Goulds Pumps 3355 - IOM - Manual (Page 33)

Commissioning, Startup, Operation, and Shutdown
Pump operation precautions
General considerations
CAUTION:
• 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.
Operation at reduced capacity
WARNING:
Never operate any pumping system with a blocked suction and discharge. Operation, even for a brief
period under these conditions, can cause confined pumped fluid to overheat, which results in a violent
explosion. You must take all necessary measures to avoid this condition. If pump becomes plugged shut
down and unplug prior to restarting pump.
CAUTION:
• The pump and system must be free of foreign objects. If pump becomes plugged, shut down and
unplug prior to restarting pump.
• Avoid excessive vibration levels. Excessive vibration levels can damage the bearings, stuffing box
or seal chamber, and the mechanical seal, which can result in decreased performance.
• Avoid increased radial load. Failure to do so can cause stress on the shaft and bearings.
• Avoid heat build-up. Failure to do so can cause rotating parts to score or seize.
• Avoid cavitation. Failure to do so can cause damage to the internal surfaces of the pump.
Operation under freezing conditions
NOTICE:
Do not expose an idle pump to freezing conditions. Drain all liquid that is inside the pump and
the cooling coils. Failure to do so can cause liquid to freeze and damage the pump.
Shut down the pump
WARNING:
The pump can handle hazardous and toxic fluids. Identify the contents of the pump and observe proper
decontamination procedures in order to eliminate the possible exposure to any hazardous or toxic fluids.
Wear the proper personal protective equipment. Potential hazards include, but are not limited to, high
temperature, flammable, acidic, caustic, explosive, and other risks. You must handle and dispose of
pumped fluid in compliance with the applicable environmental regulations.
1. Slowly close the discharge valve.
Model 3355 Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual 31