Mermade 36" x 24" Edge Outlet (BIF Replacement), Leaf Only

The Mer-Made 36" × 24" Edge Outlet (BIF Replacement) — Leaf Only (also cataloged as the Bare Leaf, Skeleton, or Core Assembly) consists of the fully assembled rigid structural frame, internal high-flow drainage grid, and welded side-discharge hub, excluding the fabric filter bag (cover) and compression sealing collar/gasket.

This configuration is engineered for shallow surge pits, low-headroom filter vaults, and institutional spas retrofitting legacy BIF (Builders Iron Foundry / B-I-F Industries) systems that utilize side-mounted or wall-mounted vacuum header manifolds. It is specified when existing cloth covers are being reused, when covers are ordered in bulk, or when replacing cracked, warped, or structurally compromised PVC frames.

Technical Specifications & Scope of Delivery

• Internal open-matrix polypropylene/ABS high-flow drainage grid core

• Molded, gusset-reinforced edge discharge hub with integral stop shoulder | | Excluded Components | • Fabric filter bag / cloth jacket (Part # 775-COVER / VFC-3624-EO)

• Top closure clamp / laces / Velcro seam

• Edge sealing compression collar/gasket |

Structural Design & Internal Core

• High-Flow Drainage Matrix: Heavy-gauge, open-profile polypropylene or ABS drainage core engineered to withstand negative vacuum suction (up to 15" Hg) without inward face collapse, maintaining unrestricted lateral fluid channels across the 36" width toward the side discharge hub.

• Reinforced Framing: Rigid extruded PVC/CPVC border framing with thermo-welded corner gussets. Because horizontal and cantilever forces concentrate at the side connection during pump start cycles, the vertical rail carrying the outlet hub features internal gusseting to prevent twisting or joint separation.

• Molded Edge Discharge Hub: Permanently solvent- or hot-gas-welded into the vertical side rail. An integrated stop shoulder establishes the proper insertion depth into the BIF manifold receiver, preventing over-insertion and ensuring proper compression on the sealing gasket.

Physical Dimensions & Weight Estimates

• Individual Bare Leaf Net Weight: Approximately 9.0 to 11.0 lbs (4.1 to 5.0 kg).

• Single Boxed Leaf Shipping Weight: Approximately 14.0 to 17.5 lbs (6.4 to 7.9 kg) in heavy-duty corrugated cartons with corner edge guards.

• Master Pallet Lot (10 to 20 Bare Frames): Approximately 150 to 270 lbs (68 to 122 kg) strapped to a standard 40" × 48" wooden pallet.

Field Clothing & Installation Steps

1. Verify Handing & Elevation: Confirm whether the replacement frame requires a left-hand or right-hand edge outlet to match the elevation and port orientation of the specific BIF side header before fitting the cover.

2. Inspect Frame Surface: Check the outer channel edges and bare grid faces for sharp burrs, rough weld beads, or transport cracks that could puncture the fabric jacket.

3. Fit Replacement Jacket: Slide the open envelope of the replacement bag over the frame, aligning the pre-cut, reinforced side opening around the protruding side outlet spud.

4. Tension the Fabric: Pull the bag taut across the entire 36" × 24" face to eliminate loose spots or wrinkles, then fasten the top closure mechanism (Velcro flap, clamp rail, or laces).

5. Mount Gasket & Seat: Slide a fresh compression gasket or felt collar over the edge spud against the locating shoulder. Insert the spud horizontally into the BIF side collection manifold socket, lower the frame onto the floor guide saddles, and tighten the upper hold-down rail.