Let's review Agilent Soft Start feature for turbomolecular pumps in this 2-minute tutorial. Agilent turbo pumps feature a unique Soft Start function which must be engaged prior to starting a turbo pump that has not been operated for between one (1) and twelve (12) months. Soft Start uses a much slower ramp up that redistributes the lubricant within the turbo pumps bearing, ensuring optimum working efficiency and lifetime. In the unlikely event that a turbo pump hasn't been operated for more than 12 months, the pump should be returned to the manufacturer for rechanneling. The lubricating grease inside a mechanical bearing can shift under gravity during periods of inactivity. Soft Start ensures proper redistribution of the grease and allows the lubricant to reach optimal working condition by carefully controlling the turbo pump initial ramp up. Soft Start is typically enabled for the first ramp up after a period of inactivity and disabled afterwards. Depending on factors like external gas load, a turbo pump can take several minutes to reach full operating speed when Soft Start is engaged. Software can be enabled from the front panel of Agilent remote mounted rack controllers, or if you're operating your pump with an integrated or on-board controller through the free A-PLUS app available on agilent.com. Note the Soft Start feature can only be enabled or disabled when the turbo pump is in stopped mode. Enabling Soft Start through A-PLUS software is covered in a separate tutorial. To activate the Soft Start function on a rack remote mount controller, you need to access the configuration menu by pressing the Counters and Measures buttons simultaneously for two seconds. Use the Next button to scroll to the pump settings menu, then press Increase to access the pump setting options. The Next button will move through the high speed adjust and low speed adjust values and then display Soft Start. At the Soft Start menu, pressing the Increase button will toggle the value between Yes and No, enabling or disabling the feature. When the correct value is displayed, press Increase and Next simultaneously to save the setting and exit the programming mode. Note the Soft Start setting will be retained until actively changed even if controller power is removed. After exiting the configuration menu, start the pump as usual using the Start button or external command via the IO port.
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