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WILDEN PUMP & ENGINEERING, LLC
WIL-10260-E-02
SECTION 7A
INSTALLATION – T4 METAL
AIR-OPERATED PUMPS
The Model T4 Metal pump has a 38 mm (1-1/2") inlet and
32 mm (1-1/4") outlet and is designed for flows to 307 lpm
(81 gpm). The T4 Metal pump is manufactured with wetted
parts of aluminum, cast iron, or stainless steel. The T4 Metal
pump comes with either a center block or center section. The
T4 center block is constructed of aluminum or nickel-plated
aluminum. The T4 center section comes in polypropylene.
The air distribution system consists of a brass air valve body,
aluminum piston, Glyd™ rings and a bronze center section
bushing. A variety of diaphragms, valve balls, valve seats,
and o-rings are available to satisfy temperature, chemical
compatibility, abrasion and flex concerns.
The suction pipe size should be at least 38 mm (1-1/2")
diameter or larger if highly viscous material is being pumped.
The suction hose must be non-collapsible, reinforced type
as the T4 is capable of pulling a high vacuum. Discharge
piping should be at least 32 mm (1-1/4"); larger diameter can
be used to reduce friction losses. It is critical that all fittings
and connections are airtight or a reduction or loss of pump
suction capability will result.
INSTALLATION: Months of careful planning, study, and
selection 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
requirements 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 advantage.
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
psig) 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. SOLENOID OPERATION: the pumps should use a 5µ
micron air filter, needle valve and regulator. The use of an
air filter before the pump will ensure that the majority of any
pipeline contaminants will be eliminated.
4. 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).
5. 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 inadvertent 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. Unnecessary 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
minimizing 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 T4 can be used in submersible applications only when both
wetted and non-wetted portions are com patible with the material
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 0.5–0.7 bar (7–10
psig). Premature diaphragm failure may occur if positive
suction is 0.8 bar (11 psig) and higher.
THE MODEL T4 WILL PASS 4.8 mm (3/16") SOLIDS. THE M4
STALLION WILL PASS 13 mm (1/2") SOLIDS. WHENEVER
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. (3.4 BAR [5O PSIG] FOR UL MODELS.)
PUMPS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY FLUSHED WITH
WATER BEFORE INSTALLING INTO PROCESS LINES.
FDA AND USDA PUMPS SHOULD BE CLEANED AND/OR
SANITIZED BEFORE USE ON EDIBLE PRODUCTS.
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.
