FAQ: Accessories

Blackmer FAQ: Accessories

• What size of openings does Blackmer recommend for a strainer basket or screen?

  Blackmer rotary vane pumps are well suited to process small suspended solids, especially when compared to alternate pump technologies like side channel pumps, internal gear pumps, triple screw pumps, and twin screw pumps.  Often, Blackmer pumps are successfully applied in applications where suspended sand, weld slag, or other small solids are consistently present.  That being said, strainers are recommended to capture unanticipated foreign matter.
  
  A strainer should be installed in the inlet line to protect the pump from foreign matter. The strainer should be located at least 10 times the pipe diameter from the pump. For viscosities less than 1,000 SSU (200 cP), the strainer should have a net open area of at least four times the area of the intake piping. For viscosities greater than 1,000 SSU (200 cP), consult the strainer manufacturer instructions. Strainers must be cleaned regularly to avoid pump cavitation.

• What is the recommended mesh size for strainers used with Blackmer pumps?

  Minimizing solids in a Blackmer pump is recommended. At a minimum, a 10 mesh strainer on the inlet side of the pump is recommended.

• What accessories are recommended to increase the life of a Blackmer Sliding Vane Pump?

   

  There are numerous things that can be done to increase the life of your Blackmer Sliding Vane Pump. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Every Blackmer vane pump comes with an optional relief valve that can help avoid deadheading.
  • Include a bypass valve separate from the pump to recirculate fluid back into the suction tank in order to avoid over exerting the pump at dead head conditions.
  • Include a strainer to prevent particulates from entering the pump.
  • Avoid using valves that cause high pressure drops. These valves will increase the likelihood of cavitation of fluid in the system.
  • Pressure gauges should be included on the inlet and discharge piping of the pump. These gauges can be used to help troubleshoot in the future if there are any issues in operation.
  • Maintaining your sliding vane pump and replacing wear parts like vanes, seals, O-rings, and liners when needed will extend the life of your pump and ensure peak performance.

• How do I properly set the relief valve for a sliding vane pump?

  Set the relief valve to a pressure approximately 10 to 15 PSI (0.7 to 1 bar) higher than the expected discharge pressure of the pump. If there is a bypass valve on the discharge side of the pump, set the bypass valve to 15 PSI higher than the expected discharge pressure, and set the Relief valve to 15 PSI higher than the bypass valve. Please note that smaller Blackmer pumps, such as the LG1 sliding vane pump model has combination relief/bypass valve which works as both bypass and internal relief valve so you generally do not need an external bypass with this pump.