Servicing a Peristaltic Nutrient Metering Pump

Feeding nutrient is necessary in many wastewater treatment secondary activated sludge and aerated stabilization basin systems (ASBs). The proper dosage and nitrogen to phosphorus blend ratio (N:P) is also important so that over or under-dosing of either the N or P component doesn’t occur, thus compromising biomass efficiency and/or causing wasted cost. Moreover, nutrient products in the form of 1034 or 1137, 3200 and N:P blends can salt out in either colder or warmer temperatures and cause pump plugging, thus impeding feed rates. As a result, it is critical that a pump maintenance program be in place to keep your pump feeding accurate amounts of nutrient and to ensure a long pump life span for your purchase price.

EBS Production and Maintenance Coordinator Kenny Smith has evaluated, purchased, and serviced numerous pump types over the years and has found the Blue-White Industries Flex-Pro ® A3 and A4 Peristaltic Metering Pump http://www.blue-white.com/Products/Peristaltic/flexflo.htm to be an excellent pump for nutrient feed. Kenny indicates that Blue-White Industries provides him with the following benefits:

• dependability,
• ease of operation and maintenance, and
• excellent technical support.

The following information is provided by Kenny based on his experience and does not mean that proper safety precautions and procedures should not be taken. For a Tube Failure Detection (TFD), do not use until proper service is completed as noted below.

1. Before servicing the pump, be sure to have Proper Protective Equipment (PPE) available.
   • Gloves
   • Safety glasses
   • Protective clothing
2. Press the stop button on the pump.
3. Disconnect the suction and discharge tubing from the pump.
4. Remove the four thumb screws from the pump head cover; then remove the cover.
5. Press the start button. Notice that the roller rotates at a slow, safe speed.
6. Grasp the inlet pump tube fitting & pull the fitting straight out of the pump head.   Allow the pump tube to automatically walk itself out of the pump head.
7. Grasp the outlet pump tube fitting & pull the fitting straight out of the pump head.
8. Press the stop button.
9. The roller assembly and the pump head should be inspected and cleaned before installing a new pump tube. This is especially important if the pump tube ruptured and the TFD system was activated.
10. To remove the roller assembly, disconnect the electrical plug.
11. Pull the small spacer washer from the shaft.
12. Remove the roller assembly from the pump head by pulling the assembly straight off of the motor shaft.
13. Inspect the roller assembly. If a chemical has come into contact with the roller assembly, wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
14. Inspect the pump head. Wipe clean any chemical or debris inside the pump head and the TFD sensor pins.
15. Locate the FRONT side of the roller assembly (it is marked “FRONT”). With the FRONT side facing forward, replace the roller assembly back on the shaft.
16. Replace the small spacer washer onto the motor shaft.
17. Apply power to the pump.
18. Press the START button. Notice that the roller will only rotate at a slow safe speed.
19. Locate the inlet fitting on the curved tubing.
    • If the roller rotation is counterclockwise, this will be the bottom fitting.
    • If the roller rotation is clockwise, this will be the top fitting.
20. Press the inlet fitting into the slot in the pump head. Be sure the U-shaped fitting sits securely in the rear of the slot.
21. Allow the pump tube to walk its way into the pump head.
22. An installation tool is included with Blue-White pumps.
23. Install the tool on the pump tube adapter on the outlet side.
24. Gently pull on the outlet fitting until the fitting aligns with the outlet slot. Press the fitting into the pump head and remove the installation tool.
25. Replace the pump head cover. Be sure that the four thumb screws are fully installed.

The service is now complete. The Blue-White Peristaltic Metering Pump is ready to feed nutrient to your wastewater treatment system and make those bacteria happy campers once again. For more information on equipment reliability, please contact Environmental Business Specialists at 985-674-0660 info@ebsbiowizard.com.