Gorman-Rupp Pumps 66B3-B 407277 and up - Manual (Page 17)

60 SERIES OM−01459
OPERATION PAGE C − 3
against closed valves could bring the liquid to a
boil, build pressure, and cause the pump to rup-
ture or explode. If overheating occurs, stop the
pump and allow it to cool before servicing it. Refill
the pump casing with cool liquid.
Allow an over-heated pump to cool be-
fore servicing
. Do not remove plates,
covers, gauges, or fittings from an over-
heated pump. Liquid within the pump
can reach boiling temperatures, and va-
por pressure within the pump can cause
parts being disengaged to be ejected
with great force. After the pump cools,
drain the liquid from the pump by re-
moving the casing drain plug. Use cau-
tion when removing the plug to prevent
injury to personnel from hot liquid.
Strainer Check
If a suction strainer has been shipped with the
pump or installed by the user, check the strainer
regularly, and clean it as necessary. The strainer
should also be checked if pump flow rate begins to
drop. If a vacuum suction gauge has been in-
stalled, monitor and record the readings regularly
to detect strainer blockage.
Never introduce air or steam pressure into the
pump casing or piping to remove a blockage. This
could result in personal injury or damage to the
equipment. If backflushing is absolutely neces-
sary, liquid pressure must be limited to 50% of the
maximum permissible operating pressure shown
on the pump performance curve.
Pump Vacuum Check
Since this pump does not have a suction check
valve, the discharge line must be fitted with a check
valve if a pump vacuum reading is to be taken.
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 20
inches (508,0 mm) or more of mercury. If it does
not, check for air leaks in the seal, gasket, or dis-
charge 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.
On engine driven pumps, reduce the throttle
speed slowly and allow the engine to idle briefly be-
fore stopping.
If the application involves a high discharge
head, gradually close the discharge
throttling valve before stopping the pump.
After stopping the pump, disconnect the power
source to ensure that the pump will remain inop-
erative.
Cold Weather Preservation
In below freezing conditions, drain the pump to
prevent damage from freezing. Also, clean out any
solids by flushing with a hose. Operate the pump
for approximately one minute; this will remove any
remaining liquid that could freeze the pump rotat-
ing parts. If the pump will be idle for more than a
few hours, or if it has been pumping liquids con-
taining a large amount of solids, drain the pump,
and flush it thoroughly with clean water. To prevent
large solids from clogging the drain port and pre-
venting the pump from completely draining, insert
a rod or stiff wire in the drain port, and agitate the
liquid during the draining process. Clean out any
remaining solids by flushing with a hose.