HEAD LOADING PROCEDURE
Step 1 Inspect the Shell
Before installing the head, check the inside surface of the shell
for any imperfections or foreign matter. Remove all foreign matter
using a mild soap solution and rinse with clean water. To remove
imperfections, lightly sand the surface of the vessel with 600-grit
sandpaper and soapy water and then rinse with water can.
Step 2 Head Seal and Shell Lubrication
Ensure that the head seal is covered with a thin layer of glycerin
and is free from any dirt or dust contamination. Then lubricate the
inside of the shell starting directly inboard of the retaining ring
groove and up the energizing ramp into the vessel bore. Only a
thin layer is required. Silicone lubricants can also be used;
however, care should be taken to use as little as possible. Check
with your membrane supplier before using these lubricants as
they can foul membranes.
Step 3 Install Head
Holding the head square to the axis of the shell, slowly push the
head into the shell until the seal passes the retaining ring groove.
As a resistance is felt, tap the head in using a 2-3 lb dead blow
hammer until the head clears the retaining ring groove.
Step 4 Install Retaining Ring
Remove any moisture from the retaining groove before
proceeding. Carefully place the end of the retaining ring into the
groove on the shell. After the ring is started, slowly push the ring
towards the groove. As the ring enters the groove, continue
pushing as your hand slowly rotates counter-clockwise around
the inside diameter of the shell. Be careful to prevent the ring
from snapping against your finger as it enters the groove.
Step 5 Reconnect Permeate Port
Reconnect the permeate manifolding to the permeate port.
Step 6 Pressurize System
Before starting the system, double check that each head has
been correctly installed and that all piping connections are in
place. After ensuring that all required precautions have been
taken, start the system.
Step 7 Check for Leaks
After system start up, verify that all connections are leak free. Fix
any leaks at this time to prevent corrosion that may lead to
component deterioration and possibly unsafe operation.
HEAD REMOVAL PROCEDURE
Step 1 Shut Down System
Shut down system and take all steps necessary to relieve
system pressure from the vessel.
Step 2 Disconnect Permeate Piping
Carefully disconnect the permeate piping from the permeate port.
Set this piping in a secure place for re-assembly.
Step 3 Check End Closure
Examine the end closure for any corrosion or damage. Remove
any corrosion with a wire brush and flush away the deposits with
clean water. Order replacement components as required.
Step 4 Remove Retaining Ring
Pull the retaining ring out of the groove in the shell. After the ring
is removed from the groove for ¼ turn, stop pulling. Finish
removing the ring by running your finger behind the ring and
carefully pulling the ring from groove. It is best to follow the ring
in a clock-wise direction while removing to avoid stretching the
ring.
Step 5 Remove Head
Use the two tapped 5/16”-18 holes in the bearing plate to pull the
head out. It is recommended that you contact the factory for
head removal tools or instructions.
SIDE PORT SEAL REPLACEMENT
While it is possible to replace the side port seal without removing
the port, port removal is the best way to ensure that the seal
gland is not damaged and to inspect/recondition the gland as
required. Before this procedure is started, it is required that a
replacement retaining ring and a new port seal be purchased to
ensure correct port installation. A side port/seal installation kit
with instructions is available from the factory. Please contact the
factory for ordering.
Step 1 Remove Retaining Ring
Carefully remove the metal retaining ring from the side port as to
not damage the ring or the port.
Step 2 Remove Side Port
Mark the port and the shell to indicate correct port location for
installation. Rotate the vessel, until the port is in the 2 O’clock
position. Place a soft towel into the vessel bore to prevent any
possible damage. Using a rubber mallet, lightly tap on the port
from the outside of the vessel while holding the port from inside
the vessel. Continue to tap on the port until it is removed.
Step 3 Inspect Port
Inspect inside the port for any corrosion and remove any deposits
with a mild abrasive. Ports that have pitting or crevice corrosion
should be replaced. Inspect the sealing area of the port for areas
that may create sealing problems. Imperfections can be sanded
with 600-grit sandpaper and soap solution. If any imperfections
cannot be removed in this manner, port replacement is required.
Step 4 Inspect Shell
Sand the hole through with 80 grit emery cloth until the port
slides into the hole through freely. Inspect the sealing area of
the shell for areas that may create sealing problems.
Imperfections can be lightly sanded with 600-grit sandpaper and
a mild soap solution. If any imperfections cannot be removed in
this manner the port may leak. If this is found to be the case, the
vessel will require a factory technician to repair the damaged
area. Contact the factory for further information.
Step 5 Install the Port
Using the clocking marks from the port removal, install the port
into the vessel wall by pushing it from the inside toward the
outside of the vessel. Push the port into position until the snap
ring groove clears the outside of the shell.
Step 6 Install the New Retaining Ring
Carefully install the new retaining ring being very careful not
to stretch it out of shape. Feed one end of the ring into the
groove. Then walk the ring into the groove by pushing on
the ring with a small tool such as a screwdriver until the ring
is completely installed into the groove.
Step 7 Lubricate the New Seal
Lubricate the new seal with a thin layer of glycerin. Silicone
lubricants can also be used; however, use as little as possible.
Check with your membrane supplier before using these
lubricants as they can foul membranes.
Step 8 Install the New Seal
With the tongue depressor, push the seal all the way down at two
points across from each other. Then repeat the process in the
opposite direction. The seal should now be installed at four
corners. Carefully continue to push the seal into the gland by
alternating sides until the entire seal is installed.