How to build a successful liquid ring vacuum truck
Dimensioning the vacuum system for a vehicle is essential for its performance in operation and as an investment. This is the Samson Pumps, step by step guide, of how to build a successful liquid ring vacuum truck.
Understanding the
working principles
Right
sizing
Placing the
pump
Power requirements
Direction of
rotation
Non-return
valve
Separation
the water & air
Placing the
water tank
4-way
valve
Connecting
the fan cooler
Step 1
Understanding the working principles
The journey to building your vacuum truck with a liquid ring pump starts with a fundamental step: understanding how the liquid ring pump, the heart of your vacuum system, works.
The working principle of the liquid ring pump is based on the rotary motion of the rotor, which creates a liquid ring. It means that the pump works without any mechanical contact. And the liquid ring also provides sealing between the suction and the discharge side of the pump.
Additionally, the liquid ring also acts as a cushion which absorbs the energy from the rotary motion, resulting in no vibrations, no noise, and no polluting exhaust.
Watch the video to understand the working principle. Click the button below to explore and gain more insights into liquid ring technology.
Step 2
Rightsizing your vacuum system
The second step in building your liquid ring vacuum truck involves designing the vacuum system. This includes dimensioning and rightsizing the system. In this way you get the right performance at the right level both cost and investment wise.
At Samson Pumps, we have developed Solution Finder to assist you in this phase. Our digital tool simplifies the design process. All you need to do is to specify how you intend to build the truck. Solution Finder will simulate how the vacuum system will perform. You analyze the results. If the truck does not perform as expected, you fine-tune the parameters in the truck and pump configuration section until you achieve the desired functionality.
Explore how we assist you in dimensioning and rightsizing your vacuum system.
Step 3
Placing the pump
Once you have dimensioned and rightsized your vacuum system, the next step is to consider some important guidelines. Particularly where to place the liquid ring pump when you design the configuration of your vacuum truck.
There are not many requirements for placing the liquid ring pump, but one rule-of-thumb is to place the pump as low as possible. When you place the pump low it opens for more options for placing the water tank. And allows the water to flow to the pump by gravity.
Step 4
Power requirements
Another crucial task on your checklist should be to verify that the truck you intend to use features the necessary kilowatts (kW), horsepower (HP), and torque. This step ensures the truck has the required power and performance capabilities to operate your vacuum system.
By using our digital tool, Solution Finder, to design your vacuum system, you will receive detailed information regarding your vacuum system’s power requirements. This allows you to determine whether the truck you’re considering is adequately powered to meet the demands of your vacuum system.
You must also decide whether the pump should be run by belt or hydraulics. This choice affects the operational efficiency, maintenance needs, and overall cost of the system. For instance, belt-driven systems might be simpler and more cost-effective for installations where variable speed is not critical, whereas hydraulic systems could offer superior performance in terms of speed control and power transmission, especially in demanding or variable operational conditions. Should you opt to power the pump by hydraulics, you can order the ready to run package from Samson Pumps.
Step 5
Direction of rotation
Choosing the correct rotation direction for your liquid ring pump is essential. Ensuring the pump rotates correctly guarantees optimal performance, achieving the desired suction power and efficiency.
When the pump rotates in the right direction, it operates smoothly, preventing the rotor from contact with the pump body and avoiding unnecessary damage. This attention to detail helps maintain the pump’s condition, prolonging its life, and ensures safe operation by reducing the risk of accidents.
Please use the illustration to determine whether the pump should run clockwise or counterclockwise.
CW = Clockwise
CCW = Counterclockwise
Step 6
Placing the non-return valve
Installing a non-return valve on your vacuum truck is not required by law. However, we strongly recommend equipping your vacuum truck with one.
The non-return valve must be installed on the pressure side of the pump. Its role is to maintain the vacuum level within the main tank when the pump is stopped. This ensures that the generated vacuum is preserved. In situations where the slurry tank has been evacuated and the liquid ring pump stops rotating, the non-return valve will prevent the vacuum in the slurry tank from causing the water tank to empty.
Besides its primary function, the non-return valve also provides additional safety and maintenance benefits by minimizing the risk of backflow problems.
Step 7
Separating the water & air
When constructing a vacuum truck that uses a liquid ring pump, properly planning the separation of water and air is critical. This step is fundamental because in the pump’s operation, water acts as a sealant, aids in heat removal, and carries gases. Ensuring that air and water are correctly separated after the compression cycle allows the air to be safely released into the atmosphere and the water to be efficiently recirculated within the system. This process enhances the system’s effectiveness and sustainability.
At Samson Pumps it’s our goal to develop separators that separate water and air 100% and leave no drop behind. Click the link below to explore our Water Separators or click on the illustration to find the basic dimensions to follow.
Step 8
Placing the water tank
Given that a liquid ring vacuum pump utilizes water as its service fluid, the truck must be equipped with a water tank to store the pump’s water supply.
It’s important to place the water tank above the pump, so the water can flow to the pump by gravity. There are three potential configurations for placing the water tank. One approach is to install both the water tank and water/air separation outside the vacuum tank. Alternatively, the water tank can be situated inside the vacuum tank, with the water/air separation located outside. The third option is to install the water tank and the water/air separation inside the vacuum tank. Each setup is viable and offers its own advantages.
Click below to visualize the three configurations and gain a better understanding.
Step 9
4way valve
Based on your vacuum truck’s operational requirements, installing a 4way valve may be necessary or a must. If you’re not using tipping to empty your vacuum truck, installing a 4-way valve is essential. The 4way valve is used to switch from suction to pressure, enabling the operator to empty the vacuum tank by means of pressure.
You can choose between a manual and an automatically operated 4way valve. The manual 4way valve, which is operated by a handle. It is suitable for trucks that do not need to switch from suction to pressure frequently. The manual 4way valve, however, requires the operator to have experience and a good understanding of how the valve works.
The automatically 4way valve is operated by air pressure and controlled by the signals from a feedback box. It is suitable for operations that require frequent and/or rapid adjustments. It is known for increasing the operator’s safety as it is operated remotely.
Although we can supply you with both models, we strongly recommend the automatically operated 4way valve for its ease of use, higher efficiency in operation, and improved safety features.
Step 10
Connecting the fan cooler
Considering factors like your vacuum truck’s operating environment, water load, and other key points, equipping your vacuum truck with a fan cooling system can be beneficial. This system will efficiently dissipate heat, ensuring the operating temperature remains optimal. Doing so keeps the vacuum system cool, optimizing your truck’s performance and efficiency by maintaining the ideal temperature.
Using our simulation tool, Solution Finder, you can determine whether you need to install a fan cooler system on your vacuum truck.
Explore our simulation tool, Solution Finder.
