
WILDEN PUMP & ENGINEERING, LLC 6 WIL-12350-E-05
Wilden®pumps are designed to meet the performance
requirements of even the most demanding pumping appli-
cations. 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 analy-
sis of the performance characteristics of your pump. Wilden®
offers the widest variety of elastomer options in the indus-
try 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 selec-
tion 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 six key
factors are balanced against each other to maximum advan-
tage.
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 contami-
nants 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.
Pumping volume can be estimated by counting the number
of strokes per minute and then multiplying the figure by the
displacement per stroke.
MUFFLER: Sound levels are reduced below OSHA specifi-
cations 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 loca-
tion.
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 instal-
lations 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 short-
est 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 minimiz-
ing pump vibration. Flexible connections between the pump
and rigid piping will also assist in minimizing pump vibra-
tion. 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 effi-
cient 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.
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.
CAUTION: DO NOT EXCEED 5.9 BAR (85 PSIG) AIR SUPPLY
PRESSURE.
Section 6
SUGGESTED INSTALLATION