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Before operation of any PulsaPro pump, carefully ensure that all suction valves are in the open position.
Verify that all filters and strainers are clean and clear. Ensure that any other potential causes of
restriction have been addressed. Unrestricted flow of liquid to the suction side of the pump is critical to
proper operation.
7.3 Priming the Pump Head
All pumps are shipped with a fully primed hydraulic system. However, during shipping and handling
some air may enter the hydraulic system. Generally, this air will be automatically purged after a short
run-in period. If necessary, rapid purging may be accomplished by fully depressing and holding the
PTP valve for five to ten seconds, while the pump is operating. Repeat as necessary until the pump
stabilizes at rated flow.
7.4 Priming the Reagent Head
oOpen the suction and discharge line shutoff valves
oIf the piping system design and the storage tank are such that the product flow due to gravity
through the pump, no priming is required. In the event the discharge line contains a significant
amount of pressurized air or other gas, it may be necessary to lower the discharge pressure to
enable the pump to self-prime.
oIf the installation involves a suction lift, it may be necessary to prime the reagent head and
suction line. Try priming the reagent headfirst. Remove the discharge valve by unscrewing the
four tie bar bolts and removing the valve as a unit. Fill the head through the discharge valve
port with process (or compatible) liquid, then reinstall the valve and retighten the tie bar bolts to
the recommended specification.
oStart the pump at the 0% stroke length setting and slowly increase the setting to 100% to prime
the pump. If this does not work, it will be necessary to fill the suction line.
oFilling of the suction line will necessitate the use of a foot valve or similar device at the end of
the suction line so that liquid can be maintained above the reservoir level. Remove the suction
valve assembly, fill the line, replace the valve, then remove the discharge valve assembly and
fill the reagent head as described in the third step above. The pump will now self-prime when
started up per step four above.
7.5 Calibration
All metering pumps must be calibrated to accurately specify stroke length settings for required flow
rates.
A typical calibration charge is shown in figure 23. Although
output is linear with respect to stroke length setting, an
increase in discharge pressure decreases output uniformly,
describing a series of parallel lines, one for each pressure
(only two are shown).
The theoretical output flow rate at atmospheric output
pressure is based on the displacement of the hydraulic
piston (the product of piston cross-sectional area and
stroke length) and the stroking rate of the pump. With
increasing the discharge pressure there is a corresponding
decrease in output flow of approximately 1% per 100 PSI
(7 BAR) increase in output pressure. Whenever possible,
calibration should be performed under actual process
conditions (i.e., the same or a similar process liquid at
system operating pressure).
To assure a sound hydraulic system, run the pump for ten to fifteen minutes prior to calibration. This will
allow the PTP valve to purge any air from the system.