What size pump should be used?

The pump should be sized to process the desired fluid flow rate at the highest density of the fluid to be used.

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What is the proper orientation of the Shear/Mixer?

The orientation of the Shear/Mixer should be so the discharge of the pump flows into the input side the Shear/Mixer.

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Does the discharge piping have an effect on the process?

Yes. The Lobestar Shear/Mixer requires 6 pipe diameters of straight, level, unobstructed (i.e. no valves, elbows etc.) piping from the end of the diffuser chamber (end of the unit).

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Why is the fluid backing up into the suction ports?

There are several possibilities for this to be happening. 1. Insufficient pump pressure. 2. Valve closed or an obstruction downstream of the mixer. 3. Incorrect piping downstream of the mixer (i.e. elbow or valve installed within the 6 pipe diameters of the discharge end of the eductor.) 4. Viscosity of the fluid is too high.

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The pump pressure is the same, but the vacuum reads less than before.

Replace the Nozzle and Diffuser.

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Can I increase the Pipe Size on the Discharge side of the eductor?

Yes. The piping should be as large or larger but never smaller.

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How much vacuum pressure can I expect the eductor to produce?

An Eductor operating at 40 – 70 PSI should produce approx. 22 – 29 inHQ.

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I opened the 2” Ball Valve on the By-Pass Line going to the Radial Premixer and the mud came up in the Hopper. What is causing this?

The Radial Premixer does not require the full pressure from the line. The backflow can be avoided by closing the valve and opening it just enough to create a vortex in the mixing chamber as viewed through the top of hopper.

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I started the Mixing Pumps and noted the Pressure and Vacuum on the gauges. I opened the 2” Ball Valve on the By-Pass Line and the both the Pressure and Vacuum decreased on the gauges. What causes this?

The 2” Bypass valve relieves some of the pressure from the input line. This is normal.

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I was mixing heavy mud the day before without a problem. I shut down once the operation was complete. I came back the next day, started up the Mixing Pumps, noted pressure on the Pressure Gauge, but showed very little vacuum on the Vacuum Gauge and could not mix product. What is the problem with the Shear/Mixer?

Some of the Mud backflowed into the Shear/Mixer and mixed with the Barite causing it to clog. Clean the mixing chamber and try again.

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