Figs. 479-481.
These valves really perform the work of pumping. It will be observed that substances which would easily clog up an ordinary pump with clack valves, will pass through this pump without difficulty; there are no springs in this pump, nor will it get out of order with the average treatment, and it pumps all kinds of liquids, either thick or thin, such as are found between the two extremes of water, and brewers’ grains.
It is designed to handle a large amount of fluids and semi-fluids under a medium pressure, and being well balanced it may be run fast or slow as desired.
Directions for setting and operating Taber pumps.
1st. Bolt pump firmly to the floor, and if possible set it so that the liquid runs into it, which will add very much to the life and duty of the pump.
2nd. See that all parts are well oiled.
3rd. Experience has proved that common candle wick soaked in tallow is the best material with which to pack rotary pumps. The wick should be double and twisted into a compact rope and driven into the boxes as tightly as possible with a piece of hard wood tapered to fit the box. Such a tool as described is furnished with each pump. Do not under any circumstances use iron calking tools which mar the bearing and causes them to quickly cut out the packing.
4th. If from any cause the pump should become clogged, do not use a lever in starting it. Remove the plug from bottom and work the pulley back and forth till the pump is relieved. If this does not free it, remove the outside head and all parts will be accessible.
Note.—Many of the modern breweries are built with the hop-jack situated upon the upper floors of the brewery, to which the beer and hops mixed are pumped, and the beer allowed to flow directly to the coolers. This pump has been very successfully installed for the past five years, pumping in some breweries 90 feet in height above the pump. The handling of wet brewers’ grains by use of chain conveyors, which are seldom free from infection and which are a continual source of annoyance from breakage, is now overcome by this pump. All styles of these pumps can be washed out clean after use, thereby overcoming entirely the noxious smell so disagreeable to this part of the brewery when conveyors are used. There should be a fall of six to eight feet from the wash-tub into the pump and as nearly perpendicular as possible. Right angle bends in the discharge pipe should also be avoided. By using twenty-four-inch bends wet grains at 70% moisture can be pumped without additional water.