Document P/N: 2P136539
Release Date: 05/25/2017
Revision: F
20 of 42
Secondary Suction Piping and Hoses:
These are defined as the piping that carries fluid under pressure from the discharge of the centrifugal pump to
another point in the system. This is the piping which connects the centrifugal charge pump to the SPM
®
plunger
pump suction inlet and can also be the piping which connects the centrifugal mixing pump’s discharge to a
mixing tub inlet. The flow velocity in this portion of the system (based on the plunger being used) should range
from 8 to 12 feet per second. Other guidelines are as follows:
Hoses must be oil and chemical resistant wire reinforced combination vacuum/discharge hose rated at
203inHg/100 PSI minimum.
If steel piping is used; all piping runs must be installed so that they are level or progressively higher
toward the plunger pump in order to prevent air traps in the system. When used, reducer fittings should
be of the eccentric type and installed “belly down” in order to prevent air traps. All welded connections
must be air and fluid tight.
All piping and hoses in this portion of the system should be kept as short as possible (10 feet or less)
and should be free of excessive bends and turns.
Suction Pulsation Dampener (when a suction stabilizer dampening manifold is not used):
Due to the plunger pump’s positive displacement design, a naturally occurring fluid rhythm is generated in the
supercharge system as the fluid stops and starts at each suction valve. The varying pressure signal created by
this fluid rhythm reduces the effectiveness of the charge pump and the SPM
®
pump unless the pressure wave is
dampened out of the system. A suction pulsation dampener is necessary to ensure adequate fluid acceleration
when each suction valve opens, which will help prevent cavitation, and will result in a much smoother operating
pump and longer lasting expendables. Guidelines for using a suction pulsation dampener are as follows:
A pulsation dampener of the nitrogen charged bladder type should be rated at 150 PSI minimum, or a
closed cell foam style dampener.
Should be installed above the fluid flow path or in line with the fluid flow path so that solids in the fluid
cannot settle and pack around the bladder.
Should be installed as close to the plunger pump’s suction manifold inlet side, or if not possible as close
as possible to the suction inlet for maximum effectiveness.
Must be pre-charged according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (usually 60% to 80% of the
anticipated supercharge pressure).
CAUTION:
BLADDER OR CLOSED CELL FOAM TYPE UNITS ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR CO
2
SERVICE.
CHECK BLADDER COMPATIBILITY TO THE FRAC FLUID BEING PUMPED.
WARNING:
FOR CO
2
SERVICE, USE AN SPM
®
CO
2
APPROVED SUCTION MANIFOLD WITHOUT A
SUCTION STABILIZER. USING NON-RATED EQUIPMENT CAN RESULT IN PRESSURE VESSEL FAILURE
DUE TO THERMAL SHOCK.
INJURY OR DEATH
CAN RESULT FROM USING EQUIPMENT NOT RATED
FOR CO
2
SERVICE. NO VIC GROOVE END CONNECTIONS, HAMMER UNION ONLY.
Supercharge Pressure Gauge:
Supercharge pressure gauge should always be used in the system and should meet the following guidelines:
Should be a liquid filled 0 to 150 PSI pressure gauge.
Should be installed as close to the plunger pump suction inlet as possible for maximum accuracy.
Should be used with a gauge snubber or a needle valve which can be adjusted to act as a snubber.
