Troubleshooting Guide for Pro-Flo SHIFT™ Air Distribution System (ADS)

Pro-Flo SHIFT ADS Troubleshooting Guide

• Pump will not run or runs slowly.

  1. Ensure that the air inlet pressure is at least 0.4 bar (5 psig) above startup pressure and that the differential pressure (the difference between air inlet and liquid discharge pressures) is not less than 0.7 bar (10 psig).
  2. Check air inlet filter for debris.
  3. Check for extreme air leakage (blow by) that would indicate worn seals/bores in the air valve, pilot spool and main shaft.
  4. Disassemble pump and check for obstructions in the air passageways or objects that would obstruct the movement of internal parts.
  5. Check for sticking ball check valves. If material being pumped is not compatible with pump elastomers, swelling may occur. Replace ball check valves and seals with proper elastomers. Also, as the check valve balls wear out, they become smaller and can become stuck in the seats. In this case, replace balls and seats.
  6. Check for broken inner piston that will cause the air valve spool to be unable to shift.
  7. Remove plug from pilot spool exhaust.

• Pump runs but little or no product flows.

  1. Check for pump cavitation. Slow pump speed down to allow thick material to flow into liquid chambers.
  2. Verify that vacuum required to lift liquid is not greater than the vapor pressure of the material being pumped (cavitation).
  3. Check for sticking ball check valves. If material being pumped is not compatible with pump elastomers, swelling may occur. Replace ball check valves and seats with proper elastomers. Also, as the check valve balls wear out, they become smaller and can become stuck in the seats. In this case, replace balls and seats.

• Pump air valve freezes.

  1. Check for excessive moisture in compressed air. Either install a dryer or hot air generator for compressed air. Alternatively, a coalescing filter may be used to remove the water from the compressed air in some applications.

• Air bubbles present in pump discharge.

  1. Check for ruptured diaphragm.
  2. Check tightness of outer pistons.
  3. Check tightness of fasteners and integrity of O-rings and seals, especially at intake manifold.
  4. Ensure pipe connections are airtight.

• Product comes out air exhaust.

  1. Check for diaphragm rupture.
  2. Check tightness of outer pistons to shaft.