How Do You Install an Eccentric Reducer ?

How is an eccentric reducer installed in your line ? Is the flat part supposed to be on top, bottom or the side ? Arguments to orient the eccentric reducer one way or the other area plentiful and have been raging for as long as I can remember in my various work assignments.

What is your opinion on the correct orientation of an eccentric going to the suction (horizontal - see illustration above) of a water pump ?

Reducers is installed to change the size of a pipeline from one size to another. The in and out sections may be concentric or eccentric to each other. For pump suction in the horizontal position, an eccentric reducer is normally installed rather than a concentric one.

With reference to the illustration above, my opinion as follows:

• By installing the eccentric reducer with the flat on bottom, any suspended solids entrained in the liquid will not accumulate if it settles to the lower portion of the pipe. This would be applicable for installations where the water tank is above the pump and have a short suction pipe connected to the bottom of the tank
• I could not think of any reason why anyone would install the eccentric reducer with flat on the side except if it was used in lieu of a concentric reducer.
• By installing the eccentric reducer with the flat on top, any entrained gases in the liquid will not accumulate if it bubbles out of solution in the upper portion of the pipe. This would be applicable for most installations where there is little suspended solids and the concern is more with air bubbles trapped in the pipeline

In all cases, particular care should be exercised to determine the correct orientation of the reducer. For other media and installation application, engineering principles appropriate to the application should be used to arrive at the correct installation