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WILDEN PUMP & ENGINEERING, LLC WIL-10230-E-02
SECTION 7A
INSTALLATION – T8 PLASTIC
AIR-OPERATED PUMPS
The Model T8 plastic pump has a 51 mm (2”) inlet and 51 mm
(2”) outlet and is designed for flows to 591 lpm (156 gpm).
The T8 plastic pump is manufactured with wetted parts of
polypropylene. The center block of the T8 is constructed of
glass-filled polypropylene. A variety of diaphragms, valve
balls, valve seats, and o-rings are available to satisfy temper-
ature, chemical compatibility, abrasion and flex concerns.
The suction pipe size should be at least 51 mm (2”) diam-
eter or larger if highly viscous material is being pumped.
The suction hose must be non-collapsible, reinforced type
as the T8 is capable of pulling a high vacuum. Discharge
piping should be at least 51 mm (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 T8 plastic models, Wilden offers 68 kg (150 lb.) standard
or metric flanges. The following details should be noted
when mating these to piping:
• 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 13.6 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
productionfloor. Multipleinstallationswithconflictingrequire-
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.
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.
AIRSUPPLY:Everypumplocationshouldhaveanairlinelarge
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 contami-
nants will be eliminated. For best results, the pumps should
use an air filter, regulator, and lubricator system.
ELEVATION: Selecting a site that is well within the pump’s
suction lift capability will assure that loss-of-prime trou-
bles 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 loca-
tion 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 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 mini-
mizing 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 T8 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 param-
eters. 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 T8 WILL PASS 6.4 mm (1/4”) 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.
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.
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.