10
WILDEN PUMP & ENGINEERING CO.
SECTION 7A
INSTALLATION – T8 PLASTIC
AIR-OPERATED PUMPS
The Model T8 Plastic (“Champ”) pump has a 5.08 cm (2") inlet
and 5.08 cm (2") outlet and is designed for flows to 590.5 lpm
(156 gpm). The T8 Champ pump is manufactured with wetted
parts of pure, unpigmented PVDF or polypropylene. The center
block of the T8 is constructed of glass-filled polypropylene. A
variety of diaphragms, valve balls, valve seats, and O-rings are
available to satisfy temperature, chemical compatibility, abra-
sion and flex concerns.
The suction pipe size should be at least 5.08 cm (2") diameter
or larger if highly viscous material is being pumped. The suction
hose must be non-collapsible, reinforced type as the T8 is capa-
ble of pulling a high vacuum. Discharge piping should be at
least 5.08 cm (2"); larger diameter can be used to reduce fric-
tion losses. It is critical that all fittings and connections are
airtight or a reduction or loss of pump suction capability will
result.
For T8 Champ models, Wilden offers 68 kg (150 lb.) standard or
metric flanges. The following details should be noted when
mating these to pipe works:
•
A 60–80 shore gasket that covers the entire flange face
should be used.
•
The gasket should be between .075" and .175" thickness.
•
Mating flanges with flat as opposed to raised surfaces should
be used for proper mechanical sealing.
•
The flanges should be tightened to a minimum of 6.8 m-N (5
ft.-lbs.) but no more than 13.5 m-N (10 ft.-lbs.).
A non-raised surfaced-flange adapter should be utilized when
mating to the pump’s inlet and discharge manifolds for proper
sealing.
INSTALLATION: Months of careful planning, study, and selec-
tion efforts can result in unsatisfactory pump performance if
installation details are left to chance.
Premature failure and long term dissatisfaction can be avoided
if reasonable care is exercised throughout the installation
process.
LOCATION: Noise, safety, and other logistical factors usually
dictate that “utility” equipment be situated away from the
production floor. Multiple installations with conflicting require-
ments can result in congestion of utility areas, leaving few
choices for siting of additional pumps.
Within the framework of these and other existing conditions,
every pump should be located in such a way that four key
factors are balanced against each other to maximum advan-
tage.
1. ACCESS: First of all, the location should be accessible. If it’s
easy to reach the pump, maintenance personnel will have an
easier time carrying out routine inspections and adjustments.
Should major repairs become necessary, ease of access can
play a key role in speeding the repair process and reducing total
downtime.
2. AIR SUPPLY: Every pump location should have an air line
large enough to supply the volume of air necessary to achieve
the desired pumping rate (see pump performance chart). Use
air pressure up to a maximum of 8.6 Bar (125 psi) depending
upon pumping requirements.The use of an air filter before the
pump will ensure that the majority of any pipeline contaminants
will be eliminated. For best results, the pumps should use an air
filter, regulator, and lubricator system.
3. ELEVATION: Selecting a site that is well within the pump’s
suction lift capability will assure that loss-of-prime troubles will
be eliminated. In addition, pump efficiency can be adversely
affected if proper attention is not given to elevation (see pump
performance chart).
4. PIPING: Final determination of the pump site should not be
made until the piping problems of each possible location have
been evaluated. The impact of current and future installations
should be considered ahead of time to make sure that inadver-
tent restrictions are not created for any remaining sites.
The best choice possible will be a site involving the shortest and
the straightest hook-up of suction and discharge piping. Unnec-
essary elbows, bends, and fittings should be avoided. Pipe
sizes should be selected so as to keep friction losses within
practical limits. All piping should be supported independently of
the pump. In addition, it should line up without placing stress on
the pump fittings.
Expansion joints can be installed to aid in absorbing the forces
created by the natural reciprocating action of the pump. If the
pump is to be bolted down to a solid foundation, a mounting pad
placed between the pump and foundation will assist in minimiz-
ing pump vibration. Flexible connections between the pump and
rigid piping will also assist in minimizing pump vibration. If quick-
closing valves are installed at any point in the discharge system,
or if pulsation within a system becomes a problem, a surge
suppressor should be installed to protect the pump, piping and
gauges from surges and water hammer.
When pumps are installed in applications involving flooded
suction or suction head pressures, a gate valve should be
installed in the suction line to permit closing of the line for pump
service.
The T8 can be used in submersible applications only when both
wetted and non-wetted portions are compatible with the mater-
ial being pumped. If the pump is to be used in a submersible
application, a hose should be attached to the pump’s air
exhaust and the exhaust air piped above the liquid level.
If the pump is to be used in a self-priming application, be sure
that all connections are airtight and that the suction lift is within
the pump’s ability. Note: Materials of construction and elastomer
material have an effect on suction lift parameters. Please refer
to pump performance data.
Pumps in service with a positive suction head are most efficient
when inlet pressure is limited to .5–.7 Bar (7–10 psig). Prema-
ture diaphragm failure may occur if positive suction is .8 Bar (11
psig) and higher.
THE MODEL T8 WILL PASS 6.35 mm (
1
⁄
4
") SOLIDS. WHEN-
EVER THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT LARGER SOLID
OBJECTS MAY BE SUCKED INTO THE PUMP, A STRAINER
SHOULD BE USED ON THE SUCTION LINE.
CAUTION: DO NOT EXCEED 8.6 BAR (125 PSIG) AIR
SUPPLY PRESSURE.
BLOW OUT AIR LINE FOR 10 TO 20 SECONDS BEFORE
ATTACHING TO PUMP TO MAKE SURE ALL PIPE LINE
DEBRIS IS CLEAR. ALWAYS USE AN IN-LINE AIR
FILTER.
PUMPS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY FLUSHED WITH
WATER BEFORE INSTALLING INTO PROCESS LINES. FDA
AND USDA APPROVED PUMPS SHOULD BE CLEANED
AND/OR SANITIZED BEFORE BEING USED ON EDIBLE
PRODUCTS.
