ACT · Act now — correcting soonVacuum degasser →Cost of fault ≈ $30k+ / incident
Why it matters
No vacuum means no gas stripping, so gas-cut mud passes through untreated — the same well-control and pump-cavitation risks as poor gas removal, traced to a mechanical cause.
Likely causes
Vacuum pump fault — worn, fouled, or not turning.
Drive belt slipping or broken; motor fault.
Failed seals / gaskets letting air in.
Vent line plugged or liquid carry-over flooding the vessel.
Wrong mud level breaking the seal.
Heavy carry-over loading the vacuum system.
How to diagnose it
Confirm the gauge reading on start-up against design vacuum.
Check pump, belt and motor operation.
Inspect seals / gaskets for air ingress.
Check the vent line for plugging or carry-over.
Verify mud level holds the seal.
The fix — step by step
Service or replace the vacuum pump; renew the belt; fix the motor.
Replace failed seals / gaskets so the vessel holds vacuum.
Clear the vent line and stop liquid carry-over.
Set the correct mud level to maintain the seal.
Confirm design vacuum is restored before relying on the unit.
Confirm it's fixed
✓ Verify: Design vacuum developing on start-up and holding; vent line clear and seals tight.
Field note. Low vacuum and ‘not pulling gas' are usually the same fault from two ends. Always confirm vacuum develops on start-up — if the gauge is dead, you have a mechanical job (pump, belt, seal, vent), not a process one.