Last Updated: May 22, 2023
(The following instructions are very detailed, and should tell you everything you need to know. If you have questions, please phone 877-492-8711, ext. 6)
SIMPLE PUMP COMPANY
2516 Business Parkway, Unit B / Minden, NV 89423 Phone: 877-492-8711 (toll free)
Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm PST (GMT/UTC -8hours)
Fax: 888.826.1444 (toll-free)
info@simplepump.com • www.simplepump.com
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Simple Pump gear motor assembly. This Motorized Pump with Linear Bearing Link Drive (LBLD) is designed for use with the Simple Pump model 100, 125, and 200 hand pumps. When installed with the Model 100, it delivers up to 1.0 GPM from a total dynamic head (TDH) limit of 225 feet (24V) or 200 feet (12V). When installed with the Model 125, the gear motor is capable of delivering up to 2.0 gallons of water per minute (GPM) from a total dynamic head (TDH) limit of 150 feet (24V) or 125 feet (12V). When installed with the Model 200, it delivers up to 4.5 GPM from a total dynamic head (TDH) limit of 60 feet (24V) or 50 feet (12V). See detailed limits below.
The linear bearing link drive translates the rotary action of the 12 or 24 VDC gear motor to move the pump rod up and down on a precision ground and polished stainless shaft guided by two linear TEFLON bearing carriers.
The Motorized System weighs about thirty (30) pounds, so depending on your level of strength, you may want to perform this installation with a helper.
Specifications
WHEN POWERED WITH 12 VOLTS DC
| Motor Rating | .140 HP continuous |
| Gear Ratio | 30:1 |
| Output Torque | 154 in/lbs. continuous |
| Output Torque Maximum | 175 in/lbs. @ 56RPM @ 16.3 amps |
| Nominal Output RPM | 57% |
| Efficiency | 59.5 |
| Full Load Motor Current | 14.6 amps |
| Allowable Voltage Range | 11.5 to 15 VDC |
| Typical temperature of casing, operating in 72 ̊F ambient | 110 ̊ Fahrenheit |
WHEN POWERED WITH 24 VOLTS DC
| Motor Rating | .151 HP continuous |
| Gear Ratio | 30:1 @ 91.0% efficiency |
| Output Torque | 195 in/lbs. continuous |
| Output Torque Maximum | 400 in/lbs. @ 45.9RPM @ 16.63 amps |
| Nominal Output RPM | 60.1 |
| Efficiency | 64.24% |
| Full Load Motor Current | 7.32 amps |
| Allowable Voltage Range | 24 to 30 VDC |
| Typical temperature of casing, operating in 72 ̊F ambient | 110 ̊ Fahrenheit |
Recommended Operating Environment and Applications
Ambient Temperature
DC motors operating in ambient temperatures above 100 ̊F lose operating efficiency -- the hotter the ambient temperature, the less efficient. If the temperature at the planned site regularly peaks above 100 ̊F, we recommend operation of the motor in shade. This system is not weather resistant and will require shelter to prevent damage and loss of warranty.
Consistent Source of DC Power
As with any DC motor, precaution must be taken to prevent operation under low voltage conditions -- below 11.5V with the 12VDC model, 23.5V with the 24VDC model.
RECOMMENDED PUMPING CONFIGURATION
The DC powered Simple Pump is an integrated, standardized system that will provide water within a specified head limit. This head limit is based on the pumping cylinder that is used. Please see the table below for the different head limits. The Total Dynamic Head (TDH) is a combination of up to three factors, not all factors apply to every installation.
1. The lift from the static water level. (Example - 85’)
2. Any vertical distance from the well head. (Example – 15’)
3. Any pressure that is being pumped (1 PSI = 2.31’, 45PSI ≈ 100’)
When calculating your TDH, evaluate your specific application and determine how many of the three you need to account for in your application.
See example below. The well has a 78’ static water level, the water is being lifted an additional 16’ above ground level, and is being pumped into a pressure tank. This particular application would require the 100CA, and we would suggest the 24V system to account for any potential drops in static water level.
Static Water Level – 78’
Additional Vertical Lift – 16’
Pressure – 100’ (45 PSI)
Total Dynamic Head (TDH) – 194’
| Cylinder Assembly | 24VDC TDH Limit | 12VDC TDH Limit |
| 100CA | 225' | 200' |
| 125CA-82515 | 150' | 125' |
| 200CA | 60' | 50' |
Please evaluate your application to ensure that it fits within the limits of the system. If your desired application exceeds the limits of our system, there are alternative ways to meet your goals. The best way to reduce the TDH on our system is to find an alternative way to pump into pressure. Using an ambient (i.e. non-pressurized) storage tank along with a small DC powered transfer pump will allow you to pump the water into your pressure tank. The Simple Pump would be used to bring water to the surface and fill the ambient tank. The transfer pump would pump the water from the ambient storage tank into the pressurized system.
Since needs for tank volume and pumping capacity will vary greatly, we do not provide the ambient tank or transfer motor.
Tanks: See the range of Bushman drinking water storage tanks, on the bottom of the following web page: https://www.loomistank.com/homeowners
Transfer pump: Pumps designed specifically for this job are available from a number of vendors, e.g. Dankoff, Surflo and Jabsco. Price range depends on the manufacturer and model, anywhere from $150- $1000.
This configuration raises the overall reliability and longevity of the system. Transfer pumps include an integrated pressure switch. The switch turns the transfer pump on and off, according to a target pressure. If you are able to use the Simple Pump to pump into pressure, we STRONGLY suggest that you wire in a pressure switch to control the ON/OFF state of the system. If the pump is not controlled in this way and is left on, it could exceed the allowed pressure and potentially damage both the pressure tank and/or the Simple Pump gear motor. If you have any questions or concerns about your application and the limits explained above, please call us at 877-492-8711, extension 6.
Unsupported applications
Operating the Motorized System (LBLD Option) in certain configurations voids its warranty.- Exceeding the rated total dynamic head limit of the Motorized System.
- Operating without a protective covering. This model is designed to be protected by some kind of cover.
- Directly connected to batteries without a low voltage disconnect that prevents the supply of current below 11.5V or 23.5V, depending on whether the motor accepts 12VDC or 24VDC as input.
Supplying Power Reliably
The task of supplying power above the 11.5V and 23.5V (for 12VDC and 24VDC systems) thresholds is more complex than many anticipate, particularly with solar-powered systems. Most configurations using the Simple Pump Motorized System are powered by batteries being charged by solar panels, only solar is discussed in this section.
Keeping voltage above 11.5 or 23.5 volts seems simple: Provide enough power, with a device to regulate its delivery. However, a number of factors influence what constitutes “enough power” when considering how to configure an off-grid application:
- Days of autonomy: The total number of days the system must provide power without sunny days, in the worst-case scenario. For example, if the system will be used throughout the year, with expected water usage the same throughout the year, the radiation expected on the winter solstice is used for the worst-case calculation.
- Solar radiance: Factor in both how far north (latitude) and expected cloud cover.
- Daily water used. If more water is used when radiation levels are higher -- e.g., more for gardening starting in March -- then projected water consumption must be compared against expected radiation at multiple points in time throughout the year.
- Location: Separate from how much solar radiance a location receives, those north of 45 ̊N (about as far north as Columbus, Ohio, should also have a system that can be pivoted manually, to account for the sun’s much lower angle in the sky in winter.
- Distance between power source and consuming machine.
- Worst-case cold: If batteries are used, requirements can jump up to 1.6 times more than would be required in a warm climate.
Professional Help?
If this is more complex than you planned, there are alternatives.
Anyone with NABCEP (North American Board of Energy Practitioners) certification, and experience configuring off-grid systems, is almost certainly qualified to help. However, while all NABCEP-certified professionals must learn about off-grid systems, most pursue grid-tie solar systems -- a very different field. This is why it is important to ask about recent experience.
Section 1: Unpacking and Tools Required
Carefully remove the LBLD assembly, pump rod extension, bolts and fuses (in poly bag) from the shipping box.
Contents of Box
(1) LBLD Assembly, with aluminum linkage cover
(1) 3/4” x 13" stainless steel pump rod extension
(4) 1/4-20 x 3/4" SS SHCS fasteners for mounting the LBLD to the pump head
(4) 25A (12V) or 15A (24V) ATO/ATC prong style fuses (spares)
(2) Motor Brush/Cap Kit (ONLY IF ORDERED, NOT INCLUDED WITH STANDARD KIT)
TOOLS REQUIRED
(4) Allen wrenches: 9/64", 3/16", 5/16"
(2) Channel lock pliers
(1) Medium Phillips screwdriver
Section 2: POWER SOURCE INSTALLATION AND STORAGE
POWER SOURCE RECOMMENDATIONS
The recommended power source for our motorized systems are deep cycle batteries. The system is not designed to run panel direct, meaning that you cannot directly connect the output of the panels to our motorized system. If you would like to use AC power to run the system, you have the option to use an AC to DC Converter. If your system is 12VDC make sure the converter you select is rated to handle at least 25A. If your system is 24VDC make sure the converter you select is rated to handle at least 15A.
LOCATION AND STORAGE
To avoid increased voltage drop we recommend that the power source be located as close to the well head as possible.
Regardless of which power source is used, that source will need to be in protected storage. Storage should protect the power source from the elements including, rain, snow, and direct sunlight.
Section 3: LBLD ASSEMBLY PREPARATION
Using the 9/64" Allen wrench, remove the six screws that attach the linkage cover. Set it to the side, it will be installed later. Cut the zip tie that is securing the clevis, this was for shipping purposes only.
Section 4: PREPARING YOUR EXISTING PUMP
Your Simple Pump Hand Pump should already be installed and pumping water without any binding and with an overall smooth operation prior to attempting to install this gear motor.
You should confirm that your pump is delivering at least one gallon of water when using the lever arm assembly; approximately 25 complete strokes (model 100), 15 complete strokes (model 125), or 6 complete stokes (model 200).
Starting with a fully-functional lever-arm pump, what follows are the step-by-step installation instructions.
Remove the lever arm mechanism
Using the 3/16" Allen wrench, remove each of the four fasteners holding the lever arm mechanism to the pump head as shown to the right.
Before adding the 13” Rod Extension you will need to verify the height of the existing Pump Rod. With the Pump Rod at the bottom position measure from the Rod Gland to the base of the threads on the Pump Rod as shown to the right. The Pump Rod will need to sit somewhere between level with the Rod Gland and 2.5” above it.
If the measurement is above 2.5”, it means that the lift rod protrusion above the top drop pipe was above the 4”-6” range specified in the hand pump installation instructions. In the event this needs to be adjusted, please reference the hand pump installation instructions for details on how to make the adjustment.
Add the 13” Rod Extension to the top of the existing pump rod. As mentioned above, these are reverse threads so you will go counterclockwise to tighten. Use the two channel locks to tighten as shown to the left.
NOTE: When using the Motorized System, like with the Hand Pump, half of the Riser Tube must be below the well cap. This means that when using the PHA2 a maximum of 12” of Riser Tube can be showing above the well cap, when using the PHA47, a maximum of 24” can be showing.
NOTE: The Motorized System weighs about thirty (30) pounds. We suggest that this portion of the installation be done with a helper.
Make sure the orientation of the unit is correct before taking the next step. The motor portion of the unit faces away from the pump head. The bottom of the unit is where the four holes are drilled.
The clevis will need to be in the bottom position for the installation. It is in the bottom position when the dog bone overlaps the crank arm fully as shown in the image to the right, circled in red.
Lower the assembly onto the pump head so that the pump rod and extension are inserted through three (3) openings. As the unit is lowered down, the rods move through the below pieces, in order.
- The lower linear bearing
- The clevis
- The top linear bearing
The tolerances are tight between the clevis ID and the shaft OD. You may need to wiggle the yoke while lowering the unit to get it to drop all the way down. TIP: Make sure the bolts holding the linear bearings in place are loose.
There is a 1/4" of space between the bearing housing and the top of the rod gland when the holes are fully aligned. The rod gland is the topmost exposed component on the pump head.
Screw the four 1/4-20x3/4" SS SHCS mounting bolts through the holes just aligned, fastening the mounting plate to the pump head.
This next step is very important. We will need to make sure the piston is in the correct position. To do this, grab the portion of the 13” rod extension that is sticking out of the top of the unit and pull up. The ideal location for the joint between the standard pump rod and the 13” extension is in the middle of the clevis, as shown in the photo to the right, circled in red. If your rod to pipe ratio is correct, you should need to lift the rod up to get it into the position explained above.
It may be necessary to wiggle the clevis in order to move the rod upward. With deeper static water levels, it could take a fair amount of force to lift the rod.
Then, using a 5/16" Allen wrench, tighten the two stainless steel socket head cap screws on the clevis. This pinches the clevis to the stainless rod. These need to be VERY tight. You will notice when you tighten one and move to the other it will appear loose. Keep tightening in sequence until both are tight.
SECTION 6: ALIGNMENT
The next step is to check/adjust the alignment of the pump rod with the linear bearings and the mounting plate. Completing this alignment will prevent any binding between the linear bearings and the pump rod.
Make sure all eight (8) 8-32x1/2 SS socket head cap screws that hold the top and bottom linear bearings to the mounting plate are loose. We won’t tighten these fully until the alignment process is complete.
Remove the four (4) 8-32x1/2 SS socket head cap screws that are holding the top linear bearing in place. This step ONLY needs to be performed on the TOP linear bearing. Once removed compare the placement of the holes in the linear bearing with the holes threaded into the mounting plate. See image.
If these holes do not line up, it will likely be that the holes in the mounting plate are to the right of the holes in the linear bearing, as shown in the picture to the right. You want them to be lined up like the image to the bottom right with the green check mark.
The adjustment for this requires that you loosen the four (4) 1⁄4-20x3/4 SS cap screws holding the unit to the pump head. Lift up on the bottom right corner of the mounting plate slightly and tighten the four mounting bolts. Check the alignment between the holes in the top linear bearing and the mounting plate again. Make as many adjustments as necessary to get the holes lined up like the image to the right with the green check mark.
Once alignment is verified make sure the 1⁄4-20x3/4 SS cap screws holding the assembly to the pump head are fully tight. You can now put the four (4) 8-32x1/2 SS cap screws back into the top linear bearing. At this point just make these screws finger tight.
We will do final alignment adjustments in Section 8 below.
SECTION 7: ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
There are no cables provided with this particular system. The gauge of the cable should be based on the distance between the power source and the LBLD unit. As a point of reference, if the distance is 15’ or less, 10AWG cable can be used. If this distance is greater than 15’ please contact us to determine the gauge of cable that is required.
CAUTION: MAKE SURE THAT THE ON/OFF SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION WHEN MAKING ALL ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS. THE SWITCH IS OFF WHEN THE BOTTOM IS DEPRESSED AND ON WHEN THE TOP IS DEPRESSED. THERE ARE PINCH POINTS IN THIS SYSTEM. EVEN IF YOU ARE CERTAIN THE SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION, MAKE SURE THAT ALL PINCH POINTS ARE CLEAR. WE SUGGEST YOU MAKE THE CONNECTIONS TO THE LBLD UNIT BEFORE CONNECTING TO THE POWER SOURCE.
BATTERY:
This will create a connection between the LBLD unit and the battery or batteries. To avoid powering the drive system prematurely, we suggest that you do not connect the cables to the battery until last.
There is a terminal block mounted on the top right corner of the LBLD plate, shown circled red in the picture to the right. Run your positive and negative cables through the hole shown circled blue in the picture to the bottom right. Connect the positive cable to the top left terminal and the negative cable to the bottom left terminal. Once this connection has been made, you can connect the cables to the battery or batteries.
The LBLD should now be fully powered!!!
CAUTION: Provisions need to be made in your power supply to prevent operation of the motor when voltage is below 11.5VDC (12VDC System) or 23.5VDC (24VDC System), such as when the battery is nearly discharged. A solution for this is up to you or to the professional you hire.
8: OPERATION
Now that the initial alignment is complete and the power has been connected, we can perform the initial startup. During the initial startup we will verify the alignment and tighten the linear bearings for the break in period.
NOTE: During the first startup and break-in period, leave the pump outlet open or pump through a short drinking-water quality garden hose unrestricted. We recommend a break-in period of 6 hours. Make sure your power source can provide adequate power for the break-in period.
CAUTION: The first startup will be done without the cover installed. This will expose pinch points so use extreme caution.
Turn the switch to the ON position. The unit should start to run. Let it run until you start to produce water. Once it is producing water you will need to tighten the screws on the linear bearings. We do this while the unit is running as it will center the linear bearing to a natural, non-binding position. BEWARE OF THE PINCH POINTS FOR THIS NEXT STEP. While the unit is running, tighten the top linear bearing first, only tighten the top two screws to avoid pinch points. Next, tighten the lower linear bearing, only tighten the bottom two screws to avoid pinch points.
Let the system run for about 5 minutes then turn it OFF and follow the two steps listed below.
1. DO NOT DO THIS STEP WITH THE SYSTEM RUNNING. Check the temperature of the pump rod that is sticking out above the unit. If it is ambient or a little warmer than ambient move to step two. If it is really hot there is a binding issue and you need to go back to SECTION 6: ALIGNMENT and re-verify. If you have verified and it continues to get really hot, please contact our technical support.
2. If you have passed step 1, tighten the remaining loose screws on both the top and bottom linear bearings, there should be four (4) left to tighten. The unit should be off during this step.
Attach the cover to the LBLD mechanism. Use your 9/64” Allen Wrench for the six (6) 8-32 SS SHCS that attached the cover to the mechanism’s mounting plate.
Start the system again and begin the 6-hour break-in period. During the break-in period, leave the pump outlet open or pump through a drinking-water quality garden hose unrestricted.
SECTION 9: TROUBLE-SHOOTING
BLOWING FUSES
As long as the gear motor system is pumping correctly and not causing the motor to overload, no maintenance is required. If the mechanism experiences a bearing failure for any reason, the motor protection fuse will blow. It is extremely important to replace the fuse with only a 25 amp ATO/ATC automotive style fuse (if 12VDC version), or 15 amp ATO/ATC automotive style fuse (if 24VDC version). Using a higher amperage fuse will overheat the motor and damage the gears. The motor normally operates at around 100-110º F.
If the fuse has blown for any reason, remove the cover and go back to SECTION 6: ALIGNMENT and verify.
If the system continues to blow fuses after verifying the alignment, remove the motor mechanism and stroke the pump rod by hand. It should require about 40 lbs. of lifting effort for each 100 feet of static water level depth. If the effort is any more than this, something is binding in the pump system and it is not an issue with the drive system. Please reference the troubleshooting section of the hand pump installation instructions.
UNIT WILL NOT TURN ON
If the unit will not turn on there is likely an electrical issue, see a list of potential causes below. Make sure to disconnect the connection to the battery ground terminal before performing the steps below.
- A fuse is blown and needs to be replaced. There is one fuse block on the backside of the unit, check the fuse and replace if it is blown. Reconnect battery ground connection and turn the system on.
- The battery or batteries are low on voltage. Use a volt meter to check the voltage. For a 12VDC system make sure the voltage is above 11.5VDC. For a 24VDC system make sure the voltage is above 23.5VDC.
- One of the electrical connections is loose. Tighten all connections on the terminal block, fuse and switch. Reconnect the battery ground and try the system again.
- The cable connections might not be fully connected. Take a closer look and make sure all cables are fully connected.
If none of the steps in this section help you solve your problem, please do not hesitate to call Simple Pump at 877.492.8711, extension 6.
SECTION 10: MAINTENANCE
ONGOING MAINTENANCE
As with any motorized system, there is vibration and movement in the assembly. Over time, this vibration and movement can cause bolts to loosen. If you are using the system on a normal basis, we recommend that you check all threaded connections about every 3-6 months.
As long as the Motorized System with the LBLD is pumping correctly and not causing the motor to overload, no additional maintenance is required for the LBLD motor component.
The pump’s seals must be replaced periodically -- typically every 5 to 10 years. (It can be more frequent for industrial applications, or any application pumping water with a significantly non-neutral pH, or high particulate levels.) Note that all of these are those that must be replaced on any Simple Pump system, no matter what configuration -- driven by hand, or motor. If the flow rate of your pump starts to fall, replacing the seals may well be the solution. Information about the periodic replacement of seals can be found in the INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE manual for the hand-operated system.
There is no requirement to oil any of the LBLD system components. Optionally, if you have the cover off, you can apply a bit of lubricating oil on the two points where ball bearings in the drive move during operation. However, do not under any circumstances apply oil to the linear bearings, or the 3/4" stainless steel rod that moves up and down within those two linear bearings. Also, there is no need to lubricate any component or surface on the motor itself.
SECTION 11: WARRANTY
The gear motor assembly is warranted against defective materials and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase. The motor load must not be exceeded, and all instructions must be adhered to.
All other components that are not wear items have a lifetime warranty. The wear items in this system include the two linear bearings, brass shims and two ball bearings pressed into the dog bone. Warranty is void given any one of the situations explained below.
- If the system was not installed per these instructions.
- If the system is pushed beyond the limits explained in these instructions.
- If the system is not maintained on a normal basis.
- If the system is not protected from the elements.