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Faq
QUESTIONS
Are there any particular instructions for ATEX version electric pumps (explosion proof)?
What checks can be done if current imbalances are detected on the three phases of the motor?
What is the maximum temperature of the pumped liquid?
How does a higher density of liquid affect motor power?
To ensure that a submersible pump functions correctly, what is the minimum level of fluid allowed?
What is cavitation?
Can Caprari’s submersed electric pumps be used with electronic starting systems (Soft-Starter/Inverter)? If they can, are there any specific instructions to comply with?
Can a Caprari K Series submersible electric pump be installed with an automatic coupling support (duck foot pedestal) by another producer?
How can I establish the correct direction of rotation of the electric pump?
How is the conductivity sensor connected to the electrical panel?
What is the purpose of the “ S” conductivity sensor in K Series models?
When should the oil in the electric pump oil chamber be changed?
How must K Series heat sensors be connected (T1 and T2)?
Can K Series submersible electric pumps be used to pump drinking water?
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ANSWER
Are there any particular instructions for ATEX version electric pumps (explosion proof)?
1 Only authorized Caprari workshop technicians may work on the cable clamps or open the motor casing.
2 8.3. The operative characteristics of these machines must comply with the features indicated on the data plate and in the enclosed
EX certificate.
3 The minimum head is at the top of the electric motor for machines operating in S1 service mode and above the pump casing
for electric pumps operating in S3 jogging mode (comply with the degree of intermittence indicated on the electric pump
data plate for each motor power rating).
4 The thermal probes must be connected to the control equipment of the electric pump. Activation of the thermal probe
must shut off the power supplied to the electric pump. Resetting must not be automatic. It must only occur after a qualified
technician has inspected the machine.
5 It is forbidden to modify the machines or replace parts of the electric motors. Users are only allowed to replace components
of the wet part (numbered L1 to L19 of the Section in question) with identical genuine spares (same code or same initials on
the part) when these are worn through normal operation. Operations other than routine maintenance may only be carried out
by Caprari S.p.A.
6 The optional conductivity sensor installed in the motor casing must only be used with a control device installed in the
panel that conforms to the requisites of the forecast potentially explosive environment.
7 The following bad functioning can be possible primer causes for explosion; consequently it is necessary to operate all
possible actions to avoid them:
-dry running of the pump or 0/Q capacity: use a pressure and/or capacity probe directly connected to the control
panel with manual restarting, to avoid the pump operating in such conditions;
-pump shaft bearings damage: in case of increased vibrations and/or noise during operation, stop the pump and send it
to authorized Caprari workshop
8 _ Operation with inverter/converter: the use of this electronic equipment as control and regulation unit, must be studied
very carefully in order to verify that it doesn’t produce electromagnetic interferences or induced currents which can
reduce the safety standard required by the ATEX norms in reference to the zone in which the equipments are
working.
In any case, the following conditions must be respected:
- it is compulsory to use the inverter Danfoss VLT FC202 serie or more recent models with better performances; use
of models corresponding to other brands must be authorized by Caprari S.p.A.;
- it is compulsory to set the inner commutation frequency of the inverter at maximum 4kHz or at the minimum
frequency admitted by the inverter;
- it is compulsory to equip the inverter with the correct battery of filters, between inverter and the motor, for the
reduction of [dv/dt];
- it is compulsory to use the inverter only in the modulation range 35 - 60 Hz.
9 _ The standard maximum ambient temperature is 40°C. A maximum ambient temperature of 60°C can be accepted on
request and following tests by Caprari S.p.A. This temperature will be indicated on the rating plate of the electric
pump.
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ANSWER
What checks can be done if current imbalances are detected on the three phases of the motor?
Absorption differences on the three motor phases (greater if detected without load) are not always due to a construction defect since even the supply can be unbalanced.
If a high imbalance is detected (under optimal voltage conditions) also check absorption on the other two motor/mains connection combinations; (to maintain the same rotation direction, proceed according to the diagram):
Optimal connection is when the difference between absorptions is the least.
However, if the highest absorption is always detected on the same phase of the line the main cause of imbalance is due to the supply.
N.B.: Max. permissible imbalance on absorbed current: 5% .
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ANSWER
What is the maximum temperature of the pumped liquid?
The maximum temperature of the pumped liquid is 40° C.
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ANSWER
How does a higher density of liquid affect motor power?
A density higher than 1 Kg/dm 3 and/or viscosity higher than 1 mm 2 /s inevitably involves an increase of power absorbed by the motor, with subsequent overheating and burning of the winding if there are no thermal protectors.
Possible suggestions:
Use a motor of higher power: the percentage increase in motor power must be at least equal to the density percentage.
Use of an impeller of smaller diameter than standard.
To avoid possible obstructions and clogging, it is advisable to check that the velocity of the liquid in the delivery piping stays above 0.8-1 m/s. In the presence of sand, at least 1.6 m/s is required in the horizontal piping and 2.5 m/s in the vertical.
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ANSWER
To ensure that a submersible pump functions correctly, what is the minimum level of fluid allowed?
The minimum level of fluid required for a submersible electric pump immersed in that fluid differs, depending on the type of service (A1=continuous service/S3=intermittent service). This is why it is pre-engineered for installation of a cooling casing if required.
INSTALLATION WITHOUT THE COOLING CASING:
S1 operation: the motor must be completely immersed in the pumped fluid.
S3 operation: the fluid can reach the base of the motor. However, the electric pump can only operate in these conditions for a certain period, alternated by the period at a standstill required by the motor.
OPERATION WITH THE COOLING CASING: The motor can operate completely uncovered by the fluid in the S1 service mode.
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ANSWER
What is cavitation?
The phenomenon of cavitation is due to the formation and subsequent implosion of vapour bubbles forming inside the impeller blades due to an internal pressure lower than the vapour pressure of the pumped liquid at a given temperature.
With waste water electric pumps cavitation can occur for the following reasons:
• Suction pipe too long (only in the case of installations in dry chamber)
• Intake of small quantities of air bubbles due to the creation of vortices caused by the dynamic level lower than m…
• If the effective work duty point goes outside the normal electric pump utilization field
• Water based liquids with temperatures above 80°C.
N.B.: Cavitation can cause the following malfunctions:
• Changes in hydraulic performance
• Excessive noise (rattling)
• Violent vibrations with possible failure of seals, bearings and the shaft
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ANSWER
Can Caprari’s submersed electric pumps be used with electronic starting systems (Soft-Starter/Inverter)? If they can, are there any specific instructions to comply with?
Standard submersed motors can also be used with multi-frequency starters.
The use and maintenance manual of the electric pump gives instructions that must be complied with if an Inverter or Soft-starter is used.
General instructions for use of the INVERTER:
- the minimum frequency must not be less than 70% of the rated value during the starting phase and/or use, with the voltage/frequency ratio maintained at a constant level.
A filter that ensures the following voltage gradient must be installed between the inverter and motor:
- (dV / dt) ≤ 750 V/µs for motors in oil
- (dV / dt) ≤ 500 V/µs for motors in water and propylene glycol with standard winding and well tmax C ° ≤ 25 °C
- (dV / dt) ≤ 650 V/µs for motors in water and propylene glycol with special winding and well tmax C ° ≤ 35 °
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<= 1.5% harmonic voltage content.
<= 4 % harmonic current content.
Conditions to be complied with regardless of the length of the power cables.
General instructions for use of the SOFT-STARTER:
The SOFT-STARTER device must be the voltage ramp and not the current ramp type.
- always make sure that the soft-starter is cut out once the starting phase of the assembly has terminated.
If an installation with a soft-starter or inverter starting system functions in a faulty way, check the operation of the electric pump assembly by connecting it straight to the electricity main (or to another device).
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ANSWER
Can a Caprari K Series submersible electric pump be installed with an automatic coupling support (duck foot pedestal) by another producer?
The possibility of coupling using adapters with the main coupling supports in production is provided for.
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ANSWER
How can I establish the correct direction of rotation of the electric pump?
The terminals of the power cable are marked with the IEC international codes. Their correct connection to the L1(u), L2(v), L3(w) line ensures that the electric pump turns in the right direction. The arrow on the casting on the top part of the motor indicates the correct direction of rotation, i.e. clockwise viewed from above. If the installed unit is visible when started, it will be subjected to kick-back in the anti-clockwise direction.
If it is impossible to directly check the direction of rotation (e.g.: when the electric pump is already installed), it is advisable to compare the hydraulic performance parameters and the motor’s electric power input with the electric pump’s data plate values.
Switch two of the phases with each other to invert the sense of rotation.
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ANSWER
How is the conductivity sensor connected to the electrical panel?
If the Caprari electrical panel, already arranged for sensor
connection, is not available, it is possible to ask the sales network
for the appropriate CLM/3S-24V motor oil chamber water detection
sensors.
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ANSWER
What is the purpose of the “ S” conductivity sensor in K Series models?
The conductivity sensor is inserted in the oil chamber and detects any water infiltration in the chamber from the mechanical seal. If the electrical panel has a detection device just connect the terminal with the "S" symbol and a branch of the yellow/green earth wire.
The conductivity detection device is used to activate an alarm circuit in the event water is detected in the oil.
The alarm can be either visual or audible. For explosion proof motors the devices used must be intrinsically safe and compatible with the zone classification in which they are in use.
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ANSWER
When should the oil in the electric pump oil chamber be changed?
In normal operating conditions the oil must be changed every 10000/15000 hours.
Use SAE 10W oil. If there is water in the oil, check the condition of the pump side mechanical seal and replace it if necessary.
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ANSWER
How must K Series heat sensors be connected (T1 and T2)?
The heat sensor terminals, marked with the symbols T1 and T2, must be connected in series to the electric pump command remote control switch coil (see the general cable wiring diagram in the operator's manual). The heat sensors are normally closed bimetal switches embedded in the motor windings. When the temperature of 132°C is exceeded they open, breaking the remote control switch coil feed circuit and causing the electric pump to stop.
The coil is excited again when the sensors have cooled (114°C). The sensors can be connected with a max. of 250V. A power supply of 24V – 1.5°? is recommended.
For pumps with explosion proof motors (type ..X.. ) the connection of the temperature
probes is compulsory. Failure to do so will invalidate the warranty.
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ANSWER
Can K Series submersible electric pumps be used to pump drinking water?
All the paints used have certification of suitability for contact with drinking water.
Upon request the pump oil chamber, normally filled with mineral oil - viscosity SAE 10W, can be filled with dielectric oil approved by the Food and Drug Administration (U.S.A.) and suitable for contact with food substances.
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