Dankoff Solaram Manual

MAXIMUM SUCTION CAPACITY is 20 vertical feet at sea level. At higher elevations, subtract
1 foot per 1000 feet elevation. It is best to minimize the vertical lift and the distance on the
intake side of the pump. Use minimum 1” pipe for intake. A short flexible hose is provided to
make connection to the pump easy.
If a slapping noise is heard, then there is too much intake suction. Place the pump closer to
the water source, or take other measures to reduce suction. Excessive noise is caused by
“cavitation”, which is the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles. This reduces performance
and causes stress on the diaphragms. If you need further advice, call the factory.
PRIMING: If the pump is to be installed higher than the water level in the source, it must draw
water upward by suction. In this case, install a pipe Tee and plug for priming. The pump will
generally self-prime (by drawing partial vacuum) to 10 feet or more, but priming may be
required if there is ever any imperfection in the system.
OUTLET PIPING
A Length of flexible hose is provided for connection to the pump's outlet. The flexible hose
helps absorb pressure pulsations caused by normal pumping action.
Do not shorten or
eliminate the flexible hose, or the pressure will pulsate excessively. Join the flex hose to a
larger size of water pipe. Select a size from a pipe sizing chart, to minimize friction loss.
OVERLOAD PROTECTION is required:
Install a fuse or DC-rated circuit breaker rated no larger than 10% more than the “Max. Amps”
rating on the pump label. If your pump controller (Linear Current Booster) has a current rating
lower than the of the pump, then do not exceed that rating my more than 10%. Failure to install
the correct fuse or curcuit breaker will void the warranty. In a non-battery system, the pump
controller multiplies the current to meet the demand of the motor. Therefore, the proper fuse or
breaker must be installed BETWEEN THE PUMP CONTROLLER AND THE MOTOR, not
between the array and the motor.
Safety Warning
The exposed belt drive can catch fingers or loose clothing, leading to serious injury.
Provide covering for the machine. Keep children and unauthorized people away.
MOTOR
Solaram pumps use a PERMANENT MAGNET DC MOTOR, that runs efficiently at varying
voltages and speeds. The motor is expected to run at voltages as high as 1.5 times its
nameplate rating. Thus a "24 Volt" motor is expected to run as high as 36 volts under peak-
sun conditions.
MOTOR BRUSHES are carbon blocks that conduct electric current to the spinning part of the
motor. They will wear out in about 5-7 years of typical use. Remove covers on either side of
motor to inspect brushes. Inspect annually and replace before they are 2/3 worn.
MOTOR BEARINGS are sealed for life and require no lubrication.
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
Adjust as follows -- After pump has run sufficiently to fill the entire discharge pipe with water (it
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