Commissioning, Startup, Operation, and Shutdown
Pump operation precautions
General considerations
CAUTION:
•
Rotate shaft by hand to ensure it rotates smoothly and there is no rubbing which could lead to
excess heat generation, sparks and premature failure.
• Vary the capacity with the regulating valve in the discharge line. Never throttle the flow from the
suction side since this can result in decreased performance, unexpected heat generation, and
equipment damage.
Do not overload the driver. Driver overload can result in unexpected heat generation and equipment
damage. The driver can overload in these circumstances:
• The specific gravity of the pumped fluid is greater than expected.
• The pumped fluid exceeds the rated flow rate.
• Do not operate pump past the maximum flow. For maximum flow refer to the pump performance
curve.
• Do not overload the driver. Driver overload can result in unexpected heat generation and equipment
damage. The driver can overload in these circumstances:
• The specific gravity of the pumped fluid is greater than expected.
• The pumped fluid exceeds the rated flow rate.
• Do not operate pump below hydraulic or thermal minimum flow. For hydraulic minimum flows refer
to technical manual and pump performance curve. To calculate thermal minimum flow, refer to HI
Centrifugal Pumps for Design and Application ANSI/HI 1.3-2000.
• Make sure to operate the pump at or near the rated conditions. Failure to do so can result in pump
damage from cavitation or recirculation.
•
Ensure that pump and systems are free of foreign objects before operating and that objects
cannot enter the pump during operation. Foreign objects in the pumpage or piping system can
cause blockage of flow which can result in excess heat generation, sparks and premature failure.
NOTICE:
On ring oil-lubricated pumps, remove oil ring viewing port plugs to verify the following:
• The oil rings are properly positioned in the grooves on the shaft.
• The oil rings are turning.
• The oil rings are throwing oil.
Replace the plugs.
NOTICE:
• Check the bearing temperatures using a pyrometer or other temperature-measuring
device. Monitor the bearing temperature frequently during initial operation in order to
determine if a bearing problem exists, as well as to establish normal bearing operating
temperature.
• The maximum allowable temperature change for an abnormal transient event such as
thermal shock is 150°F (65°C).
• For pumps with auxiliary piping, make sure that proper flows have been established and
that the equipment is operating properly.
• Establish baseline vibration readings in order to determine normal running conditions. If
the unit is running roughly, then consult the factory.
• Monitor all gauges to ensure that the pump is running at or near rating and that the suction
screen (when used) is not clogged.
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Model 3610, API Type BB1 API 610 11th Edition Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual
