Wilden PX4 series, Engineering, Operation & Maintenance

WIL-12310-E-04

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WILDEN PUMP & ENGINEERING, LLC

Wilden pumps are designed to meet the performance 
requirements of even the most demanding pumping 
applications.  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 analysis of the performance characteristics of 
your pump.  Wilden offers the widest variety of elastomer 
options in the industry to satisfy temperature, chemical 
compatibility, abrasion resistance and fl ex 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 fi ttings and connections are airtight or a 
reduction or loss of pump suction capability will result.

INSTALLATION: Months of careful planning, study, 
and selection 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 
fl oor. Multiple installations with confl icting  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 
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.

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 
fi lter, needle valve and regulator. The use of an air fi lter 
before the pump will ensure that the majority of any pipeline 
contaminants 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. 

MUFFLER: Sound levels are reduced below OSHA 
specifi cations using the standard Wilden muffl er.  Other 
muffl ers 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 assure that loss-of-prime issues will 
be eliminated. In addition, pump effi ciency can be adversely 
affected if proper attention is not given to site location.

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 
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 straightest hook-up of suction and discharge piping. 
Unnecessary elbows, bends, and fi ttings 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 fi ttings.

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 minimizing pump vibration. Flexible connections between 
the pump and rigid piping will also assist in minimizing 
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 (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 ability. NOTE: Materials of construction and 
elastomer material have an effect on suction lift parameters. 
Please refer to the performance section for specifi cs.

When pumps are installed in applications involving fl ooded 
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.

SUBMERSIBLE APPLICATIONS: Pro-Flo X™ pumps can be 
used for submersible applications, when using the Pro-Flo 
X™ submersible option.

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.

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