The Pit Boss uses compressed air as a clean and safe driving force to pump water containing solids up to 1-in. OD.
Sources of compressed air, on the other hand, are commonplace at most work sites, whether they be from work vehicles or portable compressors. One of the simplest pump designs that uses compressed air is the diaphragm pump. Diaphragm pumps have two pumping chambers that alternately pressurize and exhaust.
A directional valve shifts to route compressed air into the first chamber. Force from the compressed air pushes on a diaphragm, which pressurizes the liquid being pumped. A check valve at the pump’s inlet port prevents outflow, so the liquid is forced through the pump’s discharge port.
Expansion of the diaphragm causes pressure in the chamber to drop, which causes the directional valve to shift, so compressed air pressurizes the other chamber. Air pressure in the second chamber then pushes the fluid through the outlet port, and the cycle alternates from one side to the other.
Some pump designs can stall if differential pressure between the two chambers centers the directional valve. However, according to Ken Boyce, product specialist for Ingersoll Rand’s ARO diaphragm pumps, “The Pit Boss pump uses a patented unbalanced air valve to prevent stalling, sticking, centering or freezing during operation. The unbalanced valve has a large OD on one end and a smaller OD on the opposite end. This creates a pressure differential that always biases the valve toward one side. The force differential prevents the valve centering — even under low air inlet pressures — so stalling does not occur.”
Pit Boss pumps also use O-rings to provide positive sealing to reduce bypass air flow. This reduces compressed air energy consumption, which, in turn, lowers operating cost. The pumps are available in three sizes, the largest of which can move up to 217 gpm of fluid.
For more information, go to fluids.ingersollrand.com or visit Ingersoll Rand at MINExpo Booth 9075.
