove to allow for expansion of the tip seal (Figure 11).
   

   
   
   Figure 10. Installing the tip seal in the orbiting plate 
   
   

   
   
   Figure 11. Tip seal gap 
   
   

10. Repeat the installation process with the outboard housing (see Figure 12).
    

    
    
    Figure 12. Installing the tip seal in the outboard housing
    
    

11. Install the new O-ring from the kit into the O-ring groove on the IDP-3 pump frame (see Figure 13).
    

    
    
    Figure 13. Installing the O-ring 
    
    

12. Remount the outboard housing onto the IDP-3, using the guide pins on the housing. Make sure that the tip seal does not fall out of the groove and that the O-ring remains seated in the groove. 
    Using the 4 mm hex key, reinstall the four M5 screws that hold on the Outboard Housing to the pump frame. Torque to approximately 5 Nm if a torque wrench is available (see Figure 14).
    

    
    
    Figure 14. Mounting the outboard housing
    

13. Reconnect the fan connector that goes from the front cowling to the frame of the pump. Reinstall the front cowling to the pump using the four M5 screws removed previously (see Figure 15).
    

    
    
    Figure 15. Installing the front cowling
    
    

14. Reinstall the muffler assembly into the port and hand tighten (see Figure 16).
    

    
    
    Figure 16. Installing the muffler assembly 
    
    

15. Reinstall the gas ballast filter plug (see Figure 17)
    

    
    
    Figure 17. Installing the ballast filter plug
    
    

16. Reconnect the IDP-3 pump to the instrument.
17. Pump down the system and verify that the pump works properly.

Tips: For additional information, see the full video: Agilent IDP-3 Dry Scroll Pump for the Agilent 5977, 5975, and 5973 Series GC/MSD - Pump Maintenance Video

Learn how to effectively maintain your Agilent GC/MS system:  Agilent 5977 GC/MSD with MassHunter Workstation Agilent 5977 GC/MSD with OpenLab CDS e-learning paths available from Agilent education