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.

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 Disassembly, Decontamination and Reassembly).

Lower the assembled Bladder Pump into the well. The Solinst Model 103 Tag Line can be used for this purpose.

Connect the supply line with the in-line dryer from the compressed gas source to the Control Unit. The drive line connects from the Control Unit to the reel.

Attach a short (3 ft. or 1 m) length of 3/8" OD sample line to the sample connector on the reel.

Dedicated: The Bladder Pump will come with a roll of tubing to be cut to length, as required, for attachment to a Wellhead.

Cut the tubing to desired length. See step a) above for tubing connection instructions to the Pump.

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).

Lower the Bladder Pump into the well, using a stainless steel safety line if desired, and push the Wellhead down firmly onto the riser casing.

Connect the supply line with the in-line dryer from the compressed gas source to the Control Unit. The drive line connects from the Control Unit to the Wellhead.

Attach a short (3 ft. or 1 m) length of 3/8" OD sample line to the sample connector on the Wellhead.

For detailed pumping instructions, please see the Solinst Model 466 Control Unit Operating Instructions.

® Solinst is a registered trademark of Solinst Canada Ltd.