Suggested Installation, Operation, Maintenance and Troubleshooting
The Model T20 has a 102 mm (4") inlet and 102 mm (4") outlet and is designed
for flows to 1041 lpm (275 gpm). The T20 pump is manufactured with wetted
parts of Cast Iron. The center block of the T20 is constructed of die cast
aluminum. A variety of diaphragms, valve balls, and o-rings are available to
satisfy temperature, chemical compatibility, abrasion and flex concerns.
The suction pipe size should be at least 102 mm (4") diameter or larger if
highly viscous material is being pumped. The suction hose must be non-
collapsible, reinforced type as the T20 is capable of pulling a high vacuum.
Discharge piping should be at least 102 mm (4"); 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.
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 that “utility”
equipment be situated away from the production 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 advantage.
• 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.
• 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
125 psig depending upon pumping requirements.
For best results, the pumps should use an air filter, regulator, and
lubricator system. The use of an air filter before the pump will ensure that
the majority of any pipeline contaminants will be eliminated. The use of a
lubricant, suitable for the application, helps perform a number of functions.
Lubricants reduce friction to minimize required shifting forces and reduce
wear. Lubricants provide a protective coating against some forms of
corrosion and contaminants. Wilden suggests an oil with arctic
characteristics (ISO 15-5Wt.) This oil is chemically compatible with
the center block Glyd™ rings and has a low pour point to guard
against problems associated with low temperatures. The amount of
lubrication required is directly related to the amount of oil introduced from
the factory air system. We therefore suggest that the lowest setting on the
lubricator be utilized and then increased as necessary.
Pump discharge rate can be controlled by limiting the volume and/or
pressure of the air supply to the pump. The use of a needle valve installed
at the air inlet to the pump is suggested for this purpose. Pump discharge
rate can also be controlled by installing a valve in the discharge line of the
pump when the need to control the pump from a remote location exists.
When the pump discharge pressure equals or exceeds the air supply
pressure, the pump will stop; no bypass or pressure relief valve is needed,
and pump damage will not occur. When operation is controlled by a
solenoid valve in the air line, a three-way valve should be used. Pumping
volume can be set by counting the number of strokes per minute. A muffler
installed on the the pump’s air exhaust will give quiet exhaust. Sound levels
are reduced below OSHA specifications using a Wilden muffler
• 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).
• 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 inadvertent 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. Unnecessary 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 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 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 T20 can be used in submersible applications only when both wetted and
non-wetted portions are compatible with the material 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. See pump performance data.
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 0.8 bar (11 psig) and higher.
THE MODEL T20 WILL PASS 35 mm (1-3/8") SOLIDS. WHENEVER 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.
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 FILTER.
PUMPS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY FLUSHED WITH WATER
BEFORE INSTALLING INTO PROCESS LINES. FDA AND USDA
APPROVED PUMPS SHOULD BE CLEANED AND/OR SANITIZED
BEFORE BEING USED ON EDIBLE PRODUCTS.