micron gauge

[joeyd]

Joeyd... pardon my ignorance (as I have only been a registered user for about a 10 days now) but I don't quite understand your relationship with the BluVac. Do you (with your own two hands) actually manuacture the BluVac gauge or is this an instrument of your own engineering and design? I have this picture in my mind of you running service calls all day long, only to go home and sit at your garage/basement workbench, assembling micron gauges, one at a time, component by component all by hand, like a fine Swiss watch maker. Please correct me if I am painting an inaccurate picture. I have NEVER seen a BluVac micron gauge at any of the local refrigeration supply houses in the Milwaukee/Madison area. Additionally, I have never even heard a fellow technician mention the BluVac uge during our ocassional discussions about tools/equipment that every guy should get. I have also asked the Journeyman who teach night school at the union hall and my fellow 4th and 5th year apprentices if they have had any experiences with, or heard anything about the BluVac, but nobody is familiar with the gauge but all of us (apprentices and Journeymen both) are very interested in seeing one in action. I see from some of the previous posts, guys haven't been shy about asking for a sample, but I am wondering if it is possible to obtain a BluVac micron gauge so that I can take the gauge to the hall and show fellow classmates and my teachers how the gauge stacks up against the other products on the market. I could also take it to my work and introduce it to service guys to get their thoughts on it. I work for Advantage Refrigeration, the largest commercial refrigeration/supermarket install and service company in Wisconsin. We always have techs asking for quality vacuum gauges but are purchasing department never knows which to buy. So if I can give tell them that the BluVac gauge is the best on the market on, then we would purchase large quantities for all of service techs

Hi, Mike.

I am a founding partner of Core Enterprises, Inc. (since 2001), the developer and manufacturer of the AccuTools line of electronic HVAC tools:

http://accutools.com

Yes, I did start the company in my garage, but we moved to our Coral Springs, Florida factory many years ago.

Our tools are developed at our factory and many, including the micron gauges, are manufactured here as well. I am involved mostly in new product development, but many times I hang out in manufacturing and help where I can (I am a QC nut and insist the everything ships perfect!).

The AccuTools line is relatively new (2005), and the BluVacs themselves were released in October of 2010, after 8 years of development.

For much of our history, we have sold many thousands of product in Europe, much of it private labeled. Getting into distribution in the US is much more difficult, though we are beginning to make inroads.

If it interests you, we have an Education Support Program where we can supply Accutools products to accredited HVAC schools, teachers, and students at a substantial discount. Please see:

http://accutools.com/index.php?page=education

For quantity discounts on gauges, please make your request through our website:

http://accutools.com/index.php?page=contact

Thanks for your interest!

[270wsm]

If by "screen resolution" you mean the resolution of the micron reading: no, the BluVac has 0.1 micron resolution from 0 to 9,999.9 microns, and 1 micron resolution from 10,000 microns to 25,000 microns. The LTE is 1 micron resolution from 0 to 25,000 microns.

If you mean the 'physical' characteristics of the actual display, they both use the same blue-backlit LCD display.

Full details are available at:

http://accutools.com/index.php?page=...subpage=bluvac

and

http://accutools.com/index.php?page=...page=bluvacLTE

Yes I was talking about the display. By looking at the pictures on Trutechtools website, they seem to have different backlight and clarity. May just be the photo.

[270wsm]

Is the features of the Bluvac worth the extra $70 over the Bluevac LTE?

[Chuck]

Is the features of the Bluvac worth the extra $70 over the Bluevac LTE?

In my opinion, yes. After getting used to the leak rate indicator, I would hate to be without it.

[ibrac54]

Model 14571 is an analog micron gauge with dual power source, will run off of 2 D batteries or can be plugged into any 110V outlet. These arent the cheapest gauge but it is reliable as all get out.

I have only used the Thermal model14571 and found that it works very well. We have had a few problems in the last year with the thermistors going bad for some reason though. After reading this thread I am really intrigued with the blu vac! Might have to try one.

[270wsm]

In my opinion, yes. After getting used to the leak rate indicator, I would hate to be without it.

How does the leak rate indicator work?

[Chuck]

How does the leak rate indicator work?

It tells you how many microns per second (in tenths) that the reading is moving up or down. Easy to tell when the evac rate, or leak rate is slowing down or speeding up. You can tell at a glance whether the Micron level is rising or falling.

[uhPrintUs]

...

One thing I hated about the Thermal, it simply won't work in cold weather. I have used the Bluvac down to 0°F and it works flawlessly.

I agree regarding the Thermal and cold weather. It took me awhile to figure out the problem and it was quite frustrating to arrive at the job site on mornings when the temp was around 40 degrees F and see my micron reading was worse than it was the previous afternoon.

I've been using the Yellow Jacket digital that indicates zero to atmospheric for a few years now and so have several co-workers. I never heard of the Bluvac until just now. I will admit if you put half a dozen Yellow Jackets on the same system, they all give a different reading until you get close to the desired vacuum level.

[270wsm]

Well i just ordered a BluVac. Are you guys using a black vacuum rated hose to hook it up or what?

[jpdc]

I'm also thinking of getting one. I'm thinking what is the most reliable way of evacuating a system. I mostly do residential units. Anyone have pics? Thanks

[kdean1]

Well i just ordered a BluVac. Are you guys using a black vacuum rated hose to hook it up or what?

Good move! I think you'll be very pleased with it.
I don't have a 1/4x1/4 vacuum hose and I found standard refrigeration hose wasn't reliable. So I used a short piece of 1/4" copper tubing and put a flare nut on each end. I have to use a wrench to tighten them but they're solid.

[va-sawyer]

I have a Bluvac on its way also. Should be here later today. Never heard of them till last week. Did a Google for 'Torr guage' and found the Tool & Equipment section here. Spent 3 nights in a row, reading and watching videos and LEARNING! Was most impressed by reading posts from Joeyd and the videos from Pascone10. Having access to the mind of the inventer is what finally pushed me to part with the money. Will have to redo my complete vac setup, but looking foward to it. Thank you to all that have posted on the subject.
Rick

[valdelocc]

I agree regarding the Thermal and cold weather. It took me awhile to figure out the problem and it was quite frustrating to arrive at the job site on mornings when the temp was around 40 degrees F and see my micron reading was worse than it was the previous afternoon.

I've been using the Yellow Jacket digital that indicates zero to atmospheric for a few years now and so have several co-workers. I never heard of the Bluvac until just now. I will admit if you put half a dozen Yellow Jackets on the same system, they all give a different reading until you get close to the desired vacuum level.

take a minute and read the Thermal manual, there is "secret" cold weather calibration ritual
I have used my Thermal in well bellow freezing weather with no problems.

now I'm in trouble with the Bluevac zombies

[itsiceman]

I have a 14571. My sensor cools down after you do that.
Well below freezing would require heating up the sensor like it says then keeping it warm in your hand for constant operation otherwise the reading drifts off as the temp of the sensor cools off again.

[Chuck]

take a minute and read the Thermal manual, there is "secret" cold weather calibration ritual
I have used my Thermal in well bellow freezing weather with no problems.

now I'm in trouble with the Bluevac zombies

Yes, I know the "secret" cold weather calibration rotual, lol.

I just never got consistent results.

[va-sawyer]

My new guage arrived this afternoon. Had other stuff to do, so couldn't "play" with it till this evening.
I am now confirmed as a "BluVac Zombie".

Rick

[va-sawyer]

I really like this tool a lot. I think it is worth the extra cost compared to the LTE. The rate indicator is the most useful info it gives you. Suck it down to a given micon level and close the VCRT. As the pressure increases ( and it WILL increase ), watch the rate as it passes through a set number about 15 to 30 seconds later.
Example: Vac to 500 and close VCRT. Note the rate as it passes through 650. The rate is decreasing as the pressure rises unless you have a leak, but is it moisture and how much is left ? Vac back down to 500 and again shut off the VCRT. This time as it is passing through 650 the rate is much lower, so you can see that you are making progress. Easy to see how much hoses are off gassing and if they are getting better.

When you have things in a steady state, just gripping the guage hose fitting with your fingers can cause a slight reading change due to body heat.

The specs say 300 hrs of battery life, but I got mine on Tuesday, and the battery died Saturday early PM. I was testing it a lot, but if I had left it on the whole 5 days, that still wouldn't be 125 hrs. It has a Lithium 9V battery in it now. We will see how long that lasts.

To the manufacture...... as a few others have stated, a fitted case would be nice to have. I would also like to see a vac rated Female to Female angled metal adapter included with the unit.
One small problem I had with quality...... The end of the flare had very rough plating and a 'ding' on one side of the flare cone. I had to sand with 400 and 1000 grit paper to get an acceptable leak rate when attached directly to the end of my Appion VCRT and the valve closed. I have it down to about 1.5 microns/sec at about 500 microns, which I consider pretty good considering how little volume that is( oiled o-ring, no Nylog).

You really can see as moisture boils off by watching the numbers zip up and down. Again, the rate indicator is the best way to see progress. The program feature is useful when moisture is present, because you can set a micron level and time you want below that level. As the pressure rises above the set point due to moisture, the timer stops and starts again once the reading is back below setpoint. You want 15 minutes below 500 microns ? It gives you 15 minutes below 500 microns.... even if it takes 30 minutes from the first time it passes below 500.

Others here have stated that using a BluVac will change how you think about doing evacuations. I was doing that before getting the guage, due to threads I have read about using this unit. Seeing the numbers change in real time while trying different setups and conditions is an education on a different level.


Overall, I would rate this tool at about 9 out of 10 points. Add a case and adapter and it would be pushing 10.

Rick

[joeyd]

I really like this tool a lot. I think it is worth the extra cost compared to the LTE. The rate indicator is the most useful info it gives you. Suck it down to a given micon level and close the VCRT. As the pressure increases ( and it WILL increase ), watch the rate as it passes through a set number about 15 to 30 seconds later.
Example: Vac to 500 and close VCRT. Note the rate as it passes through 650. The rate is decreasing as the pressure rises unless you have a leak, but is it moisture and how much is left ? Vac back down to 500 and again shut off the VCRT. This time as it is passing through 650 the rate is much lower, so you can see that you are making progress. Easy to see how much hoses are off gassing and if they are getting better.

When you have things in a steady state, just gripping the guage hose fitting with your fingers can cause a slight reading change due to body heat.

The specs say 300 hrs of battery life, but I got mine on Tuesday, and the battery died Saturday early PM. I was testing it a lot, but if I had left it on the whole 5 days, that still wouldn't be 125 hrs. It has a Lithium 9V battery in it now. We will see how long that lasts.

To the manufacture...... as a few others have stated, a fitted case would be nice to have. I would also like to see a vac rated Female to Female angled metal adapter included with the unit.
One small problem I had with quality...... The end of the flare had very rough plating and a 'ding' on one side of the flare cone. I had to sand with 400 and 1000 grit paper to get an acceptable leak rate when attached directly to the end of my Appion VCRT and the valve closed. I have it down to about 1.5 microns/sec at about 500 microns, which I consider pretty good considering how little volume that is( oiled o-ring, no Nylog).

You really can see as moisture boils off by watching the numbers zip up and down. Again, the rate indicator is the best way to see progress. The program feature is useful when moisture is present, because you can set a micron level and time you want below that level. As the pressure rises above the set point due to moisture, the timer stops and starts again once the reading is back below setpoint. You want 15 minutes below 500 microns ? It gives you 15 minutes below 500 microns.... even if it takes 30 minutes from the first time it passes below 500.

Others here have stated that using a BluVac will change how you think about doing evacuations. I was doing that before getting the guage, due to threads I have read about using this unit. Seeing the numbers change in real time while trying different setups and conditions is an education on a different level.


Overall, I would rate this tool at about 9 out of 10 points. Add a case and adapter and it would be pushing 10.

Rick

Thanks, va-sawyer, for the comments and your 9 of 10 rating!

Regarding battery life, please note that we rate the battery life as "up to 300 hours". This is, in fact, tested and confirmed, but the actual battery life is greatly dependent upon the conditions under which the gauge is used. For instance, using the backlight will greatly diminish battery life. In addition, operation at higher pressures, and lower ambient temperatures will also cause a battery life reduction. In any case, the BluVac will operate for at least twice as long as any other 9V operated gauge under similar conditions. A lithium battery will increase battery life by about 25%, but IMHO, will not be worth the extra cost unless you are generally using your BluVac at very low ambient temperatures (close to freezing or colder).

Also, we test each BluVac for vacuum leaks. The plating on the flare fitting is hard nickel -- purposely for superior wear performance under general use with connectors with rubber seals.

I look forward to any additional comments you may have.

Regards,

JoeyD

[va-sawyer]

JoeyD,

I got a battery life of more like 30 hrs, or less. Very little use of backlight and room temp or warmer. I would guess at least 1/2 of the time was below 3000 microns.

As for the plating on the flare, it was very rough with gouge like areas that I could see without the aid of my 10x lens. The plate was actually over the rough areas, so it had to be something at or before plating was done. I only sanded till I had a fairly smooth surface, so you can still see spots where the plate in the depressions is still there. If my unit was 1 in a thousand, then no problem, but you may want to just spot check a few with a 10x lens to verify.

A large part of my choosing to buy the BluVac, was from reading posts here that you had responded to. Please don't think that I'm complaining, as I really do like this unit A LOT! Just kinda wishing out loud if you know what I mean.
Rick

[joeyd]

I appreciate your comments! Wish out loud more often, please.

The 30 hours is much shorter than I expect. Was that with the battery we supplied? It's possible it was sitting on the shelf a while, they are susceptible to self-discharge over time. Let me know your experience with a new battery. My own internal test units typically run for weeks or months on one battery with intermittent usage.

FYI, least battery draw is in sleep mode at Hi-P. Worst case is Hi-P outside of sleep mode, with power usage dropping substantially as pressure decreases. Also, the calibration process uses substantial battery power.

I will take a look at our material wrt the connection surfaces.

Thanks again,

JoeyD

JoeyD,

I got a battery life of more like 30 hrs, or less. Very little use of backlight and room temp or warmer. I would guess at least 1/2 of the time was below 3000 microns.

As for the plating on the flare, it was very rough with gouge like areas that I could see without the aid of my 10x lens. The plate was actually over the rough areas, so it had to be something at or before plating was done. I only sanded till I had a fairly smooth surface, so you can still see spots where the plate in the depressions is still there. If my unit was 1 in a thousand, then no problem, but you may want to just spot check a few with a 10x lens to verify.

A large part of my choosing to buy the BluVac, was from reading posts here that you had responded to. Please don't think that I'm complaining, as I really do like this unit A LOT! Just kinda wishing out loud if you know what I mean.
Rick