WIL-13001-E-01
14
ALLOY C PUMPS
SECTION 6
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 “Performance” 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 at least equal to or larger than the
diameter size of the suction inlet on your Wilden pump. The suction
hose must be a non-collapsible, reinforced type because these
pumps are capable of pulling a high vacuum. Discharge piping should
also be equal to or larger than the diameter of the pump discharge,
which will help reduce friction losses.
CAUTION:
All fittings and connections must be airtight.
Otherwise, pump suction capability will be reduced or lost.
Months of careful planning, study and selection efforts can result in
unsatisfactory pump performance if installation details are left to
chance. You can avoid premature failure and long-term dissatisfaction
by exercising reasonable care 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, locate
every pump in such a way that the following six key factors are
balanced against each other to maximum advantage:
Access:
First, the location should be accessible. If it’s easy to
reach the pump, maintenance personnel will be able to perform
routine inspections and adjustments more easily. If 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. For best results, the pumps should use a
5
μ
(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. You can
estimate pumping volume by counting the number of strokes
per minute, and then multiplying that figure by the displacement
per stroke.
Muffler:
Using the standard Wilden muffler, sound levels are
reduced below OSHA specifications. You can use other mufflers
to reduce sound levels farther, but they usually reduce pump
performance.
Elevation:
Selecting a site that is well within the pump’s
dynamic lift capability will assure 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 hook-up 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 hose 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 ability.
NOTE:
Materials of construction and elastomer material
have an effect on suction lift parameters. Please refer to
“Performance” 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.
Single-Point Exhaust
Pro-Flo SHIFT pumps can be used for submersible applications when
using the Pro-Flo SHIFT's single-point exhaust.
CAUTION:
All Wilden pumps are capable of passing solids.
Use a strainer on the pump intake to ensure that the pump's
rated solids capacity is not exceeded.
CAUTION:
Do not exceed 8.6 bar (125 psig) air
supply pressure.
SUGGESTED INSTALLATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE
AND TROUBLESHOOTING
