3 Installation
9
Read the instructions carefully and pay special attention to the warnings! Always check the tank cleaning machine before
operation.
Step 6
Entry Openings
When using the Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT, the vessels being cleaned must provide entry openings large enough to avoid
interference during insertion and removal. The minimum opening size required for the Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT is 98.5mm
(3.875
”) in diameter for free-hand installation of a clutch driven machine and the nozzles in the vertical position. For a pin
drive machine, the minimum opening size required is 174.7mm (6.875
”). A 97.3mm (3.830”) opening is needed for the low-
profile version of the Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT regardless of the nozzle position.
Step 7
Vessel Drainage
If it is necessary to clean the floor of a vessel, remember that standing liquid will diminish the effectiveness of the Alfa Laval
GJ PF-FT by covering any soils underneath. Wherever possible, the tank floor should be pitched toward the drain and the
drainage opening should be large enough to eliminate or reduce any liquid buildup or puddling. If gravity alone is insufficient,
a scavenger or stripper pump should be connected to the drain to suck out the excess wash fluid. In extreme cases, it may be
necessary to use smaller nozzles on the Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT, or even to operate it intermittently to allow time for draining.
Step 8
Filters and Strainers
All tank cleaning systems should be equipped with a filter or strainer that will trap solids
1/16” and larger (150 micron, 100
mesh)
, as these will not pass through the Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT. These particles can become caught in one of the internal
passages of the machine and cause it to stop turning or reduce its cleaning effectiveness due to a loss of flow. It will then be
necessary to disassemble the machine and remove the blockage.
In recirculated (closed-loop) cleaning or any other application where the cleaning solution may carry abrasive solids in
suspension, adequate filtration is a must. These particles can be extremely destructive to the Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT, pumps,
valves, and other system components. Filters, properly installed and maintained, will more than pay for themselves with lower
overall operating costs in these applications. Furthermore, to ensure that clogged filters or strainers are cleaned, we
recommend using automatic self-cleaning models.
Step 9
Capacity of Supply Pump
The Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT can be used with either a centrifugal or positive displacement (constant volume), PD, style pump. In
most cases, if the Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT is to be used with a centrifugal pump, the Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT should be configured
so that the pump will operate close to its best efficiency point. The end user must, therefore, take all of the plumbing,
elevation, and Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT pressure/flow rate requirements into account.
If a PD style pump (i.e. piston pump, plunger pump, or mechanical diaphragm pump, etc.) will be supplying the wash fluid to
the Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT, a different set of rules apply. PD pumps are fixed volume pumps whose flow rate is dependent upon
the rotational speed of the pump; the pumps also have a pressure rating which is the
maximum
operating pressure
. Note:
Do not confuse the maximum operating pressure of a PD pump with the actual operating pressure, the actual
operating pressure is dictated by the fixed flow rate of the pump and the Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT / plumbing system.
If a
PD pump is used, the Alfa Laval GJ PF-FT should be sized to, first, match the flow capability of the pump and, second, not
exceed the Alfa Laval GJ PF-
FT’s or pump's maximum operating pressure (taking the pressure rating of the plumbing system
into account, also).
Warning: For high-pressure applications (over 10bar / 145psig), the pressure of the system must "ramp up" to its
operating pressure. If the system experiences a pressure spike or pressure increases at a rate of more
than 10bar / 150psi per second, the machine may be damaged and parts will wear out prematurely.
Damage resulting from this water hammer affect is not covered by the warranty.
Summary of Contents for GJ PF-FT
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