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  • Cpe pump leaks like crazy

    Have any of you guys bought pumps from CPE, I got mine from them and it leaks like crazy
    first they took forever to ship ourt my new pump and when we finally got it and hooked it up
    it leaked from bottom from sides, wrote to them and they offered to send new seal kit
    installed it but still leaks, contactrd thrm and they asked where it leaked from , sent pics and vid
    but they havent offered any acceptable solution.
    have any other posters had any problems like these, should they be replacing the pump itself or pump head.

    any suggestions appreciated

  • #2
    Had the same issue. After a few CIP cycles on some tanks and fiddling with the clamp some, it finally seated properly and we've had no problems since. Wish I had a more technical solution for you.

    Comment


    • #3
      Where does it leak from?

      I have been buying and using CPE pumps for years now w/out many problems.

      One thing I notice is that the seal placement is fairly delicate/finicky. If the rubber ring isn't pushed right up against the back of the seal- i.e. using the seal to push it backwards as you secure the impeller plate, it will leak.

      If you put any water pressure on the pump head, the rubber seal will pop out of place and you'll have to reset it again.

      The parts they use are fairly standard and I don't think CPE is re-inventing the wheel building these pumps.

      Hope this helps

      Comment


      • #4
        Proper assembly and torque

        I've had brand new pumps arrive leaking from major suppliers/manufacturers. It happens.

        Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly when disassembling/reassembling the pump. This includes tightening all screws with the proper torque, which is given in the manual. Use a torque wrench. I've replaced many a seal/impeller/head because a mechanic tightened the head screws like it was a Nascar pitstop. All CPE pump manuals are on their website.

        My guess is you're not sealing because your unevenly or over/under torqued. Screws can loosen during shipping of a new pump, which could explain why you were leaking at first. I usually have the torque checked on the outer screws of every new pump before the first water test.

        I would tear it down and reassemble per the manual and see if that seals it up. As TonyT mentioned, you might have to run a hot water test first.
        Kyle Kohlmorgen
        Process/Automation Consultant
        St. Louis, MO

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by elmoa View Post
          Have any of you guys bought pumps from CPE, I got mine from them and it leaks like crazy
          first they took forever to ship ourt my new pump and when we finally got it and hooked it up
          it leaked from bottom from sides, wrote to them and they offered to send new seal kit
          installed it but still leaks, contactrd thrm and they asked where it leaked from , sent pics and vid
          but they havent offered any acceptable solution.
          have any other posters had any problems like these, should they be replacing the pump itself or pump head.

          any suggestions appreciated
          Mine leaked too. The tabs on the pump head were bent back slightly. I used a hammer to fix it.

          Comment


          • #6
            iTS A NEW PUMP NEW SEALS IT SHOULDN'T BE NOISEY AND LEAKING, IF I WAS BUYING CRAP I WOULDN'T COMPLAIN BUT THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE QUALITY EQUIPMENT
            AND SUPPORT FROM THESE GUYS IS BAD SLOW TO ANSWER AND VAGUE ANSWERS

            Comment


            • #7
              Don - cpe

              I've gotta say, after speaking with Don for the past few days arranging a purchase of some new pumps, he seems like an informed salesman and a stand-up guy.

              I don't think i would call Top Line pumps "top of the line" pumps...however they are "standard issue" pumps and should work fine.

              We have about 6 of them in our brewery and they work ok. Yes they do leak sometimes and there are reasons for that.

              1. If you are pumping hot and sticky fluids then you need to use the spray nozzle and a hi-temp viton seal.
              2. next, you need to wash out the pump with water dilligently after you use it. these pumps are very sensitive to crystalized sugars that will start forming.
              3. make sure you are operating the pump correctly, you can easily un-seat the seal by incorrect valve positions/sequence
              4. make sure the backplate is electropolished and absolutely smooth surface, if not, send it out to be re-polished.

              We are opting for an actual "top of the line" pump with another Alfa Laval LHK50 and a Hilge Euro Hygia pump...these pumps are in the range of $5-7k each.

              For $1950 for a Top Line, these are good pumps but certainly you do get the value of what you purchase. I can't really attribute this to Don.

              Cheers!
              Alex Postelnek, Lead Brewer
              Funky Buddha Brewery
              Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334
              (561) 945 - 4584
              alex@funkybuddhabrewery.com

              Comment


              • #8
                Take a look at the spring behind the pump head back plate. The spring is wrapped around the drive shaft, it goes pump head, back plate, spring, retaining collar. The spring should be compressed, if not then the back plate is not putting pressure on the proper parts of the pump head seal. You could loosen the retaining collar and compress the spring, tighten the collar test it out. By test it out, run it for a while if you see it leak right away don't panic just work with it. This stuff is not complicated and breaking in new equipment is just part of the deal. I have multiple types of pumps, CPE included, but in the end they are mostly the same.
                First time, Long time.
                Matchless Brewing
                Three Magnets Brewing
                Olympia WA

                Comment


                • #9
                  Any new CPE users, or updates on how these pumps have performed over the last few years since this thread started? I was thinking of purchasing a mobile 1HP or 1.5HP unit from them for my CIP and wort transfer needs in my 5BBL brewpub.
                  Any other "affordable" pump recommendations if the CPE is not doing it well enough for you?
                  Thanks for any info

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Pump Setup

                    Pump setup is a Technical Art with respect to several factors that have to be done correctly and its not going to be clear or straightforward to persons who have not had some time on those units in the beginning. No matter the brand whether Waukesha or whatever there are some inherent design weaknesses and quirks that demand setup be done correctly on the seal, drive collar, and shaft adapter.
                    Waukesha Pumps never ship pre-setup. The seal has to be installed after you receive it.
                    I have a link to a video that shows correct Technique on my machine at the shop. If you'd like to view the video send me an email at:
                    brewmoab@hotmail.com and I'll send the link.

                    Star
                    Warren Turner
                    Industrial Engineering Technician
                    HVACR-Electrical Systems Specialist
                    Moab Brewery
                    The Thought Police are Attempting to Suppress Free Speech and Sugar coat everything. This is both Cowardice and Treason given to their own kind.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Seal set up

                      Like Warren said, the most important thing is to set up the seal correctly and then clean and maintain it properly.

                      Here is a link to a YouTube video on how to set up the pump seal on one of our Topline C114 pumps.

                      It is actually quite easy once you get the hang of it.

                      http://www.cpesystems.com/blogs/news...14-series-pump
                      Your CPE Systems Team!
                      CPE Systems Inc.
                      800-668-2268
                      CPEsystems.com
                      Thinkpumps.com
                      sales@cpesystems.com

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