Debugging an Inficon PKR 251 Series Gauge

Every fusor and fusion system seems to need a vacuum. This area is for detailed discussion of vacuum systems, materials, gauging, etc. related to fusor or fusion research.
Post Reply
Duncan Wilkie
Posts: 31
Joined: Thu Dec 24, 2015 8:55 pm
Real name: Duncan Wilkie

Debugging an Inficon PKR 251 Series Gauge

Post by Duncan Wilkie »

So I got this gauge (2000+ new) for like $200 on eBay and I've been having some issues with it. I attached it directly to the output of my diff pump and pulled a vacuum through it with my backing pump, and got like 15 torr. The pump was very loud, so I assumed it was my shoddy job of re-using a conflat gasket. I replaced the gasket, and when I pulled vacuum again the pump was whisper-quiet after I closed the ballast. However, the gauge still read 15 torr. This may be an internal issue with my gauge, but I was wondering if this auditory indicator is a valid way of determining vacuum quality.
Thanks,
-Duncan
Some say the glass is half full. Others see it as half empty. I say it is twice as big as it needs to be.
ian_krase
Posts: 636
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2016 2:48 am
Real name: Ian Krase

Re: Debugging an Inficon PKR 251 Series Gauge

Post by ian_krase »

Rotary vane pumps definitely get quiet when the pressure and gas load are small, but it's not terribly sensitive.
Andrew Seltzman
Posts: 815
Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2004 8:02 pm
Real name: Andrew Seltzman
Contact:

Re: Debugging an Inficon PKR 251 Series Gauge

Post by Andrew Seltzman »

Could be a problem with the pirani element, they are known to go bad on these gauges.
Andrew Seltzman
www.rtftechnologies.org
Jerry Biehler
Posts: 975
Joined: Tue Nov 24, 2009 3:08 am
Real name:
Location: Beaverton, OR

Re: Debugging an Inficon PKR 251 Series Gauge

Post by Jerry Biehler »

Send it back and get your money back, I usually dont spend more than $100 on these units.
Post Reply

Return to “Vacuum Technology (& FAQs)”