Watson-Marlow Alitea 114 pumpheads: operating instructions
6
4.2 Do’s and do not’s
Do not
build a pump into a tight location without adequate airflow around the pump.
Do
keep delivery and suction tubes as short and direct as possible - though ideally
not shorter than 0.5m - and follow the straightest route. Use bends of large radius:
at least four times the tubing diameter. Ensure that connecting pipework and fittings
are suitably rated to handle the predicted pipeline pressure. Try to avoid pipe reduc-
ers and lengths of smaller bore tubing than the pumphead section,
particularly in
pipelines on the suction side
. Any valves in the pipeline (not usually needed with
a self-priming peristaltic pump) must not restrict the flow. Any valves in the flow line
must be open when the pump is running.
Do
use suction and delivery pipes equal to or larger than the bore of the tube in the
pumphead. When pumping viscous fluids use pipe runs with a bore several times
larger than the pump tube.
Do
ensure that on longer tube runs at least 0.5m of smooth bore flexible tubing is
connected to the inlet and discharge port of the pumphead to help to minimise
impulse losses and pulsation in the pipeline. This is especially important with viscous
fluids and when connecting to rigid pipework.
Do
site the pump at or just below the level of the fluid to be pumped if possible.
This will ensure flooded suction and maximum pumping efficiency.
Do
keep the pumphead track and all moving parts clean and free from contamina-
tion and debris.
Do
run at slow speed when pumping viscous fluids. Flooded suction will enhance
pumping performance in all cases, particularly for materials of a viscous nature.
Do
recalibrate after changing pump tubes, fluid, or any connecting pipework. It is
also recommended that the pump is recalibrated periodically to maintain accuracy.
Tube selection
: The chemical compatibility lists published in Watson-Marlow pub-
lications are guides. If in doubt about the compatibility of a tube material and the
duty fluid, request a Watson-Marlow tube sample card for immersion trials.
4.3 Troubleshooting
If the pump runs but there is little or no flow, make the following checks:
Check that the tube is in the pumphead.
Check that fluid is supplied to the pump.
Check that the tube is not split or burst.
Check for any kinks or blockages in the lines.
Check that any valves in the lines are open.
Check that the correct wall-thickness tube is being used.
Check direction of rotation.
114DV, 114DVP
114DV, 114DVP
