Manual

9
Trouble-Shooting Guidelines for Separator
Installations
1. Verify Actual Flow Rate: Use pressure gauges to indicate differential pressure and
flow meter to verify flow rate. (Multiple pumps used to increase flow are installed in
parallel (into common manifold); multiple pumps to increase pressure are installed in
series (one after another).
Flow meters should be installed prior to the separator. Flow meters installed after the
separator will indicate erroneous data.
2. Plumbing Two Separators: Do not plumb two separators from two independent
pumps into the same outlet header without installing balancing valves on the
discharge of each separator. The balancing valves must be set to achieve a pressure
loss across each separator that indicates a flow rate (according to that model's
published flow chart) equal to the flow rate anticipated through the pump that feeds
each separator.
3. Verify Actual Inlet Pressure: Actual inlet pressure must be at least 15 psi (1.03
bar). A minimum backpressure of 5 psi (.34 bar) must be created at the separator
discharge. This may be accomplished via process equipment, piping, or a valve.
Unrestricted open discharge to a pit, sump, etc.,will result in unacceptable
performance.
Be sure that no source of vacuum/suction exists in the piping arrangement. If
vacuum/suction exists (i.e. downward piping after the separator, pump suction
installation, booster pump etc.), put a valve between the separator and the suction
source and pressure gauges on either side of the valve. Throttle the flow until the
pressure loss across the separator indicates the published flow rate which most closely
resembles the anticipated flow rate through the separator.
4. Vibration: Check installation piping inlet & outlet configurations (see appropriate
product sheets for model of separator installed). Mild vibration is possible in some
installations and should be considered normal. Excessive vibration is typically due to
entrained air (use air vents), improper piping (follow the installation instructions) or
system vibration (amplified at the separator).
Units should be secured properly to the floor or wall. If separator is hung, stabilizers
may need to be added. The foundation must be sturdy enough to support the weight
of the product (expected wet weight can be obtained from the product literature).
The use of expansion joints is advisable with all separator installations. It is
particularly recommended that these devices be employed when piping arrangements
cannot comply with the configurations suggested by LAKOS product literature.