Manual

10
5. Vertical Units: Be aware that solids may accumulate within the separator for a
period of time until the solids reach the level of the purge outlet. The purge outlet is
not flush with the bottom of the solids collection chamber.
6. Purging: Purge line piping should be as straight as possible to desired disposal
destination. Avoid uphill piping, multiple elbows and low points where solids may
accumulate and block the piping. Unless advised otherwise, do not reduce the piping
size from that of the separator’s purge outlet size; restrictions can cause blockage and
prevent proper purging of separated solids.
Purge duration should be long enough to not only evacuate solids from the separator,
but also to push the solids through the entire length of purge line piping to desired
disposal. Typically, we recommend that you program automatic valves, especially
motorized ball valves, to purge for no less than 20-25 seconds. This provides time for
the valve to remain fully open long enough to flush a separator’s collection chamber.
Consult LAKOS for unusual circumstances.
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Important: Note that the collection chamber capacity of each separator (see page 4)
should typically not be exceeded. The solids must include sufficient fluid to navigate
the purge valve & purge line piping. It depends on the solids’ capacity to compact
and the time frame it takes to accumulate in the separator. Generally, solids should
not be allowed to accumulate in the separator’s collection chamber for long periods of
time; purging at least daily is recommended when the separator is in operation, more
often if the solids tend to compact tightly/easily.
Continuous purging should not exceed 10% of the inlet flow. The use of a valve to
bleed solids from a separator must be monitored to be sure that the reduced orifice
does not become clogged with solids.
Oversizing the purge line piping may allow solids to settle in the piping; be aware
that velocity is needed to flush solids through the purge line piping.
Estimated water & solids volume through a ¾ inch purge outlet is estimated at 10-45
gallons, and a 1 ½ inch purge outlet is estimated at 35-150 gallons. That’s a
combination of both solids and liquid. The variable takes into account the separator
size, flow rate and system pressure. Allow adequate drainage or retention capacity for
this volume per purge cycle.
7. Manifolding Separators: Two or three separators in parallel (for higher flow rates,
see page 12) must be purged separately…do not join purges together.