Goulds Pumps 3409 - IOM - Manual (Page 28)

!
A build up of gases within the pump, sealing system
and/or process piping system may result in an
explosive environment within the pump or process
piping system. Ensure process piping system, pump,
and sealing system are properly vented prior to
operation.
!
Sealing systems that are not self purging or self
venting, such as plan 23, require manual venting
prior to operations. Failure to do so will result in
excess heat generation and seal failure.
PRIMING
If the pump is installed with a positive head on the suction,
it can be primed by opening the suction valve, and
loosening the vent plug on the top of the casing (Do not
remove), allowing air to be purged from the casing.
If the pump is installed with a suction lift, priming must be
done by other methods such as foot valves, ejectors, or by
manually filling the casing and suction line.
$
! CAUTION
Under either condition, the pump must be completely
filled with liquid before starting. The pump must not be
run dry in the hope it will prime itself. Serious damage
to the pump may result if it is started dry.
!
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,
sparts, and premature failure.
FLUSHING
New and old systems should be flushed to eliminate all
foreign matter. Heavy scale, welding splatter and wire or
other large foreign matter can clog the pump impeller. This
will reduce the capacity of the pump causing cavitation,
excessive vibration, and/or damage to close clearance parts
(wear rings, seals, sleeves, etc.)
FILLING
Vents should be located at the highest point so
entrained gases and air can escape. However, if the
gases are flammable, toxic, or corrosive they should be
vented to an appropriate place to prevent harm to
personnel or other parts of the system. Pipe hangers
and anchors should be
checked to make sure they are properly set to take the
additional weight of the pumpage.
All drains should be closed when filling the system. Filling
should be done slowly so that excessive velocities do not
cause rotation of the pumping elements which may cause
damage to the pump or its driver. The adequacy of the anchors
and hangers may be checked by mounting a dial indicator off
of any rigid structure not tied to the piping and setting the
indicator button on the pump flange in the axial direction of
the nozzle. If the indicator moves, as the filling proceeds, the
anchors and supports are not adequate or set properly and
should be corrected.
STARTING
1. Close drain valves.
2. Open fully all valves in the suction and discharge lines.
3. Turn on seal water to the stuffing box. (If pumped fluid
is dirty or if leaking of air is to be prevented, these
lines should be always left open.)
4. Prime the pump.
$
CAUTION
If the pump does not prime properly, or loses prime
during start-up, it should be shutdown and the
condition corrected before the procedure is repeated.
28
3409 IOM 11/04