Western 500 - Clearing Dry Packs; Shutdown and Cleaning

15
WARNING
It is the responsibility of each pump owner/
operator to check with the manufacturer of the
delivery system pressure capability that is not
supplied by Western Shotcrete Equipment. Failure
to observe these guidelines can result in serious
personal injury and/or damage to equipment.
Western Shotcrete Equipment recommends only
the usage of shouldered or heavy-duty pipeline
system, hose, and clamping devices that are
specifically designed for high-pressure concrete
pumping applications.
Clearing a Dry Pack
When a block or dry-pack occurs in the delivery
system, the pumping pressure gauge will reach the
maximum 4200-psi. Immediately switch the pump
off. Switch the swingtube from forward to reverse,
pump at least two or more strokes in reverse to
relieve the pressure from the dry-pack back to the
concrete pump. Shut the pump off.
WARNING
It is possible there will still be pressure contained in
the delivery system. Extreme caution must be used
when opening the clamping devices on any part of
the delivery system.
Warn all persons in the immediate area of this
danger. Clear the area of persons prior to opening
the clamp and protect eyes and body while opening
clamp.
After the dry-pack has been cleared and the
reducer, pipeline, and/or hose system restored,
return the swingtube to forward. Start the pump up
at a low volume rate until a steady flow of material is
being pumped.
WARNING
Never attempt to clear a pack in the transport
system with pump pressure.
Shut Down & Clean up
It is very important that the operator knows and
follows the correct procedure for cleaning the
machine. Because there are moving parts in the
hopper, the operator must use caution when
cleaning the machine. The operator MUST USE
EXTREME CAUTION when using his or her hands
to clean in the hopper area. When it is necessary to
clean out the hopper or swingtube, the operator
must shut down the engine and carefully determine
that the accumulator has discharged. The operator
must also warn anyone that may assist him in
cleaning the machine.
Clean the machine in the following manner:
1) Pump the remaining material out of the hopper
until it is half empty, and then turn the pump off.
2) Add enough water to the material in the hopper
to make a thin slurry.
3) Switch the swingtube to reverse and turn the
pump on. The reverse pumping will cause the water
to mix with the material to form a thin slurry.
4) Pump the slurry through the line followed with
water.
5) Remove and thoroughly clean the hopper clean-
out door.
6) With the pump turned on and in reverse
pumping, turn a water hose into the discharge
outlet. This will draw water into the concrete
cylinders and push rock and sand out through the
hopper door.
7) Before cleaning the inside of the hopper the
operator must shut down the engine and carefully
make sure that the accumulator pressure is
fully discharged. Check that the accumulator is
discharged in the following manner:
a) With the engine shut down, turn the ignition key-
switch to the on position.
b) Turn the pump switch to the on position.
c) Repeatedly switch the swingtube from reverse to
forward until the swingtube no longer shifts.
8) Clean the hopper out using a stiff brush and
water.