Bubble Problem

rawbomb · 02/04/2007, 09:26 PM

I have a closed loop with an OM 4-way powered by an iwaki 100. I am getting an explosion of microbubbles every 4-5mins coming out of the OM 4-way. I dont have any bubbles coming out of my return and am puzzled as to why the bubbles only come out every 4-5mins. Any information on this would be very helpful. I also have 8 revolutions connected to the OM this if it helps any.

AZDesertRat · 02/04/2007, 09:38 PM

Sounds like you have a little cavitation going on that builds up an air pocket then releases it occasionally. How is the pump plumbed, particuraly the suction side? Do you have a ball or gate valve on teh discharge side you can temporarily squeeze down a little and see if it eliminates the bubbles?

rawbomb · 02/04/2007, 11:26 PM

i have the suction tubes coming out over the top so i think its on the Ts i have on the top. i have the top closed with threaded end caps so i can prime them when i empty the tank. I used teflon tap but maybe i didnt use enough

AZDesertRat · 02/05/2007, 08:18 AM

How large is the pipe, larger than the pump suction I hope? If the pump has a 1" suction use at least 1.5" for an up and over. I hate that configuration since centrifugal pumps are not designed to lift water. If you lose power it may or may not stay primed, chances are if you have a pocket of air or microbubbles it won't and you'll chance burning a pump up. Much safer to drill the sump amd keep suction side plumbing to an absolute minimum, every inch of pipe and fitting is a restriction and you do not want to restrict the suction side of a pump.

rawbomb · 02/05/2007, 04:44 PM

its 1.5in pipe and sucking out of the two ends of the pipe. How do you recommend the CL be run if not drilled?

02/04/2007, 09:26 PM	#1
rawbomb Moved On Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 611	Bubble Problem I have a closed loop with an OM 4-way powered by an iwaki 100. I am getting an explosion of microbubbles every 4-5mins coming out of the OM 4-way. I dont have any bubbles coming out of my return and am puzzled as to why the bubbles only come out every 4-5mins. Any information on this would be very helpful. I also have 8 revolutions connected to the OM this if it helps any.

02/04/2007, 09:38 PM	#2
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	Sounds like you have a little cavitation going on that builds up an air pocket then releases it occasionally. How is the pump plumbed, particuraly the suction side? Do you have a ball or gate valve on teh discharge side you can temporarily squeeze down a little and see if it eliminates the bubbles?

02/04/2007, 11:26 PM	#3
rawbomb Moved On Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 611	i have the suction tubes coming out over the top so i think its on the Ts i have on the top. i have the top closed with threaded end caps so i can prime them when i empty the tank. I used teflon tap but maybe i didnt use enough

02/05/2007, 08:18 AM	#4
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	How large is the pipe, larger than the pump suction I hope? If the pump has a 1" suction use at least 1.5" for an up and over. I hate that configuration since centrifugal pumps are not designed to lift water. If you lose power it may or may not stay primed, chances are if you have a pocket of air or microbubbles it won't and you'll chance burning a pump up. Much safer to drill the sump amd keep suction side plumbing to an absolute minimum, every inch of pipe and fitting is a restriction and you do not want to restrict the suction side of a pump.

02/05/2007, 04:44 PM	#5
rawbomb Moved On Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 611	its 1.5in pipe and sucking out of the two ends of the pipe. How do you recommend the CL be run if not drilled?