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DOWNEY, CA. 90241

1-800-421-7545

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VACUUM-PRESSURE OPERATING INSTRUCTION

 INSPECTION AND PREPARATION BEFORE OPERATION -- THE THOMPSON VACUUM-PRESSURE UNIT SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY INSPECTED AFTER DELIVERY  

CAUTION

Our experience has shown that initial mechanical operation and transportation of new units may cause subsequent loosening and/or maladjustment of component parts.  We therefore recommend a close inspection of the unit upon delivery, and after approximately four (4) hours of operation, to prevent malfunction or damage.  Re-torque suspension and U-bolts.

For maintenance and detailed description, refer to the Air System brochure and applicable data sheets on individual components.  Examine inside the tank for hoses and other accessories placed there for shipment.  The float shut-off valve in the dome assembly and the liquid level indicator at the rear of the tank should be inspected for freedom of movement and alignment.  In the event of anticipated corrosive service, the periodic application of salt water-proof grease over both of these assemblies will increase their longevity and improve their operation.  Inspect and tighten all V-belts and set screws on the pump drive assembly.  Check the oil level in the vacuum pump; together with the fuel, oil and coolant levels of any auxiliary engine.  Follow the manufacturers recommendations for maintenance and operation of pumps, engines and other installed components.

It is the responsibility of the owner of this equipment to comply with all Federal, State and local regulations.  The code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, establishes minimum requirements for design, manufacturing, testing, maintenance, training, operating and reporting.  All operating personnel must be thoroughly knowledgeable with the regulations and the data supplied with the unit when handling the many and varied hazardous materials encountered.  The latest condensed version of federal regulations may be purchased from:

National Tank Truck Carriers

2200 Mill Road

Alexandria , VA   22314

DANGER - TO PREVENT POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH

DO NOT go underneath vehicle while engine is running.

DO NOT work near rotating drive shaft to prevent getting caught or entangled.

DANGER

DO NOT open manways or access openings when tank is under pressure.

DO NOT attempt to operate the controls of the power take-off or other driven equipment from beneath the vehicle with the engine running.

DO NOT attempt to operate the controls of the power take-off or other drive equipment in any position that could result in getting caught in the moving machinery.  

DANGER

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS -- The fumes discharged by the vacuum pump exhaust, when handling hazardous materials under a partial vacuum, must be piped to and discharged in a safe area.  All operating employees should be supplied with the proper safety equipment required to handle that particular material.  The interior and other portions of the unit which may have come in contact with hazardous materials, shall be thoroughly cleaned as soon after the unloading process as feasible and prior to subsequent reloading of the unit.  Many materials are incompatible and will react with each other.  A system of monitoring safety assurance procedures for loading, transporting and unloading of hazardous materials is required.

DANGER

When handling flammable waste non-sparking tools, fittings, and equipment must be used in addition to proper grounding devices.

DANGER

Keep clear of the inlet valve hose because of strong suction during vacuum operations

DANGER

The discharge hose will have a tendency to whip under pressure, and therefore must be secured.  

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

 Familiarize all operating employees with the detailed operations and maintenance instructions for your specific vacuum pump.  Direct all operating employees to read and observe the instructions of any DANGER or CAUTION labels affixed to the unit.

VACUUM LOADING

1.   Open In-Transit shut-off valve

2.   Open 1115 Bleeder Valve

3.   Start engine, engage clutch or PTO, set engine RPM.

4.   Position 4-way valve to vacuum, close 1115 bleeder valve to regulate vacuum.

5.   Connect Hose to inlet or discharge, open valve

6.   Evacuation of air from tank stops automatically when full.

7.   Close loading valve, open 1115 bleeder valve.

8.   Decrease engine RPM, disengage clutch or PTO.

9.   Close In-Transit shut-off valve.

GRAVITY UNLOADING

1.   Open 1115 Bleeder Valve, open discharge valve.

2.   After load is partially discharged, the inlet valve may be opened to allow additional air to enter tank through riser.  

PRESSURE UNLOADING

1.   Open In-Transit shut-off valve

2.   Open 1115 Bleeder valve

3.   Start engine, engage clutch or PTO, set engine RPM

4.   Position 4-way valve to pressure, close 1115 bleeder valve to regulate pressure.

5.   Connect hose to discharge and open valve.  Caution:  Hose will tend to whip under pressure, do not use excessive pressure.

6.   When tank is empty, close discharge valve, open 1115 bleeder valve.

7.   Open drain valves on 1106 LEP and 1107 scrubber.  If excessive material is drained, 1100/1101 float shut-off valve needs adjustment or repair.

8.   Decrease engine RPM, disengage clutch or PTO

9.   Close in-transit shut off valve.

CAUTION - IN-TRANSIT

     In transit shut-off must be in the closed position when vacuum-pressure pump is not in use.

     In transit shut-off must be placed in the open position before using vacuum-pressure pump.

     The in transit shut-off is a safety device designed to prevent loss of product after a roll over accident when the tank     remains on its side or inverted.

CAUTION - PUMP SPEED

     Do not exceed the vacuum pump manufacturer's maximum recommended operating speed (R.P.M.)  Power Take-Off and reduction gear ratios vary and the R.P.M. of the power source is not always the same as the pump.  An accurate tachometer on the power source and determination of drive ratio is essential to prevent damage.  Rotary vane pumps operated below recommended minimum speeds will cause vane chatter that can damage the pump.

CAUTION - PUMP

     Bleed all vacuum or pressure from the unit before changing position of four way valve (vacuum to pressure or pressure to vacuum) to prevent damage to the pump.

CAUTION - LEP & SCRUBBER DRAINS

     Never open the 1107 scrubber of 1106 liquid entry preventer drain valves while the unit is under vacuum.  This will cause the injection of material into the vacuum pump. With the bleeder valve open, drain both the inside scrubber and the liquid entry preventer through their respective drain valves

     after each load. In the event that an excessive amount of material is drained from either component, check both float shut-off valves for adjustment or malfunction and for leaks in the Air System (see the Air System diagram).

FUNCTION OF AIR SYSTEM COMPONENTS

When the unit is being loaded using vacuum, the 1100/1101 Primary Float Shut-Off Valve will automatically terminate the evacuation of air when filled to capacity.  By adjusting the height of the float ball the capacity can be increased or decreased.

The 1107 Vacuum Scrubber will separate liquid carried past the 1100/1101 primary float shut-off valve, caused by surge or valve seat misalignment, from the air being evacuated.  The scrubber will also liquefy condensation which would otherwise pass through the 1103 secondary float shut-off valve and into the pump.  Drain after every load.  

The 1106 Liquid Entry Preventor contains the 1103 Secondary Float Shut-Off Valve which will automatically terminate the evacuation of air if the 1100/1101 primary fails, or the 1107 scrubber is filled beyond capacity.

The 1115 Vacuum-Pressure Bleeder Regulator is used to regulate the amount of vacuum or pressure being used and to neutralize the tank from the internal or external pressure condition.  The air rushing into the dome area will also pocket material away form the 1101 primary float shut-off valve helping to prevent the carry over of light material.

The Inlet Riser is extended to the top of the tank to allow for clearing a blocked suction hose using pressure, without losing material already loaded, and for transfer service.

Efficiency in loading is directly proportional to the size of the lines or hoses used between the unit and the material.  Frequently heavier materials can be loaded much more rapidly when skimmed, allowing air to mix with the product at the suction end of the hose.  Air or steam can be injected into the suction end of the inlet hose to speed the loading of viscous material and to greatly increase the depth or distance which material can be loaded by vacuum.  In the event material must be pulled a great distance, light-weight aluminum tubing can be substituted for heavy vacuum hoses to make up the majority of the line.

Depending on density or viscosity, waste materials may be discharged by gravity or pressure.  Connect and secure a suitable discharge line or hose from the discharge outlet to the dump site. During gravity discharge, open the bleeder valve to allow tank venting to atmosphere.       

 

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Copyright © 2004 Thompson Tank Inc.
Last modified: October 13, 2005