INLET CONDITION CHECK-LIST
Review Before Start-Up
Inadequate inlet conditions can cause serious malfunctions in the best designed
pump. Surprisingly, the simplest of things can cause the most severe problems
or go unnoticed to the unfamiliar or untrained eye. REVIEW THIS CHECK-LIST
BEFORE OPERATION OF ANY SYSTEM. Remember, no two systems are alike, so
there can be no ONE best way to set-up a system. All factors must be
carefully considered.
INLET SUPPLY should exceed the maximum flow being delivered by the pump to
assure proper performance.
❏
Open inlet shut-off valve and turn on water supply to avoid starving the pump.
DO NOT RUN PUMP DRY.
❏
Temperatures above 130°F are permissible. Add 1/2 PSI inlet pressure per each
degree F over 130°F. Elastomer or RPM changes may be required. See Tech
Bulletin 002 or call CAT PUMPS for recommendations.
❏
Avoid closed loop systems especially with high temperature, ultra-high pressure
or large volumes. Conditions vary with regulating/unloader valve.
❏
Low vapor pressure liquids, such as solvents, require a booster pump and C. A.T.
to maintain adequate inlet supply.
❏
Higher viscosity liquids require a positive head and a C. A.T. to assure adequate
inlet supply.
❏
Higher temperature liquids tend to vaporize and require positive heads and
C. A.T. to assure adequate inlet supply.
❏
When using an inlet supply reservoir, size it to provide adequate liquids to accom-
modate the maximum output of the pump, generally a minimum of 6-10 times the
GPM (however, a combination of system factors can change this requirement);
provide adequate baffling in the tank to eliminate air bubbles and turbulence; install
diffusers on all return lines to the tank.
INLET LINE SIZE should be adequate to avoid starving the pump.
❏
Line size must be a minimum of one size larger than the pump inlet fitting. Avoid
tees, 90 degree elbows or valves in the inlet line of the pump to reduce the risk of
flow restriction and cavitation.
❏
The line MUST be a FLEXIBLE hose, NOT a rigid pipe, and reinforced on
SUCTION systems to avoid collapsing.
❏
The simpler the inlet plumbing the less the potential for problems. Keep the
length to a minimum, the number of elbows and joints to a minimum (ideally no
elbows) and the inlet accessories to a minimum.
❏
Use pipe sealant to assure air-tight, positive sealing pipe joints.
INLET PRESSURE should fall within the specifications of the pump.
❏
Acceleration loss of liquids may be increased by high RPM, high temperatures,
low vapor pressures or high viscosity and may require pressurized inlet and
C. A.T. to maintain adequate inlet supply. DO NOT USE C. A.T. WITH SUCTION
INLET.
❏
Optimum pump performance is obtained with +20 PSI (1.4 BAR) inlet
pressure and a C. A.T. for certain applications. With adequate inlet plumbing,
most pumps will perform with flooded suction. Maximum inlet pressure is 60 PSI
(4 BAR).
❏
After prolonged storage, pump should be rotated by hand and purged of air to
facilitate priming. Disconnect the discharge port and allow liquid to pass through
pump and measure flow.
INLET ACCESSORIES are designed to protect against overpressurization,
control inlet flow, contamination or temperature and provide ease of servicing.
❏
A shut-off valve is recommended to facilitate maintenance.
❏
Installation of a C. A.T. is essential in applications with stressful conditions such
as high temperatures, booster pump feed or long inlet lines. Do not use C. A.T.
with negative inlet pressure.
❏
A stand pipe can be used in some applications to help maintain a positive head
at the pump inlet.
❏
Inspect and clean inlet filters on a regular schedule to avoid flow restriction.
❏
A pressure transducer is necessary to accurately read inlet pressure. (Short
term, intermittent cavitation will not register on a standard gauge.)
❏
All accessories should be sized to avoid restricting the inlet flow.
❏
All accessories should be compatible with the solution being pumped to
prevent premature failure or malfunction.
❏
Optional inlet protection can be achieved by installing a pressure cutoff switch
between the inlet filter and the pump to shut off pump when there is no positive
inlet pressure.
BY-PASS TO INLET Care should be exercised when deciding the method of
by-pass from control valves.
❏
It is recommended the by-pass be directed to a baffled reservoir tank, with at
least one baffle between the by-pass line and the inlet line to the pump.
❏
Although not recommended, by-pass liquid may be returned to the inlet line of
the pump if the system is properly designed to protect your pump. A PRESSURE
REDUCING VALVE must be installed on the inlet line (BETWEEN THE
BY-PASS CONNECTION AND THE INLET TO THE PUMP) to avoid excessive
pressure to the inlet of the pump. It is also recommended that a THERMO
VALVE be used in the by-pass line to monitor the temperature build-up in the
by-pass loop to avoid premature seal failure.
❏
A low-pressure, flexible cloth braid (not metal braid) hose should be used from
the by-pass connection to the inlet of the pump.
❏
Caution should be exercised not to undersize the by-pass hose diameter and
length. Refer to Technical Bulletin 64 for additional information on the size and
length of the by-pass line.
❏
Check the pressure in the by-pass line to avoid overpressurizing the inlet.
❏
The by-pass line should be connected to the pump inlet line at a gentle angle of
45° or less and no closer than 10 times the pump inlet port diameter
e.g. 1-1/2" port size = 15" distance from pump inlet port.
TORQUE CHART
Pump Item
Torque
Pump Model
Thread
Tool Size [P/N]
in. lbs. ft. lbs. Nm
PLUNGER RETAINER
OEM Models ....................................M6
M11 Hex [44044]
55
4.4
6
All Standard Models.........................M6
M12 Hex
55
4.4
6
MANIFOLD HEAD BOLTS
5PFR
30, 31, 34, 35 ....................M10
M8 Allen [25052]
220
18.1
25
310, 340, 350
311, 341, 351
317, 347, 357
5PFR
42HS, 43HS, 45 ................M10
M8 Allen [33046]
220
18.1
25
7PFR
510, 530, 550 ....................M10
M14 Hex [25053]
220
18.1
25
56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 70
15PFR 650, 651, 660, 661 ............M10
M17 Hex [25083]
220
18.1
25
1050, 1051, 1057
VALVE PLUGS
5PFR
30, 31, 34, 35 ....................M22
M24 Hex [44046]
870
72.3
98
310, 311, 317
340, 341, 347
350, 351, 357
42HS
5PFR
43HS, 45 ...........................M25
M24 Hex [44046]
520
43.4
59
7PFR
530, 550 ........................3/4" SPT
M27 Hex [44045]
870
72.3
98
51, 55, 56, 57, 58
59, 60, 70
15PFR 650, 651, 660, 661 ........3/4" SPT
M27 Hex [44045]
870
72.3
98
1050, 1051, 1057
CRANKCASE COVER / BEARING COVER SCREWS
5PFR
30, 31, 34, 35 .....................M6
M10 Hex/Phil. [25082]
50
4.0
6
310, 340, 350
317, 347, 357
311, 341, 351
5PFR
42HS, 43HS, 45 .................M6
M10 Hex/Phil. [25082]
50
4.0
6
...........................................M8
M13 Hex [25324]
115
9.4
13
7PFR
51, 53, 55, 56, 57, ..............M6
M10 Hex [25082]
115
9.4
13
59, 60, 70
15PFR 650, 1050 ...........................M6
M10 Hex [25082]
50
4.0
5.7
SEAL CASE
5PFR
30, 31, 34, 35 ....................N/A
1/2" Soc. Drive [33004]
354
29.5
40
310, 311, 317
340, 341, 347
350, 351, 357
42HS, 43HS, 45 ................N/A
1/2" Soc. Drive [33005] 354
29.5
40
7PFR
51, 53, 55, 56, ...................N/A
1/2" Soc. Drive [33005]
354
29.5
40
57, 58, 59, 60, 70
530, 550
15PFR 650, 651, 660, 661 ............N/A
1/2" Soc. Drive [33006] 346
28.8
39
1050, 1051, 1057 ..............N/A
1/2" Soc. Drive [33006] 390
32.5
44
BUBBLE OIL GAUGE
All Models .......................................M28
Oil Gauge Tool [44050]
45
3.6
5
MOUNTING BOLTS
5PFR, 7PFR ....................................M8
M13 Hex [25324]
115
9.4
13
15PFR ..........................................M10
M17 Hex [25083]
240
19.7
29
