OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting Parchem equipment. Parchem has specialized in the design and manufacture of quality products since 1951. Care has been taken in the design, manufacture, and testing of this product. For service or spare parts, prompt and efficient service is available from our branches.

General Safety Instructions for the Operation of Power Equipment

Parchem aims to produce power equipment that helps operators work safely and efficiently. The operator is the most important safety device. Care and good judgment are the best protection against injury. While all possible hazards cannot be covered, important items are highlighted. Look for and obey Caution, Warning, and Danger signs. Operators should read and follow safety instructions packed with each product.

Learn how each machine works. Even if you have used similar machines, check each machine carefully before use. Understand its capabilities, limitations, potential hazards, and how it operates and stops.

APPLICATIONS

• Dams, mines, tanks, tankers, swimming pools, pits, trenches, excavations, construction sites, canal dredging, pile sinking.
• Harbour & rescue services, pork producers, abattoirs, plumbers, drainers, builders, rural producers, government, water, sewerage, power & telecommunication authorities.
• Industrial plants, maintenance workshops, hire contractors.

The pump is suitable for continuous use at temperatures up to 65°C. Operation at higher temperatures up to 95°C is permissible if immersion is intermittent, not continuous.

FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS

This product is a submersible pump. The pump head operates underwater, driven by a rotating flexible shaft that transmits torque from the drive unit to the pump head. Submersible operation ensures the pump head is self-priming and does not require a suction hose.

The pump is designed with wide passages through the strainer, impeller, and body to allow unobstructed passage of solids. It is suitable for handling fluids with a high solid content such as sand, sludge, silt, effluent (up to 60% in suspension), oil, and water.

The pump is available with general purpose, abrasive resistant, and chemical resistant pump head models. Select the model best suited to the most common applications.

Select the shortest standard flexshaft length (6 or 9 m) to suit common applications. Non-standard flexible shaft lengths are available to order for custom installations.

The pump is fitted with a quick action 60 mm (2.36 in) diameter flexible shaft coupling for operation from a drive unit fitted with a 45 mm (1.75 in) diameter 3-tooth dog drive.

A petrol or diesel motor drive unit with a minimum of 3.7 kW (5 hp), an electric motor drive unit with a minimum rating of 2.2 kW (3 hp), or an air motor drive unit with a minimum rating of 3.8 kW (5 hp) is required.

ACCESSORIES

• Drive units are available with petrol, diesel, air, and electric motor drives.
• Extension flexshafts (3 & 6 m) extend the length of an existing pump flexshaft and are available for dewatering holes up to 12 m deep. A sealed quick-action coupling allows underwater operation.
• A whip hose is available to mount between the pump outlet and discharge hose. This diverts a portion of the discharge through a flexible whip hose to stir solids into suspension.

HAZARDS AND RISKS ⚠️

General Safety

• NEVER allow any person to operate a machine without adequate instruction.
• ENSURE all operators read, understand, and follow the operating instructions.
• SERIOUS INJURY may result from improper or careless use. Some models of P212 pumps weigh in excess of 25 kg. Handling and positioning may require two people of appropriate strength, along with correct lifting techniques.

Mechanical Hazards

• DO NOT operate the pump with the body removed.
• KEEP hands and feet clear of rotating and moving parts.
• DO NOT leave the equipment in operation unattended.
• ENSURE the equipment remains stable and will not move or fall during operation.
• DO NOT operate the pump without a discharge hose fitted.
• ENSURE the pump hose is securely fastened to the pump outlet via an appropriately sized coupling and adaptor.
• ENSURE repairs are carried out by COMPETENT personnel.

Electrical Hazards

The risk of serious or lethal injury from electrical shock may arise from the combination of electricity and moisture.

Fire & Explosion Hazards

PETROL is extremely flammable and explosive under certain conditions.

Chemical Hazards

CARBON MONOXIDE exhaust gases from internal combustion motor-driven units can cause death in confined spaces.

Additional Hazards

• HANDLE IMPELLERS WITH CARE when the pump body is removed. Pumps subjected to extensive use with abrasive materials may have severely worn impellers with sharp, thin, or brittle sections.
• USE GLOVES when handling and inspecting the flexible shaft outer casing. Excessive wear can expose the wire braided reinforcement, allowing it to project and cause injury.
• DO NOT use the pump for handling flammable liquids.
• Slip/Trip/Fall is a major cause of serious injury or death. Beware of excess hose, the flexible shaft, and water left on walking or work surfaces.
• DO NOT allow wastewater to accumulate underfoot.
• EXERCISE care when working near unprotected holes or excavations.

Sump pumping is the simplest method of dewatering. Pumping from 'open' sumps is generally used in coarse sands and gravels. It is difficult to control the migration of 'fines' and should not be used if soil displacement is critical near existing structures or roads.

Additional Information

Refer to the drive unit operation instructions for additional safety and operation information. These are supplied free of charge by mail or fax.

OPERATION

For correct starting procedures, refer to the engine manufacturer's operation manual.

• Do not engage the drive coupling while the motor is rotating.
• Before engaging the flexshaft with a petrol drive unit, start the motor using the recoil starter, increase speed to full throttle, and allow it to warm up for a few minutes.
• If using an electric motor, switch on and check motor rotation is anti-clockwise when viewing its drive dog from the front.
• Stop the motor.
• Turn the bell housing trigger 180 degrees. Insert the flexshaft coupling fully into the drive unit housing and release the trigger. Push the coupling into the housing and twist the flexible shaft until the drive dogs are fully engaged and the trigger returns to the horizontal position.
• The motor may now be started.

If the pump flexible shaft has an external movable spring, position it to support the shaft where it passes over the edge of a trench or obstruction.

When pumping from deep pits or excavations, avoid subjecting the flexshaft to the total weight of the pump and discharge hose. Support the pump's weight by attaching a rope to one of the pump eye-nuts. Secure the other end of the rope to a support adjacent to the power unit.

Drive units should be operated on a level surface. If the surface is not level, restrain the drive unit to prevent movement due to vibration or weight.

Avoid extended running of the pump without water or with the flexible shaft in a tight curve.

Never operate the pump flexible shaft in reverse, as this will damage the flexible core. If the impeller is fouled, remove the bearing housing and manually clear the impeller.

How to Get the Best Performance From Your Pump

• Maximum discharge performance is obtained with a reinforced discharge hose to minimize kinking and permit unobstructed passage of solids.
• If the pump head tends to bury itself in heavy sediment, improvise an auxiliary strainer: remove the top from an empty 20-litre drum, punch openings around the sides, and place the pump head in the drum below the water.
• Improved head performance can be achieved by increasing the drive unit motor's governed speed. A motor with a minimum output of 5.6 kW (7.5 hp) is recommended for continuous running above 3,000 r/min.

Pumping Clean Water

When pumping clean water without sludge, grit, or solids, keep the pump off the bottom to minimize wear from abrasive materials. In a pit or excavation, suspend the pump from a rope attached to an eye nut. In dams and ponds, support the pump from a float (e.g., an empty sealed steel container or marine buoy).

Pumping Heavy Sludge and Solids

For best results, stir solids on the bottom into the surface liquid. Direct a hose from the submersible pump, a large volume tap, or a second pump using wastewater into the tank or pit for a short time until solids are stirred from the bottom.

Use a Suitable Hose

Layflat hose is lightweight and rolls flat, but can kink and impede flow. Reinforced hose (50 mm or 75 mm diameter) improves discharge performance and solids handling.

Quick Action Hose Fittings

Cam lever-action fittings enable quick connection of hose to the pump, saving time and avoiding issues with dirty threads or missing washers common with nut and tail fittings. Joiners are available for coupling separate hoses.

CARE AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

The pump seal is critical and subject to wear, especially with abrasive materials. Seals and sleeves must be replaced before excessive wear occurs. Failure to do so allows water to enter spindle bearings, eventually reaching the flexshaft, leading to more costly repairs.

Noisy bearings may not be apparent due to drive motor noise.

Regular inspection of the pump and seal prevents problems.

• Check the 3-tooth dog on the drive coupling for full meshing and wear.
• Check the strainer for missing sections that could allow large objects to enter and damage the impeller or volute.

Dismantle the pump and flexible shaft every 500 hours. Inspect for wear and lubricate before reassembling.

Apply a liberal quantity of grease to the core assembly when inserting it into the casing assembly from the drive coupling end. If the spindle is worn but the adaptor is satisfactory, additional seals can be fitted into the adaptor's deep bore to utilize unworn spindle areas.

Check the flexible shaft for kinks and external damage by laying it out straight. A badly kinked shaft may result in a broken inner core, even if it still operates.

CLEANING AND STORAGE

It is advisable to operate the pump in clean water after use each day or before storing, especially if used in sludge or water with high solid content. This prevents mud and sludge from drying out and obstructing the body or impeller.

The three eye nuts can be unscrewed to remove the pump body and access the impeller.

Hire operators should check the impeller for rags, solidified mud, and debris after each hire. While the body is removed, check spindle bearings for slackness and smooth rotation.

SERVICE

CAUTION: Read the operating instructions before servicing and note safety information.

• Exercise care when handling flexible shaft casings. Severe wear or damage may expose the internal wire braid, causing injury.
• Exercise care when handling pump impellers. Extreme wear may result in thin sections or sharp surfaces causing injury.

DISMANTLING

To Remove the Pump from the Flexible Shaft

• Remove the pump body from the housing by unscrewing the eye nuts.
• Unscrew the casing from the adaptor using spanners on the adaptor spanner flats and ferrule.
• Pull the ferrule away from the adaptor to expose the spindle and the core end.
• Unscrew the core end using a spanner on the spindle spanner flats and multi-grip pliers on the core end.

To Remove the Coupling from the Flexible Shaft

• Unscrew the casing from the coupling using spanners on the housing spanner flats and ferrule.
• Pull the ferrule away from the housing to expose the spindle and the core end.
• Unscrew the core end using multi-grip pliers and a lever through the teeth of the dog.

To Remove the Core from the Casing

• Lay the flexible shaft out straight on a long workbench or the floor.
• Pull the core out by hand, coil it, and lay it on clean newspaper.
• Inspect: Casing for kinks, wear, and damage. Core for wear and kinks. Length relationship of core and casing (casing is 25 mm longer than core).

To Dismantle the Pump

• Unscrew the impeller from the spindle with a lever through the blades and a spanner on the spindle spanner flats.
• Hold the housing in a vice.
• Unscrew the adaptor from the housing using a spanner on the spanner flats.
• Drain the oil from the housing and support it with the flange uppermost.
• Press the spindle, bearings, and spacer out of the housing.
• Press the spindle out of the bearings after removing the circlip.
• Support the housing with the flange down and press the seals out of the housing.
• Support the adaptor with the largest thread down and press the seals out of the adaptor.
• Slide the sleeve off the spindle over the external thread and remove the o-ring.
• Remove the o-rings from the adaptor.

Inspect (Pump Components)

• Pump body and plate for wear.
• Impeller for wear.
• Housing and plate for wear and corrosion.
• Housing seals and seal sleeve for wear.
• Adaptor seals and spindle seal diameter for wear.
• Bearings for wear.
• Strainer for missing grille segments.

Note: Pump seals are critical, especially with abrasive materials. Replace seals and sleeves before excessive wear. Seal failure allows water into spindle bearings, eventually reaching the flexshaft, leading to costly repairs. Regular inspection prevents these problems.

To Dismantle the Coupling

• Unscrew the socket set screw from the housing.
• Support the housing with the thread uppermost.
• Press the spindle, seal, bearings, and spacer out of the housing.
• Support the spindle on the seal with the threaded end uppermost and press the spindle out of the bearings after removing the circlip.
• Remove the o-ring from the housing.

Inspect (Coupling Components)

• Spindle dog teeth for wear.
• Spindle dog seal diameter and seal for wear.
• Bearings for wear.

ASSEMBLING

• Clean pump and coupling parts by washing in safety solvent.
• Clean the core assembly by wiping with a clean cloth.
• Reverse the above assembly procedure.
• Ensure seals are correctly assembled with housing seal lips and adaptor seal lips facing outwards.
• Fit the coupling to the same end of the casing where the core was inserted.

LUBRICATION

Pump

• Apply a grease film to o-rings, seal lips, seal sleeve, and spindle seal diameter.
• Fill the housing with oil to cover the bearing before screwing the adaptor into the housing.

Coupling

• Pack bearings and spacer with grease.
• Apply a grease film to the o-ring, seal lips, and dog seal diameter.

Flexshaft

Apply a liberal coating of grease to the core as it is inserted into the casing.

SPECIFICATIONS

TROUBLESHOOTING