B41-818836conductiveacetal-rev0416
Model 41-818836 Conductive Acetal Ball Valve Pump Page 4
PRINCIPLE OF PUMP OPERATION
This ball type check valve pump
is powered by compressed air and is
a 1:1 ratio design. The inner side of
one diaphragm chamber is alternately
pressurized while simultaneously
exhausting the other inner chamber.
This causes the diaphragms, which
are connected by a common rod
secured by plates to the centers of the
diaphragms, to move in a reciprocating
action. (As one diaphragm performs the
discharge stroke the other diaphragm is
pulled to perform the suction stroke in
the opposite chamber.) Air pressure is
applied over the entire inner surface of
the diaphragm while liquid is discharged
from the opposite side of the diaphragm.
The diaphragm operates in a balanced
condition during the discharge stroke
which allows the pump to be operated
at discharge heads over 200 feet (61
meters) of water.
For maximum diaphragm life, keep
the pump as close to the liquid being
pumped as possible. Positive suction
head in excess of 10 feet of liquid
(3.048 meters) may require a back
pressure regulating device to maximize
diaphragm life.
Alternate pressurizing and
exhausting of the diaphragm chamber
is performed by an externally mounted,
pilot operated, four way spool type
air distribution valve. When the spool
shifts to one end of the valve body, inlet
pressure is applied to one diaphragm
chamber and the other diaphragm
chamber exhausts. When the spool
shifts to the opposite end of the valve
body, the pressure to the chambers
is reversed. The air distribution valve
spool is moved by a internal pilot valve
which alternately pressurizes one end
of the air distribution valve spool while
exhausting the other end. The pilot valve
is shifted at each end of the diaphragm
stroke when a actuator plunger is
contacted by the diaphragm plate. This
actuator plunger then pushes the end
of the pilot valve spool into position to
activate the air distribution valve.
The chambers are connected with
manifolds with a suction and discharge
check valve for each chamber,
maintaining flow in one direction
through the pump.
INSTALLATION AND START-UP
Locate the pump as close to the
product being pumped as possible.
Keep the suction line length and
number of fittings to a minimum. Do not
reduce the suction line diameter.
For installations of rigid piping,
short sections of flexible hose should
be installed between the pump
and the piping. The flexible hose
reduces vibration and strain to the
pumping system. A surge suppressor
is recommended to further reduce
pulsation in flow.
AIR SUPPLY
Air supply pressure cannot exceed
125 psi (8.6 bar). Connect the pump
air inlet to an air supply of sufficient
capacity and pressure required for
desired performance. When the air
supply line is solid piping, use a short
length of flexible hose not less than
1/2" (13mm) in diameter between
the pump and the piping to reduce
strain to the piping. The weight of the
air supply line, regulators and filters
must be supported by some means
other than the air inlet cap. Failure to
provide support for the piping may result
in damage to the pump. A pressure
regulating valve should be installed
to insure air supply pressure does not
exceed recommended limits.
AIR VALVE LUBRICATION
The air distribution valve and the
pilot valve are designed to operate
WITHOUT lubrication. This is the
preferred mode of operation. There may
be instances of personal preference or
poor quality air supplies when lubrication
of the compressed air supply is required.
The pump air system will operate with
properly lubricated compressed air
supply. Proper lubrication requires
the use of an air line lubricator set
to deliver one drop of SAE 10 non-
detergent oil for every 20 SCFM (9.4
liters/sec.) of air the pump consumes
at the point of operation. Consult the
pump’s published Performance Curve
to determine this.
AIR LINE MOISTURE
Water in the compressed air supply
can create problems such as icing or
freezing of the exhaust air, causing
the pump to cycle erratically or stop
operating. Water in the air supply can
be reduced by using a point-of-use
air dryer to supplement the user’s air
drying equipment. This device removes
water from the compressed air supply
and alleviates the icing or freezing
problems.
AIR INLET AND PRIMING
To start the pump, open the air valve
approximately 1/2" to 3/4" turn. After
the pump primes, the air valve can be
opened to increase air flow as desired.
If opening the valve increases cycling
rate, but does not increase the rate of
flow, cavitation has occurred. The valve
should be closed slightly to obtain the
most efficient air flow to pump flow ratio.
BETWEEN USES
When the pump is used for materials
that tend to settle out or solidify when
not in motion, the pump should be
flushed after each use to prevent
damage. (Product remaining in the
pump between uses could dry out or
settle out. This could cause problems
with the diaphragms and check valves
at restart.) In freezing temperatures
the pump must be completely drained
between uses in all cases.
