2
OPERATION - PRIMING THE PUMP
INSTALLATION
(a)
LOCATION:
The pump should be installed in a dry and well
ventilated location which provides adequate drainage, room
for servicing and protection from freezing temperatures. The
pump should be placed on a fi rm and level foundation. It
should be blocked and anchored, or if possible bolted down
to prevent creeping due to vibration. Locating the pump as
close as possible to the source of liquid supply reduces the
friction losses in the suction pipie and provides maximum
capacities.
CAUTION
•
Always ensure there is adequate ventilation to prevent as-
phyxiation.
(b) SUCTION HOSE:
Use clean non-collapsible hose of the
same diameter as the pump suction piping. Where long
lengths of suction hose are used, the suction pipe diameter
should be increased by one size. This will increase the prim-
ing time. Check hose connections for leaks and the hose for
cuts and cracks. Repair any leaks, cuts or cracks as they
reduce pump capacity. The suction pipe must always slope
upwards from the liquid source to the pumps to avoid air
pockets in the line. In cases where the pump needs to be
reprimed often and it is not necessary that maximum capaci-
ties be obtained, it is advisable to use a 90° or 45° elbow in
the suction line. This enables the pump to prime more quickly
and also prevents bending of the hose. In cases where a
maximum fl ow is required over a prolonged period of time,
the suction line should be led almost horizontally to the pump.
Non-toxic thread compound should be used on all pipe joints
and connections should be thoroughly tightened. A strainer
should be connected to the bottom end of the suction pipe
and it should be well submerged at all times.
WARNING:
DO NOT RUN THE PUMP BEFORE PRIMING IT, SINCE THE SEAL AND IMPELLER COULD BE
PERMANENTLY DAMAGED.
(a) ENGINE:
Check the engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual
supplied with the pump for instructions on engine preparation
and start-up procedures. Make sure oil is added to engine
crankcase before starting the unit.
(b) PRIMING (NON-PRESSURIZED SYSTEM):
Never operate
the pump dry as this may damage the pump seal. Remove
the priming plug from the top of the pump casing. Fill the
pump casing with water through the priming plug. Replace
the priming plug and start the engine. The pump should prime
in 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes, depending on the suction hose. If
an exceptionally long suction line is used, the water in the
casing may become overheated and vapor locked. If this
occurs, replace the water in the casing with cold water, using
the priming and drain plugs. Continue to prime the pump.
Figure 1
Gate Valve
(min. 3/4”)
Check Valve
Gate Valve
Discharge
Pump
Air Bleed Line
Suction Pipe
Strainer
(c) PRIMING (PRESSURIZED SYSTEM):
Place a check valve
on the discharge line of the pump. Place a pet cock or a
ball type air bleeder in place of the priming plug. Another
alternative is to install an air bleed line with with gate valve
onto the discharge line, see Fig. 1. Open the priming port.
Fill the casing with water through the priming port. Replace
the plug or bleeder into the priming port. Open pet cock
or ball type air bleeder, and start engine. Once a continu-
ous fl ow of liquid emerges from the bleeder line, priming is
complete and the valve on petcock can be closed off. The
pump should prime in 1/2 to 1-1/2 minutes depending on
suction lift and the length and diameter of the suction hose.
If an exceptionally long suction line is used, the water in the
casing may become overheated and vapor locked. If this
occurs, replace the water in the casing with cold water using
the priming and drain plugs. Continue to prime the pump.
(d) UNCLOGGING:
The pump is designed to enable the impel-
ler and volute to be unclogged without disconnecting either
suction or discharge hoses. Simply unbolt the four large wing
nuts and remove the front cover - suction hose still attached.
Remove the volute to expose the impeller. All parts can then
be readily cleaned.
(e) DRAINING:
Should the pump be subject to freezing tem-
peratures, it will be necessary to drain the pump completely.
To drain, remove the drain plug located at the bottom of the
front casing and the priming plug and make sure that the drain
hold is not choked. After all of the water has been drained
out, operate the pump for a few seconds to ensure that the
impeller is devoid of water. Make sure that the suction line
is also empty.
(f) STORAGE
OF
PUMP:
Drain liquid from pump as explained
in the “Draining” section, to prevent freezing. It is recom-
mended that a good rust inhibitor be put in the liquid end to
prevent excessive corrosion. Be sure motor is kept dry and
covered. When restoring the use of the pump, replace all
plugs and make sure all connections are tightly sealed. After
a complete check, proceed with the initial prime according
to the directions under the section “Priming”.
