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WILDEN PUMP & ENGINEERING, LLC WIL-10220-E-02
SECTION 7A
INSTALLATION – T4 PLASTIC
AIR-OPERATED PUMPS
The Model T4 Plastic pump has a 38 mm (1-1/2") inlet and
38 mm (1-1/2") outlet and is designed for flows to 307 lpm
(81 gpm). A variety of diaphragms, valve balls, valve seats,
and o-rings are available to satisfy temperature, chemical
compatibility, abrasion and flex concerns.
The suction pipe size should be at least 38 mm (1-1/2")
diameter or larger if highly viscous material is being pumped.
The suction hose must be non-collapsible, reinforced type
as the T4 is capable of pulling a high vacuum. Discharge
piping should be at least 38 mm (1-1/2"); 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.
For T4 Champ models, Wilden offers 150 lb. standard or
metric flanges. The following details should be noted when
mating these to pipe works:
• A 60–80 shore gasket that covers the entire flange face
should be used.
• The gasket should be between .075" and .175" thickness.
• Mating flanges with flat as opposed to raised surfaces
should be used for proper mechanical sealing.
• The flanges should be tightened to a minimum of 6.8 N·m
(5 ft-lbs) but no more than 13.5 N·m (10 ft-lbs).
A non-raised surfaced-flange adapter should be utilized when
mating to the pump’s inlet and discharge manifolds for proper
sealing.
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 that “utility” equipment be situated away from the
production floor. Multiple installations with conflicting require-
ments 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.
1. 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 adjust-
ments. Should major repairs become necessary, ease of
access can play a key role in speeding the repair process and
reducing total downtime.
2. 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 8.6 bar (125 psig) depending
upon pumping requirements.The use of an air filter before the
pump will ensure that the majority of any pipeline contaminants
will be eliminated. For best results, the pumps should use an
air filter, regulator, and lubricator system.
3. 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).
4. 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 inadver-
tent 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 inde-
pendently 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 minimiz-
ing 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 T4 can be used in submersible applications only when both
wetted and non-wetted portions are compatible with the mate-
rial 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.
Please refer to pump performance data.
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
0.8 bar (11 psig) and higher.
THE MODEL T4 WILL PASS 4.8 mm (3/16") SOLIDS. WHEN-
EVER 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.
PUMPS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY FLUSHED WITH
WATER BEFORE INSTALLING INTO PROCESS LINES.
FDA AND USDA PUMPS SHOULD BE CLEANED AND/OR
SANITIZED BEFORE USE ON EDIBLE PRODUCTS.
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 AIR
FILTER.