Pump position help..

[Jonny 67]

I'm going to be kitting out the new van soon. I've only ever done this once, and the first time I had room to put the pump behind the side door. I can't do that on this van, because after insulating the tank, there is no room for the pump, as the side door would catch it. It was very convenient behind the side door, because of air locks I could just disconnect and not get inside the van wet. Just wondering how you guys cope with air locks, when the pump is inside the van, across the back of the tank. TIA

 

[TWC]

As long as you position the pump at the lowest level possible you will minimise getting air locks. I’ve also got a tank valve from eBay

203279050147

if I’m really low on water and driving a distance I shut the valve and reopen when I get there to stop the air getting in the system 

 

[Jonny 67]

Cheers TWC. I'll order one of those ?

 

[Deleted member 7446]

I'm going to be kitting out the new van soon. I've only ever done this once, and the first time I had room to put the pump behind the side door. I can't do that on this van, because after insulating the tank, there is no room for the pump, as the side door would catch it. It was very convenient behind the side door, because of air locks I could just disconnect and not get inside the van wet. Just wondering how you guys cope with air locks, when the pump is inside the van, across the back of the tank. TIA

I have never once had an air lock in all my years of wfp

While using a van mounted system

I never use hoselock style connectors on pump inlets or outlets

All connections are barb fittings with jubilee or double ear O clips and I ensure the tank is never drained empty which will allow air to draw into the system and my pumps are never higher than 12" off the van floor and I only ever use 3/4" tank to pump hose

 

[Jonny 67]

Thanks Apw, I'm obviously doing something wrong. I often get air locks! I have two pumps as backup. I wonder if I'm getting air in, as one of the pumps is easily a foot from the floor. Obviously I'll not do that in the next van. Am I correct in assuming, that if the water level gets lower than the pump, then the pump will draw in air? 

 

[Deleted member 7446]

Thanks Apw, I'm obviously doing something wrong. I often get air locks! I have two pumps as backup. I wonder if I'm getting air in, as one of the pumps is easily a foot from the floor. Obviously I'll not do that in the next van. Am I correct in assuming, that if the water level gets lower than the pump, then the pump will draw in air? 

Shurflo pumps are not known for their suction and rely on gravity feed scenarios

The volume and weight of water keeps them primed yet air locks and water cavitation happens most frequently when the van is parked on curbs or uneven ground allowing air to enter the system at low water levels.

Solid secure connections along with decent size hose will combat air locks.

Other issues arise from john guest style push lock connections as they don't often seat correctly if the tubing has been cut and the ends aren't straight and debured.

Never allow your water levels to drop below 8 inches often helps.

You'll have to interrogate your system and it's components to ensure is sealed correctly.

Not a hard task to achieve.

 

[Jonny 67]

Cheers Apw. I have John Guest fittings on my di setup. So I need to make it as airtight as possible ?

 

[Deleted member 7446]

Cheers Apw. I have John Guest fittings on my di setup. So I need to make it as airtight as possible ?

Your DI's are only a part of your filling system and not your running system

You need to focus on the tank to pump and pump to hose reel.

Also you should never have a wet floor or any water around the van.

Wet means leaks

 

[Jonny 67]

Cheers, but I double di in the van, so that I can top up. Do you know of any fittings for di vessel other than JG fittings? 

 

[spruce]

Never had an airlock in 12 years.

The pumps are only just slightly lower in my current van. The only issue I had with one of the pumps not working was after I removed a filter bowl. I didn't tighten it enough when putting it back and it was sucking air.

 

[Jonny 67]

Cheers Spruce. I think as APW pointed out, that if I haven't got nice clean connections on my pipe work into the JG fittings, then im likely to be sucking in air. Im pretty sure that I wouldn't have paid that much attention to detail on the pipe work across the di vessels, but I will now! ?

 

[Deleted member 7446]

Cheers, but I double di in the van, so that I can top up. Do you know of any fittings for di vessel other than JG fittings? 

Yes barb fittings

If a DI inlet or outlet for example is 3/4" bsp 1/2" bsp you remove the John Guest fittings and replace with barb fittings to suit the hose diameter you wish to use.

Not a mastermind answer

 

[Deleted member 7446]

Cheers Spruce. I think as APW pointed out, that if I haven't got nice clean connections on my pipe work into the JG fittings, then im likely to be sucking in air. Im pretty sure that I wouldn't have paid that much attention to detail on the pipe work across the di vessels, but I will now! ?

When you talk about your DI vessels are you using them on demand though, I mean do you have tap water in your tank and filtering it so to speak as you use it?

Never had an airlock in 12 years.

The pumps are only just slightly lower in my current van. The only issue I had with one of the pumps not working was after I removed a filter bowl. I didn't tighten it enough when putting it back and it was sucking air.

View attachment 25033

Got to love a tidy install ?

 

[Jonny 67]

Cheer APW ?. Yes I'm putting tap water in tank and producing pure in the van. Low tds around here. 70ppm

 

[Deleted member 7446]

Cheer APW ?. Yes I'm putting tap water in tank and producing pure in the van. Low tds around here. 70ppm

So include your DI's in your search for air introducing itself into your system

 

[Jonny 67]

Will do APW ?

 

[spruce]

When you talk about your DI vessels are you using them on demand though, I mean do you have tap water in your tank and filtering it so to speak as you use it?

Got to love a tidy install ?

Thanks. It doesn't take long before it's full of stuff, though?.

 

[spruce]

I'm going to be kitting out the new van soon. I've only ever done this once, and the first time I had room to put the pump behind the side door. I can't do that on this van, because after insulating the tank, there is no room for the pump, as the side door would catch it. It was very convenient behind the side door, because of air locks I could just disconnect and not get inside the van wet. Just wondering how you guys cope with air locks, when the pump is inside the van, across the back of the tank. TIA

My son has a 500litre tank in his van and the pump is above the top of the tank. Shurflo pumps specs indicate a 12' head meaning that the pump will prime 12' above the level of the water. If there is air getting into the system, its being sucked in on the inlet side of the pump starting from the tank outlet.

As @Apw1210says, all hose connections need to be tight and seal completely.

 

[Jonny 67]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help. This info will make for less hassle and really helps with the new van design. It's all about making the working week easier ?

 

[Deleted member 7446]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help. This info will make for less hassle and really helps with the new van design. It's all about making the working week easier ?

Just take your time, make every connection the very best and try to achieve an install that looks professional and serves it's purpose like all the big boys do

 

[spruce]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help. This info will make for less hassle and really helps with the new van design. It's all about making the working week easier ?

Just remember to look at the flow direction arrow on the pump head. With a Shurflo pump mounted motor up and pump head down, the inlet is on the left hand side looking directly at the pump. This can be 'wrong' if you are mounting the pump on the passenger side of the van.