AXEON Fluid-O-Tech Repair Rebuild - Manual (Page 14)

08/09 Ed., Rev. B Page 14of 16
Testing
It is recommended that the pump be tested before being put into service, to ensure that the
pump was assembled properly and is running satisfactorily. The pump can be tested as
follows:
1) Connect the pump to a motor using the proper coupling and adapter if necessary (contact
Fluid-o-Tech for details, or visit www.fluidotech.com ). Plumb the inlet of the pump directly to a
source of clean water, using tubing with an ID sufficiently sized for the flowrate of the pump.
Plumb the outlet of the pump to an inline pressure gauge, then to a ball valve, then to a flow
meter if one is available, then back to the reservoir of water (or drain if you are using a city
line). Be sure that no teflon tape or pipe dope enters the lines, as this can cause significant
damage to the pumps.
2) Turn the unit on and allow the pump to prime and rid the circuit of air. This shouldn’t take
too long, but if after a long period of time air still remains in the lines, check the following: the
fittings are sealed in the ports properly, the bypass is screwed on tightly and has a nylon
washer, the hoses in the tank are well below the surface of the water and not too close to
each other, and that there are no other leaks in the circuit. If the pump at any point begins to
make a buzzing noise, this is usually a sign of cavitation. To remedy, increase the inside
diameter of the inlet hose and/or shorten it’s length.
3) Once the pump is up and running, check for any obvious leaks. The important points to
examine are the cap, weep holes, bypass, and inlet and outlet. It is normal, on occasion, for a
few drops of liquid to come out of the weep holes on initial startup, especially if there is
residual ethyl alcohol in the cavity. This isn’t a problem unless it is a large amount or a
continuous drip. Next, take a reading on the flow meter. It should be a value close to the
flowrate listed on the corresponding data sheet for the particular pump and speed you are
using. Now close of the valve in the line to raise the pressure to about 100 psi. Re-check for
leaks and take another flow reading. Allow the pump to run for five or ten minutes. If after