OM-03989
RS AND RD SERIES PUMPS
PAGE C - 5
OPERATION
Strainer Check
A suction strainer was not furnished with this pump
but an 80 mesh screen may have been installed by
the user. Check the screen regularly, and clean it
as necessary. The screen should also be checked
if pump flow rate begins to drop. If a vacuum suc
tion gauge has been installed, monitor and record
the readings regularly to detect screen blockage.
Pump Vacuum Check
NOTE
Petroleum products are very sensitive to changes
in temperature. Warmer temperatures elevate the
product vapor pressure resulting in low vacuum
readings. Do not mistake temperature problems for
faulty pump installation or performance.
With the pump inoperative, install a vacuum gauge
in the system, using pipe dope on the threads.
Block the suction line and start the pump. At oper
ating speed the pump should pull a vacuum of 15
to 17 inches (381 to 432 mm) or more of mercury
for petroleum. If it does not, check for air leaks in
the seal, gasket, or discharge valve.
Open the suction line, and read the vacuum gauge
with the pump primed and at operation speed.
Shut off the pump. The vacuum gauge reading will
immediately drop proportionate to static suction
lift, and should then stabilize. If the vacuum reading
falls off rapidly after stabilization, an air leak exists.
Before checking for the source of the leak, check
the point of installation of the vacuum gauge.
STOPPING
Never halt the flow of liquid suddenly. If the liquid
being pumped is stopped abruptly, damaging
shock waves can be transmitted to the pump and
piping system. Close all connecting valves slowly.
If the application involves a high discharge
head, gradually close the discharge
throttling valve before stopping the pump.
After stopping the pump, shut off the incoming
power and lock it out, or take other action to ensure
that the pump will remain inoperative.
Cold Weather Preservation
Since the application of this pump is limited to pe
troleum products, normal freezing conditions will
not damage the pump. However, during extremely
severe conditions care should be exercised during
start‐up, especially if the pump has been idle for
more than a few hours.
BEARING TEMPERATURE CHECK
The standard bearings used in this pump are per
manently sealed and lubricated by the manufac
turer. However due to temperature changes and
the danger of moisture contamination, the bearing
cavity is also partially filled with grease.
Optional oil lubricated bearings are not fully
sealed, and oil is required within the bearing hous
ing to lubricate them and protect them from mois
ture condensation.
Monitor the condition of the bearing lubri
cant regularly for evidence of rust or mois
ture condensation. This is especially im
portant in areas where variable hot and
cold temperatures are common.
Bearings normally run at higher than ambient tem
peratures because of heat generated by friction.
Temperatures up to 160
F (71
C)are considered
normal for bearings, and they can operate safely to
at least 180
F(82
C).
