Winston Engineering Case Study 7

Case Study 7

WILDEN PUMP MUFFLER ICING

Why does icing occurs on muffler during pump operation?

Mufflers are included and recommended to be installed on AODD pumps because they can generate high decibel levels at full speed. 
AODDP are driven by Compressed air. 
When the compressed air enters the centre block, it  is channelled through the pump air valve and exhaust through the muffler. During this process, rapid temperature change occurs.
Air temperature is well below freezing at the muffler exhaust and this causes icing-related issues. 

This is more common in high humidity environments.

How to prevent?

Symptoms that shows pump is having icing related issues are as follows

• Pump is operating erratically
• Visible sign of ice formation on the muffler

Possible cause for icing is - the inlet air has high levels of moisture 

Remedy

Try the below solutions to eliminate icing related issues and restore your pumps efficiency.

• Decrease air pressure to pump
• Increase size of pump to operate at lower speed (i.e. lower air pressure)
• Exhaust the air to a remote location via an exhaust port tube
• Add an air line filter with a water catcher and drain to collect condensation
• Install an air line heater to raise the exhaust  air temperature above freezing
• Use an air compressor with dryer to adjust dew point temperature

WILDEN PUMP - Ensure Proper Tubing Selection

Flexible inlet and outlet connections are recommended over hard plumbed installations for AODD pumps. 

Vibration increases as pump speed increases. As vibration increases the risk of hard plumbed connections becoming loose increases, creating the potential for leaks.

Do not down size the air inlet tubing. If possible increase by one size.

The air regulator need to increase in size also due to air regulator ports having small internal orifice

WINSTON ENGINEERING CORPORATION

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