Armfield Instruction Manual
14
Installing the Equipment
This item is supplied as one major assembly, together with all accessories listed
above.
After careful removal from the packing case it should be positioned on a suitable floor
with adequate access space on all sides.
Commissioning
1. Position the equipment as required ensure that the floor is adequate to
support the weight of the equipment when filled with sand and water.
2. Level in the sand tank in both planes by means of the four adjustable feet (10)
on the underside of the frame.
3. Check that the sides of the sand tank are parallel with each other. (It is helpful
for the fitting of the models if the dimensions between the channel sides at the
top slightly exceed that at the base of the channel).
4. Ensure that the tank inlet pipe is located in the clamp (3) at the top of the
sand tank.
5. Check that sump tank drain (11) and sand tank drain (8) are both closed.
6. Fill the sump tank with water.
7. Connect the electrical supply cable to the appropriate mains supply.
Switch on the RCD then press the test button on the RCD. The RCD must
trip. Switch on the RCD again.
8. Close the flow control valve (14) then check the operation of the centrifugal
pump by operating the mains switch. Gradually open the flow control valve
and confirm that water is supplied to the sand tank.
9. Raise both overflow pipes (7 &16) to maximum height and fill the sand tank
with water to check for any leaks. Tighten the clamp strip fixing screws if
necessary.
10. Lower both overflow pipes and drain the water from the sand tank.
11. Check the fit of all models supplied and ensure that all rubber side seals
function correctly (a smear of wetting agent on the seals will aid fitting and
removal).
12. Assemble the dye injection system as shown in Dye Injection Unit in the
Description section. Check the operation of the pinch valve on the flexible
tube connected to each injector needle and water-test the reservoir for leaks.
Having established that all the listed checks are satisfactory, the equipment can now
be fitted with the selected porous medium in preparation for experimental work.
Choice of Sand
It is advisable to use washed, narrow range sand (coarse sand) with no significant
fraction finer than 0.5mm. The sand should be placed in the tank after the tank has
been filled with water to ensure better spreading and mixing.
