Mermade DE Parts, IPS Manifold Support Clamp - for 6" or 8" Pipe

In Mer-Made Filter commercial vacuum Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filtration systems, the IPS Manifold Support Clamp (for 6" or 8" IPS pipe) anchors and aligns the collection header manifold at the floor or base of the vacuum pit.

The collection manifold carries significant buoyant and hydraulic uplift forces when the vacuum pump starts and cycles. The support clamp assembly secures the manifold in place, maintaining strict perpendicular alignment for all filter leaf outlet sockets and felt collars.

Technical Specifications & Sizing

Critical System Functions

• Counteracting Dynamic Suction Uplift: When the main circulation pump draws negative pressure (5" to 15" Hg), hydrodynamic lift pulls upward on the manifold assembly. Without rigid clamping, the header shifts, cocking the filter leaves and unseating the felt collars.

• Preserving Leaf-to-Header Sealing: Mer-Made filter leaves drop into individual sockets across the manifold. The clamps prevent rotational torque, ensuring the sockets remain level and aligned with the upper guide rails.

• Corrosion Isolation: Operating permanently submerged in chlorinated water (and frequently high-salinity pool water), the assembly uses passivated marine-grade stainless steel or non-metallic composite saddles to prevent galvanic corrosion and floor staining.

Physical Dimensions & Weight Estimates

• Individual Clamp Assembly Weight:

  • 6" IPS Clamp: Approximately 3.5 to 5.5 lbs (1.6 to 2.5 kg) (clamp band, base saddle, and hardware).

  • 8" IPS Clamp: Approximately 5.0 to 8.0 lbs (2.3 to 3.6 kg).

• Packaged Shipping Weight:

  • Pair (2-pack for standard headers): ~8 to 14 lbs (3.6 to 6.4 kg) in reinforced corrugated packaging.

  • Full Tank Kit (4 to 6 clamps with anchors): ~20 to 38 lbs (9.1 to 17.2 kg).

Installation & Inspection Guidelines

1. Standoff Height & Leveling: Position the bottom saddle so the manifold centerline matches the elevation of the tank outlet penetration. Use a transit or spirit level across the entire length of the header before securing the anchors.

2. Anchor Torque: Set 316 stainless steel drop-in or wedge anchors into the concrete pit floor. Torque nuts evenly to prevent pulling anchors out of the slab.

3. Band Tension: Tighten the upper clamp strap over the pipe until snug against the saddle. Avoid over-torquing, which can deform or ovalize the PVC pipe and stress the factory-welded leaf sockets.

4. Periodic Inspection: During seasonal pre-coat cleanings, check the clamp bands for crevice corrosion, hairline cracking around the bolt ears, or loose anchor nuts caused by hydraulic pulsation.