Pratissoli VF 12 User manual

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VF Series
Use and Maintenance
Manual
Menu

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INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION 4
2. SYMBOL DESCRIPTION 4
3. SAFETY 5
3.1 General safety indications....................................................................................................5
3.2 High pressure unit safety requirements................................................................................5
3.3 Safety during operation........................................................................................................5
3.4 General procedures for using nozzles..................................................................................5
3.5 Safety during unit maintenance ...........................................................................................6
4. PUMP IDENTIFICATION 6
5. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 7
6. DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT 7
7. INFORMATION REGARDING PUMP USE 8
7.1 Water temperature................................................................................................................8
7. 2 Maximum flow rate and pressure values ............................................................................8
7. 3 Lowest rpm.........................................................................................................................8
7.4 Recommended lubricant oil types and Manufactures..........................................................9
8. PORTS AND CONNECTIONS 11
8.1 Conic sealing pads.............................................................................................................11
9. PUMP INSTALLATION 12
9.1 Installation .........................................................................................................................12
9.2 Sense of rotation ................................................................................................................13
9.3 Version change ..................................................................................................................13
9.4 Hydraulic Connections.......................................................................................................14
9.5 Pump feeding.....................................................................................................................14
9.6 Suction line........................................................................................................................14
9.7 Filtering..............................................................................................................................15
9.8 Delivery line ......................................................................................................................15
9.9 Internal diameter of the pipeline........................................................................................16
9.10 V-belt transmission..........................................................................................................17
9.11 Transmission definition ...................................................................................................17
9.12 Definition of belt static tension values.............................................................................19
10. START-UP AND OPERATION 21
10.1 Preliminary Inspections ...................................................................................................21
10.2 Start-up ............................................................................................................................21
10.3 Seal packing cooling circuit.............................................................................................22
11. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE 22
12. STOPPING THE PUMP FOR LONG PERIODS 24
12.1 Inactivity for long periods................................................................................................24
12.2 Filling the pump with an anti-corrosion emulsion or anti-freeze solution.......................24
12.3 Pipes.................................................................................................................................24
13. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FREEZING 24
14. WARRANTY TERMS 24

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15. TROUBLESHOOTING 25
16. EXPLODED VIEW AND PART LIST 26

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1. INTRODUCTION
This manual describes the use and maintenance instructions of the VF pump, and should be carefully read
and understood before using the pump.
Correct use and adequate maintenance will guarantee the pump’s trouble-free operation for a long time.
The Interpump Group declines any responsibility for damage caused by misuse or the non-observance of the
instructions indicated in this manual.
Upon receiving the pump, check that it is complete and in perfect conditions.
Should anything be found out of order, please contact us before installing and starting the pump.
2. SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
Carefully read the indications in this
manual before operating the pump.
Warning Signal
Danger Signal
Electrocution danger
Danger Signal
Use face guard
Danger Signal
Use protective glasses
Danger Signal
Use adequate hand protection before
operating the pump
Danger Signal
Use appropriate boots

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3. SAFETY
3.1 General safety indications
The misuse of pumps and high pressure units, and the non-observance of installation and maintenance
instructions may cause severe injury to people and/or damage to property. Anyone requested to assemble or
use high pressure units must possess the necessary competence to do so, should be aware of the
characteristics of the components assembled/used, and must adopt all the necessary precautions in order to
guarantee maximum safety in any operating condition. In the interest of safety, no precaution that is
reasonably feasible must be neglected, both by the Manufacturer and the Operator.
3.2 High pressure unit safety requirements
1. The pressure line must always be equipped with a safety valve.
2. High pressure unit components, in particular for those units working outside, must be adequately
protected against rain, frost and heat.
3. The unit’s electrical parts must be adequately protected from water spray, and must comply with the
specific norms in force.
4. High pressure pipes must be correctly sized for the unit’s maximum operating pressure, and must only be
used within the pressure range indicated by the pipe Manufacturer.
The same conditions apply for all other unit accessories where high pressure is involved.
5. The extremities of high pressure pipes must be sheathed and fastened to a steady structure in order to
avoid dangerous whiplashes should they burst or should their connections break.
6. Appropriate safety guards must be provided for the pump transmission systems (joints, pulleys and belts,
auxiliary drives).
3.3 Safety during operation
The working area of a high pressure system must be clearly signalled. Access must be prohibited to non-
authorised personnel and, if possible, the area must be fenced in. The personnel authorised to access this
area must be previously trained, and informed about the risks that may arise from failures or malfunctions of
the high pressure unit.
Before starting the unit, the Operator must check:
1. That the high pressure unit is correctly fed (see paragraph 9.5).
2. That Pump intake filters are perfectly clean; we advise to use a device that indicates the filter’s clogging
level.
3. That electrical parts are adequately protected and in perfect conditions.
4. That high pressure pipes do not show apparent signs of abrasion, and that fittings are in perfect shape.
Any anomaly or reasonable doubt that may arise before or during operation must be promptly reported, and
verified by competent personnel. In these cases, pressure must be immediately released and the high
pressure unit stopped.
3.4 General procedures for using nozzles
1. The Operator must always place his own and other worker’s safety before any other interest; his actions
should always be governed by good sense and responsibility.
2. The Operator must always wear a helmet with a protective visor, waterproof clothing, and appropriate
boots capable of guaranteeing grip on wet pavements.
Note: appropriate clothing will effectively protect against water spray, but it may not offer adequate protection
against the direct impact of water jets or sprays from a close distance. Some circumstances may require
further protection.

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3. We advise to employ a team of at least two Operators, able to provide mutual and immediate assistance if
needed, and rotate their duties in case of long and heavy work.
4. Access to the work area that is within the water jet’s range must be absolutely forbidden; the area must be
free of objects that may be unintentionally hit by the pressurised jet, causing damage or dangerous
situations.
5. The water jet must only and always be directed towards the work area, even during testing or preliminary
inspections.
6. The Operator must always pay attention to the trajectory of the debris removed by the water jet. If
necessary, adequate side guards must be provided by the Operator in order to protect anything that may
be accidentally exposed.
7. For no reason must the Operator be distracted during operation. The personnel that needs to access the
working area must wait for the Operator to suspend his work, and then immediately make his presence
known.
8. For safety reasons, it is important that each member of the team is perfectly aware of the intentions and
actions of other team members in order to avoid dangerous misunderstandings.
9. The high pressure unit must not be started and brought up to pressure unless each member of the team is
in his designated position, and the Operator has already directed the nozzle towards the work area.
3.5 Safety during unit maintenance
1. The maintenance of the high pressure unit must be done within the time intervals indicated by the
Manufacturer, who is responsible for the entire unit’s compliance with the norms in force.
2. Maintenance must always be carried out by specialised and authorised personnel.
3. Assembly and disassembly of the pump and its various components must be performed exclusively by
authorised personnel, using appropriate tools in order to avoid damage to components and connections.
4. To guarantee total reliability and safety, always use original spare parts.
4. PUMP IDENTIFICATION
Each pump (fig. 1) has: its own serial number XX.XXX.XXX (see point c) and a rating plate (see point d)
that indicates:
Pump model and version
Maximum rpm
Power absorbed Hp - kW
Flow rate l/min - G.P.M
Pressure bar - P.S.I.
Pump model, version and serial number must always be
specified when ordering spare parts.
fig. 1

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5. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Flow rate Pressure Power
Model RPM l/min Gpm bar psi kW Hp
750 12.5 3.3 1500 21750 36.8 50
VF 12 900 15 4 1200 17500 36.8 50
750 17 4.5 1100 16000 36.8 50
VF 14 1000 23 6 800 11600 36.8 50
6. DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
For dimensions and weight of Standard Version pumps, please refer to fig. 2;
For dimensions and weight of pumps with type “A” Flange, please refer to fig. 2/a.
fig. 2
Weight - 61 Kg
Weight - 60 Kg

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fig. 2/a
7. INFORMATION REGARDING PUMP USE
The VF pump has been designed to operate with filtered water (see paragraph 9.7) and at room
temperature.
Other fluids may be used only upon the approval of the Technical Department or Customer
Assistance Service.
7.1 Water temperature
The maximum water temperature allowed is 30°C.
7. 2 Maximum flow rate and pressure values
The performance values indicated in the catalogue refer to the maximum performance of the pump.
Regardless of the power used, pressure and maximum rpm values indicated on the plate may not be
exceeded unless expressly authorised by the Technical Department or Customer Assistance Service.
7. 3 Lowest rpm
Any rpm value different from what indicated in the performance table (see chapter 5) must be expressly
authorised by the Technical Department or Customer Assistance Service.

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7.4 Recommended lubricant oil types and Manufactures
The pump is delivered with lubricant oil type Mobil DTE Oil BB (ISO VG 220), compliant with room
temperatures ranging between 0°C and 30°C.
Some recommended lubricant types are indicated in the table below; these lubricants are treated with
additives in order to increase corrosion protection and resistance to fatigue (according to DIN 51517 part 2).
As an alternative, Automotive SAE 85W-90 gearing lubricants may also be used.
Check the oil level by using the apposite oil level dipstick
with minimum and maximum value notches c, fig.3. Refill if
needed.
Correct oil level inspection is done with the pump at room
temperature; oil is changed with the pump at working
temperature, by removing the rear plug d, fig.3.
Oil is to be changed every 1000 hours of operation.
The amount required is ~3.8 litres.
fig. 3

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In any case, oil must be changed at least once a year since it may deteriorate by oxidation.
For room temperatures that differ from 0°C to 30°C, follow the indications contained in the diagram below,
keeping in mind that the oil must have a minimum viscosity of 180 cSt.
.
Viscosity / Room Temperature Diagram
Exhausted oil must be collected in an appropriate recipient and disposed of in apposite
locations. In absolutely no case may it be dispersed in the environment.
Room temperature
V
iscosit
y

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8. PORTS AND CONNECTIONS
VF series pumps (see figure 4) are provided with:
cN° 2 inlet ports “IN“, 3/4” Gas.
The line can be connected to either of the two inlet ports; the ones not being used must be hermetically
sealed.
dN° 2 outlet ports “OUT”, Ø 8 mm
eN° 2 auxiliary ports, 1/2” Gas; they can be used for the pressure gauge and the safety valve
fN° 1 drain port “DRAIN “ supplied with an adjustable 90° rapid fitting for Ø 10 mm polyamide pipes;
It is needed to recover the fluid drained from the packing cooling circuit, and must be connected to the outlet
port being careful to avoid counter-pressure.
8.1 Conic sealing pads
The VF pumps are equipped with N°4 conic steel pads to be used in correspondence of the pump’s delivery
ports (see fig. 5) or in the optional fitting flanges. Their function is to guarantee the sealing of the connection.
The seat of the pump’s delivery port is already machined in order to hold the conic pad; if necessary, the
connections for the delivery fitting or the closing plug must be appositely machined as indicated in fig. 5/a .
At each disassembly, the conic pad must be replaced.
fi
g
. 4
fig. 5 fi
g
. 5/a

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Tappo Plug
Pastiglia Pad
Testa Pompa Pump head
9. PUMP INSTALLATION
9.1 Installation
The pump must be installed in a horizontal position using the apposite threaded feet M 16x1,5; fasten the
screws with a torque value of 210 Nm.
The base must be perfectly flat and sufficiently rigid in order to avoid bending and misalignments on the
pump / transmission coupling axis due to the torque applied during operation.
The unit must not be rigidly fixed to the pavement, but requires the use of anti-vibration elements.
For special applications, please contact the Technical Department or the Customer Assistance Service.
The pump is equipped with a lifting bracket to facilitate installation as shown in the following figure.
In case of disassembly, to avoid letting filth inside the front part of the crankcase, close the threaded hole
with the apposite cap, supplied.
Replace the crankcase cap with the olio dipstick and check oil level.
The oil dipstick must always be accessible, even when the unit is assembled.
The pump’s shaft (PTO) must not be rigidly connected to the motor unit.
The following transmission types are suggested:
- hydraulic by means of flange; for correct application, please contact the Technical
Department or the Customer Assistance Service
- Belts
- Cardan joint (please respect the maximum working angles indicated by the manufacturers)
- Flexible joint

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9.2 Sense of rotation
An arrow situated on the crankcase near the shaft indicates the correct sense of rotation.
Standing in front of the pump head, the sense of rotation must be as shown in fig.6.
Lato Dx Right Side
Lato Sx Left Side
orario clockwise
antiorario counter-clockwise
9.3 Version change
A right version pump is defined when:
Observing the pump from the head side, the PTO shank of the pump shaft is on the right side.
A left version pump is defined when:
Observing the pump from the head side, the PTO shank of the pump shaft is on the left side.
The version may be changed only by specialised and authorised personnel by carefully
following the instructions that follow:
1. Separate the hydraulic part from the mechanical part as indicated in Chapter 2, paragraph 2.2.1
of the repair manual.
2. Rotate the mechanical part by 180°, and reposition the rear crankcase cover so that the oil
dipstick is facing upwards; reposition the lifting bracket and the related closing caps in the upper
part of the crankcase; finally, correctly reposition the identification plate in its apposite seat on
the crankcase.
Be sure that the lower draining holes on the crankcase near the pistons are open, and not
closed by the apposite plastic caps that are supplied.
3. Join the hydraulic part with the mechanical part as indicated in Chapter 2, paragraph 2.2.2 of the
repair manual.
fig. 6

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9.4 Hydraulic Connections
In order to isolate the system form the vibrations produced by the pump, we advise to build the first section
of the duct near the pump (both for intake and delivery) with flexible tubes. The consistency of the intake
section must allow to avoid deformation caused by the depressurisation produced by the pump.
9.5 Pump feeding
VF pumps require a minimum positive head (NPSHr) ranging between 5 and 7 bar measured at head intake.
The booster pump must have the following characteristics:
Flow rate of at least twice the value of the piston pump’s rated flow value, with a minimum pressure of 5 bar.
These feeding conditions must be respected in all running conditions. Booster activation must be
independent from that of the piston pump.
Booster start-up must always precede piston pump start-up.
In order to protect the pump, we advise to install a pressure switch on the feeding line after the
filters.
9.6 Suction line
For the pump’s correct operation, the suction line must have the following characteristics:
1. Minimum internal diameter as indicated in the diagram in paragraph 9.9, and in any case equal or greater
than the pump head’s value.
Along the duct, avoid localised diameter reductions that may cause pressure drops with subsequent
cavitation. Absolutely avoid 90° elbows, connections with other pipes, bottlenecks, counter-slopes,
upside-down “U” shaped curves, “T” connections.
2. The selected lay-out must allow to avoid cavitation.
3. It should be perfectly airtight, and built in a way that guarantees perfect sealing over time.
4. Avoid pump emptying when stopping (even partial emptying).
5. Do not use hydraulic-type fittings, 3 or 4 way fittings, adaptors, etc… since they may hinder the pump’s
performance.
6. Do not install Venturi tubes or injectors for detergent intake.
7. Avoid the use of standing valves, check valves, or any other type of one-way valves.
8. Do not connect the by-pass line from the valve directly to the pump suction line.
9. Provide appropriate baffle plates inside the tank in order to avoid that water flows coming from both the
by-pass and feeding lines may create turbulence near the tank’s outlet port.
10. Make sure that the suction line is perfectly clean inside before connecting it to the pump
11. The pressure gauge for checking booster pressure must be installed near the piston pump’s outlet port,
and always after the filters.

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9.7 Filtering
The filtration degree for these pumps must be max. 20 μ(micron ); this is normally obtained by means of a
series of at least three filters, positioned as indicated in fig. 7.
The filter must be installed as close as possible to the pump, should allow easy inspection and have the
following characteristics:
1. Minimum capacity 3 times greater than the pump’s rated flow value.
2. Filter port diameters must not be smaller than the pump inlet ports
3. Filtration degree:
Filter N° 1: 250 μ
Filter N° 2: 100 μ
Filter N° 3 20 μ
In order to guarantee correct pump operation, it is important to plan periodical cleaning of the
filter depending on actual pump usage, water quality and real clogging conditions.
In order to guarantee the required feeding pressure (see paragraph 9.4), install a pressure
switch.
9.8 Delivery line
To obtain a correct delivery line, please comply with the following installation instructions:
1. The internal diameter of the pump must allow to guarantee correct fluid speed; see diagram in
paragraph 9.9.
2. The first section of the pipe connected to the pump must be flexible in order to isolate pump
vibrations from the rest of the system.
3. Use high pressure pipes and fittings that guarantee wide safety margins in any working condition.
4. Install a safety valve on the delivery line
5. Use pressure switches suitable for the pulsating loads typical of piston pumps.
6. In the design phase, take into proper account the pressure drop along the line, since this causes a
reduction in usage pressure with respect to the value measured at the pump
7. If the pump pulsations are harmful for particular applications, install an appropriately sized
pulsation damper on the delivery line
fig. 7
8 97
65
321
1 Filter N° 1
2 Booster Pump
3 Filter N° 2
4 Filter N° 3
6 Pressure Switch
7 Piston pump
8 High pressure
9 Safety valve
Inlet
Bypass
Feeding
tank
5 Pressure Gauge
4
Drain

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9.9 Internal diameter of the pipeline
To determine the internal diameter of the piping, please refer to the following diagram
Suction pipe
With a flow rate of 15~L/min and water speed of 0.5 m/sec. The diagram line that connects the two scales
intersects the central scale, indicating the diameters, at a value of ~ 25 mm.
Delivery pipe
With a flow rate of 15~L/min and water speed of 5.5 m/sec. The diagram line that connects the two scales
intersects the central scale, indicating the diameters, at a value of ~ 8 mm.
Optimum speed values:
- Suction: ≤0,5 m/sec.
- Delivery: ≤5,5 m/sec.
Linea di aspirazione Suction line
Linea di mandata Delivery line

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The diagram does not take into consideration the pipe and valve resistance, the pressure drop due
to the pipe length, the viscosity and the temperature of the pumped fluid.
If necessary, contact our Technical Department or Customer Assistance Service.
9.10 V-belt transmission
The pump may be driven by a v-belt system.
For this pump model, we suggest to use N° 4 XPB belts (16.5x13 cogged); only for long durations, use the
XPC profile; both the characteristics and the power transmission capacity of each belt can be verified on the
diagram in fig. 8, in function of the N° of rotations normally declared by the Manufacturer.
Minimum diameter of the driven pulley (on the pump shaft): ≥250 mm.
The radial load on the shaft must not be greater than 7500 N (value required for the definition of the Lay-out).
The transmission is considered adequate if this load is applied at a maximum distance of 40 mm from the
shaft shoulder (P.T.O) as indicated in fig. 11.
For sizing that differs from what indicated above, please contact our Technical Department or
Customer Assistance Service.
9.11 Transmission definition
To avoid abnormal radial loads on the shaft and its related bearing, please comply with the following
indications
a) Use pulleys for v-belts with race dimensions prescribed / recommended by the belt Manufacturer.
Should no indications be supplied, please see fig. 9 and the table in fig. 10.
fig. 8

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Dimensions (in mm)
Belt section as indicted in symbol DIN
DIN 7753 part 1 and B.S. 3790 symbol B.S./ISO
Belt section as indicted in symbol DIN
DIN 2215 e B.S. 3790 symbol B.S./ISO
XPB/SPB
SPB
17
B
XPC/SPC
SPC
22
C
Pitch width bw14.0 19.0
α= 34° 18.9 26.3
Increased race width b1≈α= 38° 19.5 27.3
c 8.0 12.0
Distances between races e 23 ± 0.4 31 ± 0.5
f 14.5 ± 0.8 20.0 ± 1.0
Increased race depth tmin 22.5 31.5
34° from 140 to 190 from 224 to 315α
38°
For a primitive diameter dw
narrow section v-belt
DIN 7753 part 1
> 190 > 315
34° from 112 a 190 from 180 to 315α
38°
For a primitive diameter dw
classical section v-belt
DIN 2215 > 190 > 315
Tolerance for α= 34°-38° ± 1° ± 30’
1 29 40
2 52 71
3 75 102
4 98 133
5 121 164
6 144 195
7 167 226
8 190 257
9 213 288
10 236 319
11 259 350
Pulleys per b2 per
Number of races z
b2 = (z-1) e + 2 f
12 282 381
The pulley’s minimum diameter must be respected.
fig. 10
fig. 9
Multiple racesSingle race

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Do not use for banded v-belts.
b) Use high efficiency belts – for example XPB instead of SPB; this will allow to use a lower number
of belts to transmit the same power, and consequently a minor distance of the resultant from the
shaft shoulder (P.T.O.) “a“ in fig. 11
Spallamento albero Shaft shoulder
c) Set belt tension according to the Manufacturer’s prescriptions; an excessive value will abnormally
stress the bearing, reduce its duration, and cause premature wear of the pulley. The tension value
depends on different variables as indicated in paragraph 9.12.
d) Belt length has a natural tolerance ≥± 0,75%; for this reason the three belts must be purchased in
pairs.
e) Follow the belt tension direction as indicated in fig. 11; for different needs, please contact
the Technical Department or the Customer Assistance Service
f) Carefully align driver pulley and driven pulley races.
9.12 Definition of belt static tension values
Static tension depends on:
a) The centre distance between the two pulleys (belt length).
b) The load due to the belt’s static tension
c) The number of belts
d) The angle of wrap of the smallest pulley
e) Average speed
f) Etc.
For belts with an XPB profile, the diagram in fig. 12 allows to obtain the values of the static tension that must
be applied vs. the centre distance between pulleys.
fig. 11

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Conclusion: using a dynamometer, by loading the belt with 75 N as indicated in fig. 13, you will obtain a
flexion value “te” of about 10.8 mm.
N.B1. If not differently indicated by the belt Manufacturer, the inspection of the correct tension value, and the
related tension adjustment if needed, is to be carried out after at least 30 minutes of operation in order to
obtain belt settling. The best efficiency and maximum duration is obtained with a correct tension value.
Lf = centre distance mm
fig. 12
te = Belt flexion mm
Lf = Centre distance
Fe = 75 N Dynamometer load
te = Belt flexion
fig. 13