Owner's manual

LAKOS Waterworks PWC Series Separators
8
Trouble-shooting Guidelines for Separator
Installations
1. Verify Actual Flow Rate: Use pressure gauges to indicate differential pressure and/or flow meter
to verify flow rate. (Multiple pumps used to increase flow are installed in parallel (into common
manifold); multiple pumps to increase pressure are installed in series (one after another)).
Flow meters should be installed prior to the separator. Flow meters installed after the separator
may indicate erroneous data.
2. Plumbing Two Separators: Do not plumb two separators from two independent pumps into the
same outlet header without installing balancing valves on the discharge of each separator. The
balancing valves must be set to achieve a pressure loss across each separator that indicates a
proper flow rate (according to that model's published flow chart) equal to the flow rate
anticipated through the pump that feeds each separator.
3. Verify Actual Inlet Pressure: Actual inlet pressure must be at least 15 psi (1.03 Bar). A minimum
backpressure of 5 psi (.34 Bar) must be created at the separator discharge. This may be
accomplished via process equipment, piping, or a valve. Unrestricted open discharge to a pit,
sump, etc., will result in unacceptable performance.
Be sure that no source of vacuum/suction exists in the piping arrangement. If vacuum/suction
exists (i.e. downward piping after the separator, pump suction installation, booster pump etc.),
put a valve between the separator and the suction source and pressure gauges on either side of
the valve. Throttle the flow until the pressure loss across the separator indicates the published
flow rate which most closely resembles the anticipated flow rate through the separator.
4. Vibration: Mild vibration is possible in some installations and should be considered normal.
Excessive vibration is typically due to entrained air (use air vents), improper piping (follow the
installation instructions) or system vibration (amplified at the separator).
Units should be secured properly to the floor or wall. If separator is hung, stabilizers may need to
be added. The foundation must be sturdy enough to support the weight of the product (see page
4 for separator weight with water).
The use of expansion joints is advisable with all separator installations. It is particularly
recommended that these devices be employed when piping arrangements cannot comply with
the configurations suggested by LAKOS product literature.
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.