Kodiak Recirculating Chiller Technical Manual
Manual # 820-0109, Rev. Y, 07/08/10
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Check Lytron’s website
www.Lytron.com
for the most current technical information.
PRIMING TURBINE AND CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
Running centrifugal and turbine pumps dry for even a few seconds can permanently damage
the pump. This style of pump must be “primed” prior to operation.
Pump priming must be performed under the following conditions:
a. At initial start-up.
b. The system is drained of its fluid.
c. A new pump is installed.
•
Centrifugal and turbine pumps are classified as non-self priming pumps. This means that the pump will not
displace the air inside the pump housing, which prevents fluid from being drawn in. Each must be “primed”
prior to operation. “Priming” simply means to manually introduce fluid into the pump housing prior to
operation.
•
In a typical chiller installation, the flow of fluid through the pump suction hose into the pump is prevented by
the presence of trapped air. Without a way for the air to escape, the fluid has no way of entering the pump
housing. The following are recommended procedures to prime a turbine or centrifugal pump.
a. Valve in open position
b. Valve in closed position
1.
Units equipped with priming valve.
– The priming valve circuit is located between the pump
discharge plumbing line and the top of the tank. There is a valve labeled “pump priming valve” located
in this line. To prime the pump simply open this valve prior to starting the chiller (photo a). Start the
chiller. After flow is observed returning to the tank, close the priming valve (photo b).
2.
Units that do not have a priming valve.
– To prime pumps that do not have a priming valve,
disconnect the supply line from the rear of the chiller. Allow time for the fluid to gravity feed into the
pump housing. If there is difficulty priming the pump using this method, use a wet vac to assist in
drawing the fluid from the tank into the pump housing.
Note: If the pump has failed to prime turn the chiller off and contact Lytron’s Service
Department - 781-933-7300.
