GORMAN-RUPP VG3B3-B, Installation, Operation And Maintenance Manual

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OM−02812 VG SERIES
PAGE B − 3 INSTALLATION
forced type to prevent collapse under suction. Us-
ing piping couplings in suction lines is not recom-
mended.
Line Configuration
Keep suction and discharge lines as straight as
possible to minimize friction losses. Make mini-
mum use of elbows and fittings, which substan-
tially increase friction loss. If elbows are necessary,
use the long-radius type to minimize friction loss.
Connections to Pump
Before tightening a connecting flange, align it ex-
actly with the pump port. Never pull a pipe line into
place by tightening the flange bolts and/or cou-
plings.
Lines near the pump must be independently sup-
ported to avoid strain on the pump which could
cause excessive vibration, decreased bearing life,
and increased shaft and seal wear. If hose-type
lines are used, they should have adequate support
to secure them when filled with liquid and under
pressure.
Gauges
Most pumps are drilled and tapped for installing
discharge pressure and vacuum suction gauges.
If these gauges are desired for pumps that are not
tapped, drill and tap the suction and discharge
lines not less than 18 inches (457,2 mm) from the
suction and discharge ports and install the lines.
Installation closer to the pump may result in erratic
readings.
SUCTION LINES
To avoid air pockets which could affect pump prim-
ing, the suction line must be as short and direct as
possible. When operation involves a suction lift, the
line must always slope upward to the pump from
the source of the liquid being pumped; if the line
slopes down to the pump at any point along the
suction run, air pockets will be created.
Fittings
Suction lines should be the same size as the pump
inlet. If reducers are used in suction lines, they
should be the eccentric type, and should be in-
stalled with the flat part of the reducers uppermost
to avoid creating air pockets. Valves are not nor-
mally used in suction lines, but if a valve is used,
install it with the stem horizontal to avoid air pock-
ets.
Strainers
If a strainer is furnished with the pump, be certain
to use it; any spherical solids which pass through a
strainer furnished with the pump will also pass
through the pump itself.
If a strainer is not furnished with the pump, but is
installed by the pump user, make certain that the
total area of the openings in the strainer is at least
three or four times the cross section of the suction
line, and that the openings will not permit passage
of solids larger than the solids handling capability
of the pump.
This pump is designed to handle up to 9/16 inch
(14,3 mm) diameter spherical solids.
Sealing
Since even a slight leak will affect priming, head,
and capacity, especially when operating with a
high suction lift, all connections in the suction line
should be sealed with pipe dope to ensure an air-
tight seal. Follow the sealant manufacturer’s rec-
ommendations when selecting and applying the
pipe dope. The pipe dope should be compatible
with the liquid being pumped.
Suction Lines In Sumps
If a single suction line is installed in a sump, it
should be positioned away from the wall of the
sump at a distance equal to 1 1/2 times the diame-
ter of the suction line.
If there is a liquid flow from an open pipe into the
sump, the flow should be kept away from the suc-
tion inlet because the inflow will carry air down into
the sump, and air entering the suction line will re-
duce pump efficiency.