Nikuni Manual Rev 0507
Nikuni Manual Rev 0507
The Nikuni Pump is a regenerative turbine pump. Although the pump can be used for
many purposes, this manual is designed to provide operational and user information for
the Nikuni Pump for application as a dissolved air microbubble generating pump.
The Nikuni pump dissolves atmospheric air into water to significantly enhance the
performance of Dissolved Air Flotation systems. Enhancements witnessed may include
improved removal efficiencies, increased throughput, decreased maintenance
requirements, lower energy consumption, and optimized chemical usage. The degrees
of each of these benefits will depend upon the emphasis placed on each and the
type/condition of the Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) system.
This manual has been developed to provide the operator with a conceptual
background of physical and chemical separation mechanisms; a general
overview of system operational controls and procedures; a list of
components; and an avenue to responsive customer service.
1. Introduction ···································································································· 5
2. Safety Instructions ························································································ 6
3. Technology and Design ················································································ 7
3-1 Saturation
3-2 Bubble Size
3-3 Piping Design
3-4 Maintenance
4. To Measure the Dissolved Air Quality·························································· 9
5. Installation Guidelines ·················································································· 10
5-1 Process Description
5-2 Unloading Description
5-3 Installation Description
5-3-A Utility Requirements
5-3-B Control Logic
5-3-C Start-Up Check List
5-3-D Warranty Installation Pre Start-Up Check List
6. System Operations ························································································ 15
6-1 Start-Up
6-1-A First Time
6-1-B Normal
6-2 Operation
6-3 Shut Down
6-1-A Emergency
6-1-B Normal Shut-Down Procedures
7. Maintenance ··································································································· 17
7-1 Atmospheric Pressure
7-2 Cleaning
7-3 Other
7-3-A Bearings
7-3-B Mechanical Seal
7-3-C Gland Packing
7-4 Part Replacement
7-4-A Preparation
7-4-B Disassembly
7-4-C Assembly
7-4-D Spare Parts List
8. Trouble Shooting ·························································································· 25
8-1 Individual Pump Discharge Pressures
Nikuni Manual Rev 0507 Page 3 of 31
8-2 Air/Pump Suction
8-3 Trouble Shooting
8-3-A Trouble During Start-Up
8-3-B Trouble Related to Pump
8-3-C Overload Problem
8-3-D Problems Related to Shaft Bearing, Shaft Seals & Others
9. Warranty of Quality························································································ 27
10. Customer Service ························································································ 29
A Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) Clarification system is used for bulk liquid/solids
separation. The goal of a DAF is to remove a majority of the Total Suspended Solids
(TSS); Fats, Oils and Greases (FOGs) and Insoluble Organics contained in the
wastewater. The DAF method involves dissolving air into water under pressure, and
then releasing the pressure to cause the air to release from the water in very fine
microbubbles in the water. The microbubbles or “whitewater” are injected into a
process or wastewater stream to float suspended solids to the surface of a vessel
providing liquid/solids separation.
This technology offers many benefits to conventional gravity settling due to its
efficiency. It is especially effective treating wastewater with fats, oils, and greases,
fibers and other low density materials. This technology has become known as the most
efficient means of bulk liquid/solids separation in the Pulp & Paper Industry, Food &
Beverage, Industrial Laundry and many other industries. Many advances in the
technology have led to vastly improved performance capabilities. This has reduced the
traditional large footprints required of DAF systems, reducing capital costs. It has also
reduced the amount of chemistry needed, reducing the operational costs.
One of the key components to achieving efficient flotation is the quality of the dissolved
air. The Nikuni pump provides one of the best air dissolving systems on the
marketplace by providing 20-30 micron bubbles up to 95%+ saturation efficiencies.
The Nikuni pump is a regenerative turbine pump. The design utilizes three forces to
generate high pressure in a single stage pump design. A friction force pushes the liquid
in the direction of rotation. A centrifugal force swings the liquid out in the crosswise
direction of rotation. An axial force pushes the liquid to both sides of the impeller. In
concert, the three forces cause a complex vortex to form which provides the air
dissolving action and high pressure desired. The result is a constant, stable, high
pressure flow in a compact design, with high saturation efficiencies and very fine
microbubbles (~20-30 micron).
To ensure maximum safety, and to gain knowledge of this product, it is important that
any operator of the Nikuni Pump read and understand the contents of this manual
before this equipment is operated. Pay special attention to any caution or warning
stickers or symbols placed on the equipment. Failure to comply with the instructions can
result in damage to the system or personal injury.
The precautions mentioned in this manual are not intended to cover all of the warnings
or hazards that can exist in a plant or on these systems. Using safety mechanisms
requires the constant attention of everyone near these machines. Strong safety
practices must be used by plant personnel for this system or any other equipment.
Proper equipment maintenance and use of personal safety devices contribute as much
towards safety as will any number of mechanical safety devices.
Study this manual thoroughly before attempting to install, operate or maintain these
systems. Only competent, well-trained individuals should operate or maintain this
system.
Explain the operation of this system and its safety devices to a new operator or any one
attempting to operate this system before allowing them to do so. Be certain that he or
she fully understands these systems and corresponding devices and that they are
qualified to operate this system.
Develop a safety checklist for the devices of this system and perform regular
maintenance duties to ensure its proper operation. Example list provided below.
• Safety instructions and decals are located on the equipment. Replace any
damaged decals.
• Do not operate unless safety devices or guards are in place and operating
properly.
• Follow all LOTO procedures when performing maintenance on Nikuni Pump by
disconnecting electrical power before servicing any part of the system (more than
one electrical connection may be involved).
• Do not operate system without eye protection.
SAFETY CHECKLIST
Proper House Keeping
Exposed Wiring or Electrical Connections
Proper Lighting
Operation of Safety Showers / Eye Wash
Proper PPE Available
Overhead / Bump Hazards
Proper Equipment Guards in Place
Damaged or Leaking Piping / Equipment
All Equipment, Chemicals, and or Pipes Properly Labeled
MSDS / LOTO Station Available and Up to Date
1. Saturation
With high air/water saturation efficiencies, less energy is required and less
water is required to recirculate in the system. Recirculation of water in the
DAF reduces retention time, thus limiting capacity and/or performance.
Most systems have 20-50% saturation efficiencies. The Nikuni system is
up to 95% efficient. Thus, instead of an average of 30-50% recycles, 10-
20% recycle rates can be achieved. This allows more retention of the
water, thereby allowing more separation time, improving performance.
2. Bubble Size
The size of the microbubble generated is a key to good performance: The
smaller the bubble - the smaller the particle that can be removed. If
smaller particles can be removed, less chemistry is necessary to
coagulate the products into a larger particle. Besides the operational cost
savings, reduced chemical consumption can yield dewatering benefits.
Many systems create 100+ micron bubbles. The Nikuni system develops
a 20 micron bubble. A quick check of the bubble size can be determined
by a rise rate test. The rise rate test is conducted by taking a known
volume sample of the whitewater and monitoring the time it takes for the
whitewater to fully dissipate. The saturation efficiencies can be measured
by the saturation test described later in this manual.
Many systems dissolve air into the feed stream which contains the
suspended particulate. Dissolving air into a clean stream (or the DAF
effluent) is a far superior process, because particles in the water interfere
with saturation efficiencies. The maximum solubility of air into water
basically depends on the saturation pressure, the water temperature, and
the water quality.
4. Maintenance
Obviously, the air dissolving technique must not be maintenance
intensive. This is a critical part of the DAF clarification process and must
be reliable. Many systems are not reliable. The Nikuni pump has proven
to be robust and highly reliable in a wide array of applications.
Water Tank T2
Flow diagram
Air save tank T1
Water gathered
T1
Air separation tank V1 Scales on surface
valve
bubble
Pressurized
water V2
Measurement method
This apparatus describes a method to measure the volume of air dissolved in 1 L
of pressurized water. The water pressurized by turbine pump is brought to air
separation tank where undissolved air is purged outside. The pressurized water
is directed to Pressure relief valve (V1) and lead to Air save tank (T1). When
pressurized water reaches to Air saving tank (T1), fine bubbles develop and air is
collected at top of Air saving tank (T1) and water is directed to Water tank (T2).
Water volume (water speed) is controlled by the pressure relief valve (V2) so that
there is no air coming to the Water tank (T2) from Air tank (T1). DO value
(density of dissolved oxygen) in Water tank (T2) is made to be DO = 100% and
above (super saturation), so that it stabilizes for measurement. Water
temperature is recorded.
Watch scale outside of Water tank (T2) and see 1 L water accumulating in Water
tank. Air volume accumulating in Air tank (T1) during the same time is
measured. This measured air volume is volume of air dissolved in 1 L of water.
Dissolved air volume is measured for each test. The judgment on test result is
based on measured air volume for saturated air volume for water temperature
and pressure, because volume of dissolved air varies depending on water
temperature.
Nikuni Manual Rev 0507 Page 10 of 31
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
1: Process Description
Water will be abstracted from the outfall of the DAF and gravity feed to the Nikuni
pump. A vacuum will be created on the suction side by slightly closing a suction
side valve (preferably a gate or diaphragm valve). The discharge will be
pressurized to 50-70 psi by throttling a discharge valve located as close as
possible to the injection point back into the DAF feed wastestream. This design
maximizes separation efficiency through generating a highly saturated fine micro-
bubble.
2: Unloading Description
Unpacking check
Upon receipt of the pump, please check the following:
3: Installation Description
Depending upon the package purchased, the necessary valves, gauges, flow
meters, etc. will be fully installed on the pump skid; otherwise, the customer must
supply these items per the supplied drawing. The skid should be mounted level
and any influent and effluent piping should be independently supported. All
leveling plates must be well set. The fasteners must be tightened steadily after
the complete pump unit has been adjusted.
Please review all WWW furnished drawings prior to installation and startup.
The feed line to pump must be equal to or larger than the pump inlet.
A suction gate valve must be installed between 5 and 10Xs the pipe diameter
from the pump’s inlet. There shall be no bends in the line between the suction
gate valve and the pump’s inlet.
A vacuum gauge must be installed between the suction gate valve and the
pump’s inlet.
Pump Discharge
There should be a minimum 5X’s the pipe diameter of straight pipe on the
discharge of the pump.
On the discharge side of the pump, a valve(s) should be installed as close to the
point(s) of injection into the system as possible. This will be the pressure control
valve. If this location is far from the pump(s), then another pressure gauge
should be installed between the valve and the pump. World Water Works
recommends splitting the header pipe into 2-3 injection points based upon the
flow rate of the pump.
A whitewater sample valve should be placed inline between the pump discharge
and pressure throttling valve(s).
Switch on the motor briefly in order to check the direction of rotation. The motor
must not reach its operational speed. The direction of rotation must
correspond to the arrow indicating the direction of rotation on top of the pump. If
the direction of rotation is not correct, perform the relevant modifications at the
phase-sequence to correct the problem.
Please complete the WWW supplied Nikuni Installation Check List and
submit to WWW for approval prior to starting up pump!
A: Utility Requirements
Either 240V or 480 V, 3 Phase must be supplied to the pump at the amperage
rating noted on the motor.
B: Control Logic
The Nikuni Pump shall have an (on/off) capability on the central control screen
and/or at a local disconnect.
The pumps should also have motor failure alarms. If pump is selected, but not
running, or circuit breaker has tripped, alarm will activate.
Aeration Pumps:
Check Rotation
Proper Auto Valves Open / Close
Proper Manual Valves Open / Close
Air Flow Meters Installed Properly
Ensure the pump is fully primed
The pump must by no means be operated without liquid.
Notes:
1: START-UP
A: Initial Startup
1. Verify proper installation.
2. OPEN the Valves between the DAF Effluent Line (Nikuni Water
Supply) and the Nikuni Pump.
Allow the pump’s suction line to completely fill. Opening the
whitewater sample valve will help bleed any air from the line.
Any isolation valves on the suction side of the pump must be
completely open. If the pump is operated with out proper
water priming, this becomes a cause for damage to the pump.
3. OPEN the any discharge isolation valves associated with the
pump.
4. OPEN INJECTION VALVES at the injection points.
5. TURN THE PUMP ON.
6. GRADUALLY THROTTLE CLOSED INJECTION LINE VALVE(S)
to achieve ~50-70 psi.
Approximately thirty (30 sec) seconds after reaching operating
speed, slowly close discharge valves closest to the points of
injection. Throttle valves proportionally to achieve an
operating point of 50-70 psi on the discharge pressure gauges
located at the discharge of the pump. DO NOT SHUT
VALVE, if pressure buildup does not occur – PUMP IS NOT
FULLY PRIMED.
7. Adjust (if necessary) the SUCTION GATE VALVE.
This is done to achieve a vacuum (approximately 2-7” Hg, not
to exceed 15” Hg) in the suction pipeline viewed on the
suction vacuum gauges. Closing the suction gate valve may
be required to generate the proper vacuum.
8. OPEN the NEEDLE VALVE on the AIR FLOWMETER to 5-10%
of pump flowrate.
The air flowrate should be 5-10% of pump’s water flowrate.
Adjust the air flowmeter as follows.
2: OPERATION
Once properly set the system should operate continuously
without major adjustments. The critical operating parameter is
to insure an ample supply of recirculation water is feeding the
pumps in order to prevent starving of the pumps. Never run
the pumps dry. If pressure drops below 10 psi or above 120
psi then the automatic pressure transmitter (when installed as
part of the system) should automatically shut the system
down.
3: SHUT-DOWN
A: EMERGENCY SHUT-DOWN
DO NOT OPERATE PUMPS DRY. In an emergency case
when the pumps are being starved (running dry) shutdown the
system immediately. To shut down pumps, turn off power
switches. If a check valve has been installed, all valves may
remain in partially open position to facilitate the next startup
procedure.
The www/NIKUNI system is designed for durability and long-life. However, following
some basic maintenance procedures will assure the long life of the pump. It is always
recommended to maintain a clean and safe environment.
1- ATMOSPHERIC PRECAUTIONS
This NIKUNI is extremely durable and can perform well in many
environments. However, it is recommended that the system be protected
from freezing as water in pipes and other areas may expand and cause
damage.
2- CLEANING
3- OTHER
Installed backup pumps must be powered on and off briefly once a week
in order to guarantee that they are ready for operation.
A: Bearings
Under normal operation conditions, replace the motor bearings after
20.000 hours of operation or at the latest after 2.5 years. In the case of
bad operation conditions, as e.g. a high environmental temperature or a
corrosive and dusty environment, the motor bearings must be checked at
an earlier date and, if necessary, be replaced. Pump bearings with a
lubrication device must be checked every 5000 hours of operation. Dirty
bearings must be cleaned and filled with new lubricant. The free space in
the bearing and casing should be filled by 30-50% with lubricant. Do not
use resinous or acid lubricants. Its consistencies (NLGI grade) should
correspond to a worked penetration of 265 to 295 mm/10.
Lithium-base soap lubricants with a drop point of more than 185°C are to
be used for pumped liquids which have a maximum temperature of 110°C.
B: Mechanical Seal
The mechanical seals are maintenance-free. If leakages occur after a
longer period of operation, replace the complete seal.
C: Gland Packing
Gland packing are low-maintenance parts and must leak slightly during
operation. Do not over tighten a gland packing after its first operation.
Considerable leakage at the beginning disappears by itself. If greater
leakages occur during operation, the gland lid or insert must be slightly
tightened, however it must never be tightened at a slant. It must be
possible to rotate the slide slightly after having tightened the lid or insert. If
tightening of the gland lid or insert results in the pump being heated
excessively or if it is not possible to tighten the gland lid or insert any
further, the gland packing must be replaced completely. If the gland lid or
insert is tightened too much the shaft will be damaged.
4- PART REPLACEMENT
A: Preparation
In order to make sure that the pump cannot be started, separate the
power cable from the motor and/or use standard Lockout/Tagout
procedures. Secure the unit against accidental switch-on. Close the stop
valve of the pressure and suction pipelines. Please assure pump is not
under pressure before disassembling. The pump casing must have
reached the environmental temperature and be drained of liquid and
pressure. In the case of pumps in unit-construction with mounting flange,
the container must be drained completely.
C: Assembly
Make sure there is no damage on fit face and installation face and
there is no dust and other foreign items on their faces, at time of
assembling.
Air/Pump Suction
Since we design and build our products to provide you with many years of satisfaction,
all World Water Works products are guaranteed against defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one year, excluding all wear parts.
We hereby guarantee the quality of our product supplied to you in the following
conditions:
1) WWW warrants our product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a
period of twelve (12) months following installation up to a maximum of eighteen (18)
months following of our shipment from Oklahoma City, OK. Any part(s) which fails
during the warranty period due to defective material or workmanship will be replaced
for shipping cost only provided (a) the claim for warranty is given in writing
describing details of the defect within warranty period; (b) WWW accepts the return
of defective part(s) for service and (c) the defective part(s) is delivered to WWW with
transportation charge prepaid in accordance with instructions provided by WWW. In
case of a difference of opinion between the parties concerned regarding whether or
not the warranty is applicable, the judgment of WWW is final.
2) WWW’s liability is limited to the replacement or repair (at our option) of the defective
parts as originally supplied by WWW. WWW shall not be liable for any loss,
damage, or expenses directly or indirectly related to the use of its products or from
any other cause or for consequential damages (including, without limitation, loss of
time, inconvenience, and loss of production). It is expressly understood that WWW
is not responsible for damage or injury caused to other products, machinery,
buildings, property, or persons by reason of the installation or use of its products.
3) The warranty shall be null and void if any component of a product has been (a)
tampered with, disassembled, repaired or altered (except as may be authorized by
WWW in writing); (b) subject to misuse, neglect or accident; or (c) used to pump
materials which it was not designed to handle, which may attack or harm the
materials used in construction of the pump, or which may otherwise harm the
operation of the pump.
4) The warranty does not cover or apply to (a) the effects of corrosion, abrasion or
normal wear; (b) repairs or service adjustments required due to lack of proper
maintenance or installation, natural causes or acts of God; or (c) any field expense
for service or replacement of parts.
Nikuni Manual Rev 0507 Page 29 of 31
This warranty is WWW’s sole warranty and in lieu of all other warranties, express or
implied , which are hereby disclaimed, including in particular all warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. If you have any questions or comments
regarding this guarantee or your World Water Work product, you may reach us at 1-
800-607-PURE or www.WorldWaterWorks.com. You will find that we apply the same
standard of excellence to our customer service as we do our products.