Triton FAQs

FAQs2019-11-14T14:58:30-06:00

General

How much volume does a cylindrical tank hold?2019-11-11T15:02:39-06:00

Ignoring the volume in the tank heads, you can measure the length of the tank and multiply by the following factors, depending on the diameter of the tank:
36″ = 4.4 gals/inch of tank length
48″ = 7.8 gals/in
54″ = 9.9 gals/in
60″ = 12.2 gals/in
72″ = 17.6 gals/in

So a 54″ diameter tank that is 40″ long would hold 396 gallons if completely full, not counting the amount in the head….so you can make a pretty good estimate.

Who were Triton and the Kraken in mythology?2019-11-11T15:02:20-06:00

Triton was the son of the Greek god Poseidon (known as Neptune to the Romans), the god of the sea. He was a merman, with the upper body of a human and the tail of a fish. His shoulders were barnacled with seashells. Like his father, he carried a trident, but he also used a twisted conch shell like a horn, blowing it to calm the waves or whip up a terrible tempest. Triton helped Jason and the Argonauts make it back to the sea on one of their adventures.

The Kraken were giant sea monsters, found in Norse and Icelandic mythology. Often depicted as gigantic octopuses or squids, they were thought to rise up from the deep, grappling and then sinking small ships. Other myths held that the greatest dangers from the Kraken were the whirlpools left behind from their descent back into the depths of the sea. The Kraken has appeared in the movies Clash of the Titans and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Products

Can I handle flammable products or hydrocarbons with Triton vacuum systems?2019-11-15T09:33:15-06:00

Yes. Details are given in the whitepaper “Handling Flammables with Triton Vacuum Systems”

Can I pick up solid products, like sand, grain, or abrasive blast media with a Triton system?2019-11-15T09:33:44-06:00

Yes. Details are given in the whitepaper “Using the Solids Recovery Package”

Can I slow down the pump to reduce airflow?2019-11-15T09:34:14-06:00

Yes, on our diesel-driven systems. A whitepaper details how to determine what engine rpm to run at for a given airflow on our T2500 system. “Diesel Engine Speed (rpms) vs T2500 Pump Airflow (cfm)”

Can the exhaust from the vacuum pump be captured for treatment?2019-11-11T14:59:28-06:00

Yes. Our liquid ring units (T1500, T2500) have a 6″ or 8″ camlock fitting on the exhaust of the water tank. This fitting allows the exhaust to be captured through a vapor scrubber, carbon box, thermal oxidizer, etc. Ideally this downstream equipment does not provide any exhaust restriction, though a backpressure of a few psi is acceptable and will not affect performance of the pump. However, precautions should be taken to allow pressure relief in the event of a downstream situation that would create high pressure from the positive displacement liquid ring pump…a Pressure Relief Valve, for example.

Can Triton equipment be used to transfer drill cuttings?2019-11-15T09:34:47-06:00

Yes, and in fact are used for this application around the world. Check out one concept in our whitepaper “Triton Vacuums for Drill Waste Management”

Help! I don’t have vacuum on the end of my hose!2019-11-11T14:58:23-06:00

First, make sure all manways and hatches are closed tight, on both the vacuum unit and any collection tank or vacuum box that you are filling. There could be an open valve, a loose seal, a poorly fitted camlock gasket, cracked hose, etc. If a liquid ring-based unit, make sure that the pump is primed. The primer valve should be open while the water tank is filling, and then closed when the unit is running. As a rule of thumb, if the belt is turning between the motor and the pump, there should be vacuum at the unit.

How do I replace the sight glass on the unit?2019-11-11T14:57:56-06:00

The 5″ sight glass is a bowl that allows you to see the contents of the water tank or cyclone. It fits inside a weldment that has a screw handle. A gasket goes between the glass bowl and the equipment, and a metal plate goes between the tightening screw and the bowl to distribute the force. Do not tighten the screw handle too tightly, or you may break the glass bowl. It only needs to be snug.

How do Triton Vacuum Systems compare to blower-based machines?2019-11-01T13:27:08-05:00

Blower packages are good for dry bulk handling materials. If the customer is only going to use the system for dry materials the unit will likely perform satisfactorily. Most people doing that type of work are not concerned with the heat or the noise, and must accept the level of maintenance required.

In other industries that deal with different types of materials, the noise, heat (400-500 degrees F) and the maintenance required because of the close tolerances of the “blower” machine do become a problem. Triton Vacuum Systems offer a combination of airflow, high vacuum, low noise, low temperatures, and low maintenance. The Triton Liquid Ring systems are capable of 27″ Hg vacuum, not 15” as is typical in a blower system. At that level of vacuum (27”Hg) there is no airflow, which is what the blower requires to accomplish work. So, for example, when moving peanut butter or heavy tank bottoms, the Triton Liquid Ring systems (T1500/T200) will not stop producing vacuum and can run continuously without fear of failure.

Another consideration is that exhaust temperatures of the Triton system may only reach 155 degrees Fahrenheit which is safe for refinery or tank cleaning flammable products.

How much diesel fuel do Triton vacuum systems burn?2019-11-01T13:26:35-05:00

Depending on load, the Triton liquid ring trailers (T2000 or T2500) consume between 7-10 gallons per hour. The fuel tank size is in the range of 90-100 gallons, and are sized that fueling should only be required once per shift. And remember, less expensive off-road diesel may be used.

How much do common hoses weigh?2019-11-01T13:26:06-05:00

Flex hoses are obviously lighter than tank truck hose. A 4″ flex hose may weigh 1.8 lbs/ft, while a 4″ tank truck hose might weigh 3.3 lbs/ft (of course, this is empty, and doesn’t count the weight of the connection fittings). Going to a 6″ hose increases weight a lot…a 6″ tank truck hose could weigh 7.5 lbs/ft, which is why they most often are supplied in 15-foot lengths, vs 20- or 25-foot for the 4″ size. A 4″ hose is about the maximum a man can realistically work, and it often makes sense to move the work to the hose, instead of the hose to the work (using squeegees, shovels, etc). Many times, the hose is reduced at the working end to a smaller size on the last joint, so that the man can more readily handle it. It is also often possible to tee off at that point, to have two working ends, with lightweight flex hose. Such a 2″ hose may weigh 0.7 lb/ft, or a 3″ hose about 1 lb/ft. A 3″ tank truck hose may weigh 1.8 lbs/foot – again empty, and without fittings.

How much water does Triton’s liquid ring systems consume?2019-11-01T13:25:21-05:00

Triton’s liquid ring systems (T1500, T2000, T2500) can use water or other service liquid. The water is spun in the pump to create the vacuum, and circulates in a loop through the water tank, which holds 250 gals when full to the middle of the sight glasses. Under full vacuum load conditions for an extended period, the water can reach a temperature in the range of 155F, which results in evaporation at the exhaust tower. At full load, the loss of water can reach ~8 gals/hour. However, Triton units are designed to be filled via an auto-fill float valve if fresh water is available. Simply connect a 1″ hose via a Chicago fitting on the side of the tank. New water then constantly replenishes the lost volume.

How often do I need to change the water in the water tank on my liquid ring T1500, T2000, or T2500 system?2019-11-01T13:24:45-05:00

The water is used as a sealing fluid in the liquid ring pump, and actually allows the vacuum to be created. The water can get contaminated with solids such as dirt, barite, sand, etc., that can carry over via the airstream through the pump and into the water supply tank. We recommend changing the water at least weekly, but more frequently if conditions warrant. There is a screen at the pump intake line toward the bottom of the water supply tank that should be kept clear. Although the pump is very forgiving, it is not a good idea to have a buildup of abrasives in the service water. Also, settling out of the solids can clog the primer line, causing the pump not to be primed properly and vacuum to be weak, along with possible pump damage.

What are the considerations between choosing an electric or a diesel motor for my vacuum system?2019-11-01T12:00:58-05:00

Triton units are available that are powered by either an electric motor or a diesel engine. The electric motor requires that a certified electrician make the hookup, so electric-powered units are generally suited for longer terms installations. If a unit needs to be moved often, then a diesel unit makes sense.

There are operating and maintenance advantages to an electric motor. Diesel fuel is expensive. The diesel engine needs to be refueled and oil levels and filters monitored. In short, diesel engines require more time and attention than electric motors.

Achievement of full Class 1 Division I hazardous rating is easier with an electric unit. And Triton electric vacuum systems run quieter than diesel systems.

Finally, the environmental impact of the power source has become an important issue. An electric motor runs cleaner than a diesel powered engine.

What is the amp draw on the T1500 electric system?2019-11-01T12:00:11-05:00

These machines are set up for 460V/60 Hz or 360V/50 Hz operation:
125 HP full load – 142 amps
100 HP full load – 115 amps

Startup >350 amps, even with soft start

Working load 125 HP – 130-135 amps
Working load 100 HP – 108-110 amps

We recommend a 200A breaker. If powered by a generator, we recommend a 150 KW system. Needs to be wired for 3-phase.

What product discharge hoses are required for the Kraken?2019-11-01T11:59:33-05:00

The Kraken is Triton’s patented technology that allows continuous vacuuming and discharge of product to a remote location. The technology relies on synchronization between the vacuum unit and the Kraken. The heart of the Kraken is a positive displacement hydraulic unit, utilizing twin cylinders to push out the product. Triton regulates the discharge pressure to a maximum of 250 psi on the product. Thus, it is imperative that the discharge piping or hose be capable of withstanding a surge of 250 psi in the event of a product pluggage in the discharge line.

The Kraken’s discharge is through a 6” Class 150 flange, but may be reduced to 4” without loss of throughput. However, the narrower line may increase the risk of pluggage.

The line and connections must be capable of withstanding at least 250 psi. Most often, 6” dock hose (250# or 300# working pressure) is used. It is generally available in 25’ lengths with flanged connections. Triton does not routinely supply this hose, but it is readily available for rental from the pump companies. Composite hose is also available that may be fit for use.

The ideal setup is to have hard piping – steel pipe with flanges. Alternatively, plastic piping such as 6” Schedule 80 PVC may be used, provided the connections are designed and installed correctly to meet the pressure requirements.

Triton recommends installing a spool piece every hundred feet or so on the discharge line. At those spool points, a pressure gauge can be installed, along with a fitting to allow flushing the line. The flush fitting (pointed toward the direction of flow) allows the line to be cleared during shutdowns. The pressure gauge is used as a diagnostic in the event of any pluggage to determine where in the line the problem is.

Triton also recommends a block valve at the discharge of the machine to prevent back pressure towards the hydraulic unit during line flushing. A gate valve is suitable.

Normally, continuous running of product prevents any pluggage in the discharge, but it is best to be prepared for the inevitable process upsets.

What size hoses are required on Triton’s vacuum systems?2019-11-01T11:58:59-05:00

Generally, the T500 units use a 3″ or 4″ suction hose, and a 4″ discharge hose. The T1500 systems typically use a 4″ intake hose, while the T2500 systems use a 6″ hose.

Rental

What are my responsibilities for safeguarding and decontaminating Triton’s equipment?2019-11-01T11:58:14-05:00

The customer is responsible for the safekeeping of all Triton equipment and the complete decontamination of equipment before it is returned to Triton. Rental charges will continue until the proper decontamination process is completed. Triton drivers are not authorized to pick up equipment from a customer’s site until decontamination is complete. If it is determined later that a piece of equipment has not been properly decontaminated, all additional costs to assure its proper decontamination will be the responsibility of the customer. Additionally, any damages due to theft, loss or abuse are the responsibility of the customer.

What is Triton’s Performance Guarantee?2019-11-01T11:57:35-05:00

Triton’s Performance Guarantee Policy is that all equipment shipped will operate to our published specifications, and will operate for the entire length of the rental contract under normal use and operation, provided that the customer follows our guidelines for care and maintenance while in their possession. If a rental unit fails, for whatever reason, a replacement unit will be sent and the original unit returned to Triton for evaluation.

Upon receipt of the inoperative unit, a Triton technician shall determine if the condition was caused by equipment failure, operator lack of knowledge, or abuse. If the condition was caused by any factor other than equipment failure, Triton will inform the customer of this determination and will request authorization to bill the customer for the inbound and outbound freight to replace the original unit, and any repairs. If the condition was due to equipment failure, Triton will be responsible for these charges.

It is the customer’s responsibility to know the product characteristics of the product that is being vacuumed. Certain materials can create vapors that can damage the pump and other components of the vacuum system. Damage of this nature will be the responsibility of the customer.

Triton Gear

How long does it take to ship my Triton Gear order?2019-11-01T11:56:47-05:00

Shipping depends on availability of merchandise. Generally, most merchandise can ship within 1 week. However, special sizes or requests may take 4-5 weeks.

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