1. How the Bladder Pump Works

The Bladder Pump uses compressed nitrogen or air to move groundwater to the surface.

1. Water enters the bladder and sample tubing until it reaches the natural water level in the well.
2. Compressed gas is sent through the Drive Line.
3. Pressure compresses the bladder and closes the bottom check valve.
4. Water is pushed from the bladder into the Sample Line.
5. When the pressure is released, the bladder expands and allows more water to enter.
6. The top check valve prevents water already in the sample tubing from flowing back into the pump.
7. Repeating the Pressure → Vent → Pressure → Vent cycle produces a continuous flow of water.

The pumping rate is controlled by adjusting the pressure and cycling rate.

2. Important Safety & Operating Limits

⚠️ Follow these limits at all times:

• Maximum operating depth: 500 ft. (150 m) below grade for stainless steel Bladder Pumps.
• Maximum operating pressure: 250 psi — DO NOT EXCEED.
• When using a compressor, an external filter (#112832) is recommended.
• Use the correct tubing and fittings for your pump configuration.
• Make sure all tubing and connections are secure before applying pressure.

3. Identify the Connections

The pump uses two lines:

Drive Line — "D"

Carries compressed gas from the Control Unit to the pump.

Sample Line — "S"

Carries groundwater from the pump to the sample container.

The pump stems are marked:

• D = Drive Line
• S = Sample Line

Important: Do not reverse the Drive and Sample Lines.

4. Portable Pump Setup

The portable pump is normally supplied with dual tubing mounted on a reel.

Step 1 — Connect the Tubing to the Pump

1. Locate the two pump stems marked D and S.
2. Push the Drive Line tubing completely over the D stem.
3. Push the Sample Line tubing completely over the S stem.
4. Make sure the tubing is pushed completely over the barbs.

Tip: If the tubing is difficult to install:

• Use an awl to slightly open the end of the tubing, or
• Carefully warm the tubing to make it more flexible.

Step 2 — Lower the Pump

1. Attach a stainless-steel safety line to the pump's eye bolt.
2. Use the safety line to lower the pump into the well.
3. The Solinst Model 103 Tag Line may be used as the safety line.
4. Lower the pump to the required sampling depth.

Step 3 — Connect the Control Unit

1. Connect the compressed gas supply to the in-line dryer.
2. Connect the dryer/supply line to the Control Unit.
3. Connect the Drive Line from the Control Unit to the tubing reel.
4. Connect approximately 3 ft. (1 m) of 1/4" OD sample tubing to the sample connector on the reel.

Step 4 — Begin Pumping

Use the Control Unit to alternate between:

PRESSURE → VENT → PRESSURE → VENT

Adjust the cycle and pressure to obtain the required flow rate.

For detailed pressure and timing settings, follow the Solinst Model 464 Control Unit instructions.

5. Dedicated Wellhead Setup

For a permanent or dedicated installation, the pump tubing is cut to the required length and connected directly to a Wellhead.

Step 1 — Prepare the Tubing

1. Cut the Drive and Sample tubing to the required length.
2. Identify the pump stems:
   • D = Drive Line
   • S = Sample Line
3. Push the appropriate tubing completely onto each stem.
4. Make sure the tubing is securely installed over the barbs.

Step 2 — Connect to the Wellhead

1. Connect the Drive Line to the Drive Line fitting on the underside of the Wellhead.
2. Connect the Sample Line to the Sample Line fitting.
3. Use the supplied push-fit adaptors when required.
4. Make sure each connection is fully seated.

Step 3 — Install the Pump

1. Lower the Bladder Pump into the well.
2. A stainless-steel safety line may be used.
3. If used, attach the safety line to the Suspension Hook underneath the Wellhead.
4. Push the Wellhead firmly onto the riser casing.

Step 4 — Connect the Control Unit

1. Connect the compressed gas supply through the in-line dryer to the Control Unit.
2. Connect the Drive Line from the Control Unit to the Wellhead.
3. Connect approximately 3 ft. (1 m) of sample tubing to the sample connector on the Wellhead.

6. Push-Fit Connections

The Wellhead uses push-fit connections that allow different tubing sizes to be used.

To Connect Tubing

Simply push the tubing firmly into the fitting.

Make sure the tubing is fully inserted.

To Remove Tubing

1. Push down on both sides of the top ring of the fitting.
2. While holding the ring down, pull the tubing out.

Do not pull the tubing out without releasing the fitting.

7. Optional Drive Line Adaptor

When the Bladder Pump is being used without a Wellhead or Tubing Reel, a Drive Line Adaptor may be required.

The adaptor allows the Control Unit's Drive Line Quick Connect to connect to the pump's Drive Line tubing.

Connection

Control Unit → Quick Connect → Drive Line Adaptor → Pump Drive Line

Make sure the connection is fully seated before applying pressure.

8. Tubing Sizes

The standard configuration uses 1/4" tubing for the Drive and Sample Lines.

Optional fittings are available for configurations using 3/8" tubing.

Always verify the tubing size and fitting configuration supplied with your pump before installation.

9. Pre-Operation Checklist

Before starting the pump, verify:

☐ Pump is at the correct depth.
☐ Safety line is securely attached.
☐ D (Drive) tubing is connected to the Drive connection.
☐ S (Sample) tubing is connected to the Sample connection.
☐ All push-fit connections are fully seated.
☐ Sample tubing is connected to the sample outlet.
☐ Compressed gas supply is connected through the dryer.
☐ Control Unit is connected to the Drive Line.
☐ Operating pressure is 250 psi or less.
☐ Tubing is not kinked, damaged, or blocked.

10. Basic Operating Sequence

Once everything is connected:

1. Apply pressure
↓
Bladder compresses and water moves into the Sample Line.

2. Vent pressure
↓
Bladder returns to its original position and fills with groundwater.

3. Repeat
↓
Water continues moving toward the surface.

4. Adjust the cycle
↓
Control the flow rate as required for purging or sampling

Quick Reference

COMPRESSED GAS

→ In-Line Dryer
→ Control Unit
→ Drive Line (D)
→ Bladder Pump

GROUNDWATER

→ Bladder Pump
→ Sample Line (S)
→ Sample Container

Maximum Limits

Depth: 500 ft. / 150 m
Pressure: 250 psi maximum