- In general, the most important factors in setting up are proximity to the work and access to materials and water supply; consideration should be given to the disposal of waste materials and wash-out residue.
- It is always best to keep grout lines as short as possible to reduce pumping distances. This is particularly important when pumping hard-to-pump materials, such as sanded grouts and pre-blended materials.
- The source of solid materials (cement, fly ash, sand, etc.) should be readily accessible and an adequate supply of water should be available for mixing and clean-up.
- When planning a project for high production rates, it is well to remember that the greatest consumption of time occurs when charging the mixers. A proper set-up can reduce this to a minimum.
SET-UP
- After set up, visually inspect that there are no foreign objects or old set up materials in either the pump or the mixer(s), then make all necessary connections.
- With operating levers, valves, or handles in either “NEUTRAL” or “OFF” position and the primary power source turned OFF, fill the pump hopper with clear water.
- Turn on the primary power source and observe that conditions are normal and machine is ready to run.
- Check each mixer for proper operation by running the mixer in both forward and reverse directions, if unit is so constructed as to allow reverse direction.
- Next, start the delivery pump to discharge the water that was previously introduced into the pump hopper. This is an ideal opportunity to check the grouting system to determine that all lines and hoses are clear and unobstructed. Pump condition may also be checked at this time by testing discharge pressure.
- When it is determined that all systems are normal, shut off the pump and drain the water from the pump and all lines.
- NOTE: Some pre-blended materials and some on-site mixes of sand and cement tend to separate and clog the hoses upon contact with residual water in the hose; so it’s a good procedure to mix and pump out a cement/water slurry prior to mixing and pumping the production material, to lubricate the pump and hoses.
START-UP
- During the production phase of the work, monitor pump and mixer performance continuously, being alert to any signs of abnormality.
- Keep mixers free of material build-up, keep the outside of the machine clean, and keep pump packing lubricated and just tight enough to prevent leakage.
PRODUCTION
NEVER RUN PUMP WITHOUT FLUID AS IT WILL CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE PUMP.
After disposing of excess production material, carefully wash out mixer tanks, paddles and baffles into the pump hopper and pump the resulting washout material through the grout hoses to a suitable disposal site. Continue this operation until only clear water is discharged. It is advisable to drain all residual wash water from the pump and all hoses when washout is complete.
CLEAN-UP
SAFETY:
USE SAFETY STRAPS ON ALL GROUT HOSE CONNECTIONS.
KEEP ARMS, HANDS, FINGERS ECT. AWAY FROM MOVING PARTS.