Operating Principles and Pump Operation

Bladder Pump Operating Principles

When the Solinst Bladder Pump is placed in a well or borehole, water rises inside the bladder and sample tubing to static level. Compressed nitrogen or air is supplied to the pump via the drive tubing using a Control Unit. Applying pressure causes the bladder to compress and closes the bottom check valve, forcing water from the bladder into the sample tubing.

During a vent cycle the pressure is released from the drive tubing. The bladder returns to its initial state as water re-enters the pump, while the top check valve prevents water already in the sample tubing from falling back into the bladder. Cycling the drive and vent provides water flow, the rate of which can be adjusted for purging or sampling.

Pump Operation

Portable: The pump will be attached to skip-bonded, dual 1/4" OD tubing, mounted on a reel.

1. To accommodate the 1/4" sample tubing, insert the 1/4" compression adaptor into the 3/8" sample line fitting. The 3/8" fitting nut may have to be loosened first, then tightened after the 1/4" adaptor is inserted (see overleaf).
2. Push the tubing inserts into the tubing and into the drive and sample compression fittings of the Bladder Pump. The compression fitting nuts may have to be loosened before the tubing is inserted. Tighten the nut 1-1/4 turns past finger tight for a proper seal (see overleaf).
3. Lower the assembled Bladder Pump into the well, using a Kevlar cord or stainless steel safety line connected to the eye bolt on the pump. The Solinst Model 103 Tag Line can be used for this purpose.
4. Connect the supply line with the optional 464 External Filter from the compressed gas source to the Control Unit. The drive line connects from the Control Unit to the reel (drive and supply lines come with the 464 Control Unit).
5. Attach a short (3 ft. or 1 m) length of 1/4" OD sample line to the sample connector on the reel.

Dedicated: Tubing is cut to length, as required, for attachment to a Wellhead.

1. Cut the tubing to desired length. See step b) above for tubing connection instructions to the pump.
2. Attach the sample line and drive line to the appropriate push fitting on the underside of the Wellhead (see diagram at right for use of push fittings and adaptors).
3. Lower the Bladder Pump into the well, using a Kevlar cord or stainless steel safety line. Attach the safety line to the suspension hook on the underside of the Wellhead. Push the Wellhead down firmly onto the riser casing.
4. Connect the supply line with the optional 464 External Filter from the compressed gas source to the Control Unit. The drive line connects from the Control Unit to the Wellhead (drive and supply lines come with the 464 Control Unit).
5. Attach a short (3 ft. or 1 m) length of 3/8" OD sample line to the sample connector on the Wellhead (see diagram at right for use of push fitting).

For detailed pumping instructions, please see the Solinst Model 464 Control Unit Operating Instructions.

Wellheads come with three 1/4" push fit adaptors so that either 1/4" or 3/8" tubing can be used, as preferred.

To attach tubing just push into push fitting. To release tubing push down on both sides of the top ring and pull tubing out.

Optional Drive Line Adaptor (107117)

When the Bladder Pump is deployed without a Wellhead or Tubing Reel, use a Drive Line Adaptor to allow the connection of the drive line quick connect fitting from the Control Unit to the drive line pump tubing.