CoreLok FAQs

• Ensure power is being supplied from the outlet and that the CoreLok is plugged in.
• Check the wiring on the front panel for Power In and ensure proper connection.

• Ensure proper placement of the bag prior to closing the lid.
• Check the Seal Bar connections are tight.
• Adjust the “SEAL” setting in the Menu.  Use the Menu button to navigate between options and the UP+/DOWN- buttons to adjust the time.  Maximum allowed time is 2.0 seconds. 
• Check the Seal Bar tape for any holes or burned spots.  If burned spots on the tape, check the element, then replace the tape if the element is still good.  If element is not good, replace both the element and the tape.  
• Check the Seal Bar Element for continuity.  If there is no continuity across the element, replace both the element and tape.
• Ensure the Seal Bar is free to move up and down on its guides.  
• Check the Silicone Bar in the lid for any burned spots.  If you find burned spots, you can flip the Silicone Bar over and use the other side.  
• During the “SEAL” part of the cycle, look through the lid window and confirm the Seal Bar is moving up against the Silicone Bar.  If it is not moving, remove the Seal Bar and examine the bladder for proper connection and any damage.  If Seal Bar can move and no damage to bladder, the seal valve may be faulty and needs replacing.  

• Check bag for holes.  If you get holes in the bag around the sample, sand any rough edges and test in new bag.  If continual issues, inquire about the rubber sheets to help protect the bag from punctures.  
• Check “VAC” setting is set at 99%.
• Check seal on bag.  If there is a bad or weak seal, check items relating to the CoreLok do not seal bag.
• Note whether the CoreLok is Pulse Venting or not.  This is a periodic release of the vacuum about every 2 seconds until it gets to 10% remaining vacuum.  If the vacuum is released too quickly, it can lead to tears in the bag.  
• Waiting too long before using sealed sample in test.  After samples are sealed, you only have 2 minutes to test the sample.  Even when sealed securely, the bags are not 100% airtight and will eventually loosen around the sample.  
• Confirm CoreLok is reaching the setpoint of 99%.  The CoreLok has a timeout feature that finishes a test if the vacuum does not reach the set point after 30 seconds.  This feature is so the machine does not run forever.  
• Check Lid Gasket for any holes, tears, or flat spots that would allow air to enter the vacuum chamber.  The ends should meet and touch to fill in the gap when under vacuum.  Replacement gasket is a minimum 6.67ft (80 inches).
• Check the vacuum pull in the Chamber with a Torr gauge.  For a valid test, it must pull below 6mmHg (Torr).  Increase the “DWELL” setting until the maximum vacuum is reached before sealing.  Extra time in the “DWELL” cycle will not harm the sample.  The maximum time is 300 seconds (5 minutes).  This is the default setting for Program 2.  
• Perform Pump maintenance.  Change oil and exhaust filter.  Check for dirt underneath the Vacuum intake.  Tighten hoses to pump and any other connections.

• Perform Pump maintenance. Change oil and exhaust filter.  Check for dirt or clogs underneath the Vacuum intake.  Tighten and inspect hoses to pump and any other connections.
• Check Lid Gasket for any holes, tears, or flat spots that would allow air to enter the vacuum chamber.  The ends should meet and touch to fill in the gap when under vacuum. 
• Check the vacuum pull in the Chamber with a Torr gauge.  For a valid test, it must pull below 6mmHg (Torr).  Increase the “DWELL” setting until the maximum vacuum is reached before sealing.  Extra time in the “DWELL” cycle will not harm the sample.  The maximum time is 300 seconds (5 minutes).  This is the default setting for Program 2, used for Max Apparent Specific Gravity.

• Ensure CoreLok is receiving power and turned on.  

• To retrieve a sample that is still in the chamber, first engage the lid stay bar, unplug the machine, and remove the two screws from the base at the back of the machine.  Rotate the unit forward on the hinge pins and loosen the hose attached to the pump. This will allow air back into the chamber and release the vacuum.

• Ensure that Pulse Vent is active.  Activate in the admin menu if not active.  If it is active, you can increase the time between pulses to allow for a slower release of vacuum.
• Sand samples to remove any sharp edges.
• Use the rubber sheets to protect the bag from the sample.  

202.1015 – AggPlus Calibrated Neoprene Sheet Set

203.1003 – Fiberglass insulator strip

203.1010 – Replacement Seal Bar Element

319.8220 – CoreLok Lid Gasket (minimum qty 6.67ft (80 inches) needed for lid)

419.0005 – Vacuum Pump Oil (1 quart)

703.0008 – Silicone Bar for CoreLok

703.1003 – CoreLok Front Panel

947.0105 – CoreLok Vacuum Pump

970.0008 – Seal Bar Tape 16in. Replacement

974.0010 – CoreLok Seal Valve

974.0011 – CoreLok Vent Valve

977.1006 – Exhaust Filter for Busch Pump

• Check Fuse F2 for continuity and seated properly.
• Check Switch for functionality.

• Locate F1 between the two beige relays and check for continuity and seated properly.
• Check Relay CR8 for proper installation. If there are spade connectors, ensure the tabs are inserted fully into the connectors and not resting against the side of the connector. If connectors are used, you can unplug the relay and test by pushing the small tab on the side of the relay and checking for connection across pins 2 and 4 and across 6 and 8.  
• Check voltage coming from the Seal Transformer for 48VAC.  
• During the “SEAL” part of the cycle, look through the lid window and confirm the Seal Bar is moving up against the Silicone Bar.  If it is not moving, remove the Seal Bar and examine the bladder for proper connection and any damage.  If valve can move and no damage to bladder, the seal valve may be faulty and needs replacing.  
• Replace Front Panel.  

• Replace Pump.

• Check that Lid is closing evenly and level to the chamber and is not warped.  If the Lid is warped, it will need to be replaced.  
• Check Vacuum Sensor hose going to VT1 for good connection and free from damage.  
• Check the inline filter going to VT1 on the Front Panel.  Look for any damage, clogs, or connection issues.
• Replace Pump.

• With the lid closed, check for continuity across the Lid Switch wires 17 and 18 (J9) on the PCB.  When the lid is closed, there should be 0Ω resistance.  If there is Open Circuit (infinite resistance), check that the microswitch is being engaged when the lid is closing at the lid hinge.  Adjust the microswitch on the bracket to be engaged when the lid is closed, if needed, or replace if faulty.  
• If pump is not turning on at all, check the relay CR7.  Check Relay CR7 for proper installation.  If there are spade connectors, ensure the tabs are inserted fully into the connectors and not resting against the side of the connector.  If connectors are used, you can unplug the relay and test by pushing the small tab on the side of the relay and checking for connection across pins 2 and 4 and across 6 and 8. If the relay is soldered to the PCB, you will need to replace the entire front panel.  
• If pushing the tab on CR7 results in the pump turning on when the CoreLok is powered on, then the issues is in the Front Panel and needs to be replaced.
• Replace Pump.

• Check the Vent Valve for proper function and is clear of any obstruction. If damaged or not functioning, replace the vent valve.  
• Check for proper voltage going to vent valve during the venting process. If there is no voltage present during the venting process, replace the front panel.

• Ensure that Pulse Vent is active. Activate in the admin menu if not active. Pulse to set to 10% with “Pulse On” 0.1 and “Pulse Off 2.0.” Use a stopwatch during the venting cycle to confirm the time for the air to be let back into the chamber falls within the specifications for the test being performed.  
• Sand samples to remove any sharp edges.
• Use the rubber sheets to protect the bag from the sample.