WILDEN PUMP & ENGINEERING, LLC
10
WIL-12620-E-03
Wilden pumps are designed to meet the performance
requirements of even the most demanding pumping
applications. They have been designed and manufactured
to the highest standards and are available in a variety of
liquid path materials to meet your chemical-resistance
needs. Refer to the performance section of this manual for
an in-depth analysis of the performance characteristics of
your pump. Wilden offers the widest variety of elastomer
options in the industry to satisfy temperature, chemical-
compatibility, abrasion-resistance and flex concerns.
The suction pipe size should be equivalent or larger than
the diameter of the suction inlet on your Wilden pump.
The suction hose must be non-collapsible, reinforced type
as these pumps are capable of pulling a high vacuum.
Discharge piping should also be equivalent or larger than the
diameter of the pump discharge to minimize 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 where equipment will be situated on the production
floor. Multiple installations with conflicting requirements
can result in congestion of utility areas, leaving few choices
for additional pumps.
Within the framework of these and other existing conditions,
every pump should be located in such a way that the
following key factors are balanced against each other to
maximum advantage.
ACCESS: First of all, the location should be accessible. If
it is 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.
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. Do not exceed the
maximum rated air pressure.
For best results, 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.
SOLENOID OPERATION: When operation is controlled by a
solenoid valve in the air line, three-way valves should be
used. This valve allows trapped air between the valve and
the pump to bleed off which improves pump performance.
MUFFLER: Sound levels are reduced below OSHA
specifications using the standard Wilden muffler. Other
mufflers can be used to further reduce sound levels, but
they usually reduce pump performance.
ELEVATION: Selecting a site that is well within the pump’s
dynamic lift capability will ensure that loss-of-prime issues will
be eliminated. In addition, pump efficiency can be adversely
affected if proper attention is not given to site location.
PIPING: Final determination of the pump site should not be
made until the piping challenges 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 straightest hookup of suction and discharge
piping. Unnecessary elbows, bends and fittings should
be avoided. Pipe sizes should be selected to keep friction
losses within practical limits. All piping should be supported
independently of the pump. In addition, the piping should
be aligned to avoid placing stress on the pump fittings.
Flexible hoses 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 location, a mounting
pad placed between the pump and the 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 (SD Equalizer
®
)
should be installed to protect the pump, piping and gauges
from surges and water hammer.
If the pump is to be used in a self-priming application, make
sure that all connections are airtight and that the suction
lift is within the model’s capability. NOTE: Materials of
construction and elastomer options have an effect on suction-
lift parameters. Please refer to the performance section for
specifics.
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.
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 0.7 bar (10 psig) and higher.
SUBMERSIBLE APPLICATIONS: Pro-Flo
®
SHIFT pumps can
be used for submersible applications, when using the Pro-
Flo
®
SHIFT submersible option.
ALL WILDEN PUMPS ARE CAPABLE OF PASSING SOLIDS.
A STRAINER SHOULD BE USED ON THE PUMP INTAKE TO
ENSURE THAT THE PUMP´S RATED SOLIDS CAPACITY IS
NOT EXCEEDED.
S e c t i o n 6
S U G G E S T E D I N S T A L L A T I O N
