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Why won’t my chemical feed diaphragm pump the chemical?
There could be a number of reasons why a chemical feed pump will not pump. First thing to do is consult the trouble shooting guide in our catalog as well as your pumps manual where you will find helpful hints on what to check for.
There are two basic things a pump of this type need for proper operation. First, it has to be able to pull the chemical into the diaphragm housing and second it has to be able to push it out to the injection point. When troubleshooting the cause of the pump failure, you will want to start at the suction side of the pump first. Verify that the foot valve (if your pump has one) which is in you solution tank, is clean and clear of any debris. The foot valve will need to remain in a vertical position in order for the internal check valve to function correctly. Next, inspect the suction tubing and connections for leaks or cracks. A leak on the suction side of your pump may be hard to see and all fittings should only be hand tight, never use a wrench to tighten a fitting as this may distort the seal which will interfere with the function of the check valves and may even create a leak. Check for leaks around the diaphragm housing, most manufactures have incorporated a weep hole in the housing to detect a diaphragm failure, if your pump is leaking from this weep hole, remove the pump from service immediately, consult your owners manual and make the necessary repairs.
Next, check the discharge side of the pump for leaks. Again, verify the connections haven‘t been over tightened and that the seals haven‘t been distorted or smashed down too far. The discharge tubing and injection valve should be checked next. Inspect for crimped tubing that could prevent the chemical from reaching the injection point. If your pump came with an injection valve, it is recommended that it be installed on the underside of a horizontal pipe between the 6 and 9 o’clock position. Space limitations and accessibility will play a big role in your injection valve location. Check the injection valve for debris or any other obstructions that could interfere with the function of the check ball and spring. Last, verify that the pressure in your line you are injecting into does not exceed the maximum pressure capacity of your pump.
Some chemicals have a natural tendency to off gas. This off gassing causes air gaps in the tubing and can make its way up into your pumps head and cause your pump to lose its prime. A bleed valve with degassing capabilities is recommended. This degassing valve mounts on the discharge side of the pump and allows any gas to escape with a small amount of chemical back to the solution tank. Depending on the brand of your pump, a knob or adjustment screw is adjusted to achieve this condition. This constant priming should bleed off any gasses in the tubing and pump head. If any of these helpful hints do not fix the problem, the problem could be with the drive end of your pump and may need further technical assistance. Contact our Technical Support Staff and we will be happy to assist you.
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