The compression nut is a hexagonal nut behind the pump head, after the stuffing box. This compression nut provides the compression on the packing material to make a tight seal between the rotor and the gear box of the pump. If this is not properly tightened, either product can leak out on the feed pump, air can leak in on the residue or distillate pumps, or white oil can be consumed at an excessive rate. Proper tightening of the compression nut will ensure a tight seal, but take care to not overtighten the compression nut, as this can compromise the packing material.
Tag: Gear Pump
What do I do if my gear pump is leaking product or air?
The compression nut is a hexagonal nut behind the pump head, after the stuffing box. This compression nut provides the compression on the packing material to make a tight seal between the rotor and the gear box of the pump.
If this is not properly tightened, either product can leak out on the feed pump, air can leak in on the residue or distillate pumps, or white oil can be consumed at an excessive rate.
Proper tightening of the compression nut will ensure a tight seal, but take care to not overtighten the compression nut, as this can compromise the packing material.
Why did the feed side of the gear pump seize (or stop) while the feed tank is full of cannabis oil?
If the feed tank seizes (or stops) while the feed tank is full of oil, sometimes this can be remedied by:
- setting the feed temperature to 130 degrees C for 30 minutes
- then re-engage the pump
If you have followed the above steps and this does not fix your problem, you may then try the following steps:
- remove the perforated shroud covering the gear (coupling the motor to the gear pump)
- rotate the gear by hand
- and then reengage the pump
If your problem still persists, then try the following:
- turn the feed system off
- wait for the product to cool completely
- then follow SOP-Gear Pump Clean
More information can be found in SOP – Gear Pump Clean.
If you need additional assistance, please call technical support at +1 (206) 452-1130.
Why is my gear pump seized (stopped)?
Gear pumps are used to move product through the system and can occasionally become clogged by solid debris in the product. When this happens, typically the system is shut down, and the gear pump must be removed and cleaned before resuming operation. This procedure is detailed in SOP – Gear Pump Clean.
Best practices for preventing accumulation of debris within the product include:
- use of proper extraction temperatures
- maintaining proper cleanliness in the lab
- keeping containers of extract covered
- pouring crude into the feed tank through a fine wire sieve
- ensuring proper heat transfer and mixing during the decarboxylation and devolatilization process
More information can be found in SOP – Gear Pump Clean.
If you need additional assistance, please call technical support at +1 (206) 452-1130.