ITT Goulds Pumps AF, Installation, Operation And Maintenance Instructions

Page: 36 / 74

32 AF (6-36) IOM
and filed with the pump maintenance records for future
reference.
CHECK FOR FREE TURNING
Before pump is started, rotate the pump by hand to be
sure it turns freely, and does not rub or bind
BEARING LUBRICATION
Before start up, the pump should be checked for proper
lubrication. AF pumps are flood-oil or grease
lubricated. Lubrication method is usually dependent on
the pump operating conditions. The following
paragraphs describe both methods of lubrication.
FLOOD OIL
Bearings must be lubricated properly in
order to prevent excess heat generation,
sparks and premature failure.
Oil lubricated bearings use an oil bath for lubrication.
Oil lubricated bearing assemblies are shipped without
oil.
ADD OIL TO THE HOUSING UNTIL IT IS AT THE
CENTERLINE OF THE SIGHT GLASS . Oil must be
added to the bearing housing before starting. If the unit
has an external oil lube system, fill the bearing housing
and the reservoir to satisfy the system requirements.
Run the pump for 1 minute to fill the oil galleys and in
and around each bearing. Check the oil level indicator
and add oil accordingly. Monitor the oil level indicator
for the first 24 hours of operation and maintain fill level.
Change the oil after the first 200 hours of operation.
For normal operating conditions, change the oil at least
four (4) times a year. If the bearing assembly is
exposed to dirty or moist conditions, the oil should be
changed more often.
If the level of oil in the bearing housing (134C) is too
high, excessive heat may be generated due to
churning. If the level is too low, excessive heat may be
generated due to inadequate lubrication. A liquid level
switch connected to the oil sump can be used to warn
of a dangerous oil level condition.
Observe the oil level requirements shown on the
assembly drawing furnished with the pump. If
excessive heat is experienced within these levels,
consult the factory. Be sure that the shaft centerline is
horizontal through the bearing housing.
GREASE
Bearings are hand-packed at the factory and have
sufficient grease for at least 24 hours of operation after
startup. The bearings will run hotter than normal for
the first few hours until the grease is worked out of the
ball path and the bearings have “run- in”. Adding
more grease during this period may increase the
bearing temperature. After the first re-greasing, a
small amount of grease should be added at each
fitting every 500 hours of operation or 3 weeks of
continuous operation.
NORMAL BEARING TEMPERATURE
The running temperature for a bearing assembly
depends on many factors such as speed, bearing
loads, lubrication, ambient air temperatures, and
condition of bearings. Temperatures higher than the
human hand can tolerate are very satisfactory for
good bearing operation and should not cause any
alarm.
For a given speed and loading, the bearing housing
temperature will stabilize at some temperature,
usually below 200
°
F., which will be the normal
temperature for the installation. Higher temperatures
than this normal temperature, without any change in
speed or loading can mean a lubrication difficulty or
the approach of bearing failure.
SHAFT SEALING
A packed stuffing box or mechanical seal is used to
seal the AF pump shaft. Both methods are described
below.
PACKED STUFFING BOX
Packed stuffing boxes are not allowed in an
ATEX classified environment.
The original equipment packing is a suitable grade for
the service intended. To pack the stuffing box use the
following procedure: (refer to Fig. 26, page 40)
1. Stuffing box and shaft sleeve must be clean and
free of grit.
2. Form packing over shaft or mandrel of same
diameter. Carefully cut to packing length.
Discard rings cut too short.
3. Pre-form each ring by coiling 1 -1 /2 turns.
4. To install packing rings, do not pull straight.
Expand the coil as a coil spring, see Fig 26 and
42 for the correct and incorrect method of
installing packing.
5. Expand the first coil as shown and insert into
stuffing box. Tamp packing to stuffing box
shoulder firmly with the gland. Note, where the
cut is positioned.