Owner's manual

LAKOS Waterworks PWC Series Separators
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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 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.
IMPORTANT: Note that the collection chamber capacity of each separator (see page 4) should
typically not be exceeded by more than 1/3-full (or less); 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 1 ½ inch purge outlet is estimated at 35-150 gallons
(135-720 liters); 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. Consult LAKOS for options to further concentrate solids and
recover/manage purged liquid.
7. Bi-Sep Configuration: Two-stage separators installed in series must be purged separately. Do not
join purge outlets from two or more separators.
8. Flanges: All flanges should have the appropriate gasket/seal in order to ensure a leak-free
installation. All hand-hole clean-out ports and other internal access devices should also be
properly re-sealed after use.