How To Install Your Pump

Installing your pump properly is an essential step to ensure safe and efficient operation. This process involves handling electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical components, which can be hazardous to your team. Therefore, it is crucial that installation and maintenance tasks are performed only by qualified personnel. Additionally, always follow your facility’s safety procedures, including lockout and tagout protocols.

The pump should be installed in a location that provides access to a compressed air supply, control systems, and space for changing material containers. Ensure there is sufficient overhead clearance to allow the ram elevator to be raised and lowered during container changes. Be mindful of the maximum height of your pump, which varies by model: the GDP and G6FP have a maximum height of 92 inches, the GSP is 74 inches, the GNDP is 52 inches, the GSPM is 56 inches, and the GDPM is 27 inches. Some options, such as the portability kit, can increase the height by approximately four inches.

• Once the installation location is chosen, connect the air supply using a hose or pipe with a 3/8-inch or larger inner diameter to the air inlet port on the lockout valve.

  The air pressure should be between 60 and 120 psi. Air pressures higher than 120 psi are not recommended as they may damage system components.

After connecting the air supply, connect the power. When working with electrical components, adhere to all facility safety guidelines to avoid electric shock. Different controllers require specific power inputs: options 60 and 61 require 120V AC power, while option 70 requires 24V DC power connected to the controller. Pumps without controllers may need to connect to a 24V control system. Refer to the electrical schematic for detailed connection instructions. Once the pump is connected to air and power, it is ready to load material.

If your material has curing properties, refer to the second half of the container change video for additional guidance on handling complex materials. That video provides detailed instructions on installing a new container. To begin, raise the inductor to its highest position using the ram-up lever. Load the container onto the pump frame and lower the inductor seal so it rests evenly on the container’s top rim. Ensure the seal overhangs the container equally on all sides. If needed, adjust the container’s position to center it properly. Prepare the inductor for air bleeding by removing the handle and opening the vent valve. Place a paper towel near the valve to collect any material that bleeds out. Lower the inductor into the container using a feathering technique. Once a solid stream of material flows from the handle port, stop, reinstall the handle, and tighten it. Continue lowering the inductor until material flows steadily from the vent valve without air bubbles, then close the valve.

With the container free of air, proceed to bleed air out of the pump. Lower the ram elevator and turn on the pump by pulling the button or turning the knob, depending on the regulator model. Place a container or rag under the pump bleed valve and open it. Once material flows air-free for a few seconds, close the valve. Your pump is now ready for use. To simplify future container changes, adjust the container locators by loosening the bolts and sliding them down until they contact the container’s edge. For dual-post pumps, this step is crucial to prevent the container from being lifted during elevator operation. Properly adjusted locators ensure consistent positioning of new containers.

The pump’s main functions should be noted for optimal operation. The air pressure relief valve is factory-set to limit material outlet pressure. This setting varies depending on the pump’s boost ratio and is unnecessary for lower-boost pumps. If air escapes from the relief valve, reduce the air pressure on the regulator. Do not remove or readjust the relief valve. For reliable cycling, air pressure should generally remain above 30 psi. Thicker materials may require higher pressures, while thinner materials may need lower settings to prevent leakage around the inductor lip seal.

The pump’s main air inlet lockout valve controls air to the regulator assembly and serves as the lockout point for air pressure. The pump shut-off valve controls air to the pump’s air motor, while the ram elevator compressed air regulator provides sufficient downforce to prevent cavitation. Start with a pressure setting of 30 psi and adjust as needed. A solenoid valve allows the pump to be controlled by a PLC, and the ram elevator control valve manages inductor movements. Ensure the lever remains in the down position while the pump operates.