Froth pump Instructions (HVF)

Refer to pump assembly drawing for details of your specific application Deaeration Chamber

ASSEMBLY The froth pump (HVF) is similar to an LCC pump with the exception of special hydraulics and the addition of a deaeration chamber. Standard LCC assembly procedures should be followed until just before shell installation. Before attaching the shell, the deaeration chamber must be bolted to the pedestal using 902.10 studs (qty. 2). Once the deaeration chamber is attached, bolt the shell to the pedestal by using the through the holes in the deaeration chamber, use 902.12 studs (qty. 8). Once these steps are complete, the remainder of the standard LCC assembly procedure may be followed. VENT/DRAIN SETUP The deaeration chamber is fitted with vent and drain connections. The vent connection is located near the top vertical centerline and requires attachment of a vent pipe. A ball valve should be fitted between the deaeration chamber and vent pipe so the vent can be shut off for safety during pump maintenance. The drain connection is located near the bottom vertical centerline and can be used as a clean-out. During operation, the drain must be blanked or valved off. The vent pipe is normally routed to the top of the pump sump so any vented fluid can be returned to the system. Horizontal sections of the vent pipe may cause clogging from an accumulation of slurry, and should be avoided. It is recommended that all portions of the vent pipe be at angles greater than or equal to 45 degrees from horizontal. The vent pipe should reenter the sump slightly above the maximum liquid level. NOTE: If pumping a highly viscous fluid, such as bitumen, the vent piping may require heat tracing to prevent clogging due to slurry buildup on the pipe walls. Contact GIW for specific recommendations. MECHANICAL SEAL A mechanical seal is an optional feature of the froth pump. If using a mechanical seal, refer to seal manufacturers documentation for installation and operation instructions, including flush water requirements. Because of the presence of air in the deaeration chamber, any mechanical seal must be of the double faced type with barrier fluid. START UP The vent should be fitted with a ball valve which will be normally open during operation and, if desired, closed for start up, shut down, and maintenance. The pump will start up like a standard LCC pump with flush water being supplied to the shaft seal and, if desired, with the valve on the vent line closed. Once the pump is operating, with slurry flowing and suction pressure at least 10 kPag above atmospheric pressure, the vent valve should remain open to enable venting. OPERATION Under normal operating conditions where suction pressure is slightly greater than atmospheric pressure (by about 10 kPag), the vent pipe will mainly expel air. However, during system upsets where suction pressure is increased, a mixture of air and slurry may rise up into the vent pipe. In the case of viscous liquids, a liquid filled vent pipe may slow the action of the venting system, so it is preferred to keep suction pressure low (below 50 kPag) whenever possible. System upsets which reduce the suction pressure below 10 kPag should also be avoided, as they may cause the vent pipe to ingest air into the pump and the pump to lose prime. In most cases, this will correct itself as the sump level and suction pressure rise and the venting system again expels the excess air. It is not recommended, however, to allow the pump to cycle in this way between positive and negative suction pressure, since this may lead to unstable system operation, reduced efficiency and poor wear performance. If necessary, adjust pump speed and sump levels to maintain a normal suction pressure around 10 kPag. SHUT DOWN Before shutting down the froth pump, the following steps may be taken to reduce the amount of fluid in the vent pipe and vent hose. First, the suction pressure should be reduced to 10kPa by lowering the sump level. Then, the vent valve may be closed to stop slurry from re-entering the vent hose at shut down. Once the valve is closed, the pump may be shut down according to standard LCC procedure.