I run a schwing s-tube line pump, and whenever I really ramp up the strokes the line surge makes for tons of work, making sure nothing is damaged under clamps and the hose mans balance and strength are really put to the test. I read on a post of running half throttle and full volume. i was wondering if this would reduce some of the surge. I was under the impression that pumps were designed to run at full throttle, and the volume was what should be maniuplated... any thouhgts?

Thanks. This does make sense, and I might just try it. Same sort of thing happens when my hopper is allowed to run dry (how hard is it to keep a hopper full anyways... i delivered for years before pumping and never ran a guy dry...) and air is introduced into the system. Pumps smooth as butter until the air reaches the tip, then its blast time.  I could see the benifits of a properly used "air cushion."

i run my pump at 2000/2100 rpm because and half volume it kicks so most of the the time iam going 40% that is smooth for a 2.5 inch line and 40% is the max for a 2 inch line. now if iam doing final wash out waiting for water i will run the rpm at 1600 because slaming the barrels is not smart and its a little quieter for the neighbors. every time that i haul ass the finisher cry so i end up with a over full hopper and a stopped barrel of concrete so then i have to do all the restart stuff to get going. remember the customer is not an expert at operating your pump, try offering two pumps on the job to handel the volume.

We used to use surge chambers back in the early ‘70s and they worked well enough. We placed them in the system 110ft or so from the pump when possible since the line surge was a bigger issue at the hose dragging end and not in the system per se. Cleanout of the surge chambers was an issue. Early on we used threaded plumbers caps on the top end so as to allow access to the 3 foot vertical piece when cleaning. Perhaps today, with the better sealing ConForm HD clamps and maybe some duct tape, the top could be fitted with a clamp and an end cap. I did notice that as the pumps have gotten stronger and the strokes longer that the use of surge tubes has died down. The trailer pump manufactures have done a good job with their nitrogen charged line accumulators. They seem to work very well. As far as the “home-made variety goes, I still like the idea. When they are properly placed in a pumping system they serve their purpose which is to make life easier for the troops on the hose. We found that you did not want them to fall over so ours had rather larger bases than the one in the photo. I would also caution you that as well as being a potential BOMB with much destructive power; they tend to get very hot on any large pour. If some of you are having trouble with a customer because of line surge I think they would be worth a shot. You may need to ‘play’ with the placement a bit to see how they act in different positions. I also urge EXTREME CAUTION when dealing with the potential of compressed air in a chamber as I have seen our old screw caps launched into orbit by their loosening.

It is better to loose a customer than your life.

Think

Use safety pins in all clamps

Respect the potential for harm

;~)

 I personaly dont like surge pipes. but when surge becomes an issue i run my pump low throttle full volume for my 3 inch line. When grouting i run it about 50% throttle running lower volume works good for me.

 Also as an operator sadly im the one pulling my hosses back. Im very good at not letting the line hit anything. I use the surge for leverage when pulling the hosses back.

I somehow would believe adjustment of volume,eng speed,wetness of concrete are all combined.Like the newer more flexable booms,you can usually adjust alot of the bounce out.We also used to tie system to stakes,yuk.

I have used both stand tube , and true surge suppressor on line pumps in a 2'' line shotcrete jobs. the stand tube works ok( 40%)($275) and a true surge chamber takes about 95%($2000) of surge out. this was on a reed b-series pump. I didnt think it was worth effort to set up and was one more thing to clean. If you have a large job it may be worth the effort. Not talking bad about your pump but is known for lots of surge.because of the rock valve. The stand tube is not much money so its worth a try. maybe get one for the line size you use the most. they do get hot and crete wants to set up in top of it. good luck

Many,

Don't remind me of driving stakes behind the clamps. That was too much like work, and too little air on those mountains ;~)