10
WILDEN PUMP & ENGINEERING CO.
SECTION 7A
INSTALLATION – T4 PLASTIC
AIR-OPERATED PUMPS
The Model T4 Plastic pump has a 3.81 cm (1
1
⁄
2
") inlet and 3.81
cm (1
1
⁄
2
") outlet and is designed for flows to 306.6 lpm (81 gpm).
A variety of diaphragms, valve balls, valve seats, and
O-rings are available to satisfy temperature, chemical compati-
bility, abrasion and flex concerns.
The suction pipe size should be at least 3.81 cm (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 capa-
ble of pulling a high vacuum. Discharge piping should be at least
3.81 cm (1
1
⁄
2
"); 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.
For T4 Champ models, Wilden offers 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 produc-
tion 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 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 T4 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 T4 WILL PASS 4.8 mm (
3
⁄
16
") 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.
PUMPS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY FLUSHED WITH
WATER BEFORE INSTALLING INTO PROCESS LINES. FDA
AND USDA PUMPS SHOULD BE CLEANED AND/OR SANI-
TIZED 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.