Goulds Pumps 3996 - IOM - Manual (Page 32)

LUBRICATION
Pump bearings are normally grease lubricated and are
lubricated at the factory. Regrease at approximately 3-6
month intervals, until grease comes out the oil caps which serve as grease relief fittings. Use a sodium or lithium
base grease, NLGI #2 consistency. Follow motor and
coupling manufacturer's lubrication instructions.
MAINTENANCE OF BEARINGS
!
Do not insulate bearing housings as this can result
in excess heat generation, sparks, and premature
failure.
!
Service temperature in an ATEX classified environ-
ment is limited to the area classification specified on
the ATEX tag affixed to the pump (reference Table 1
in the Safety section for ATEX classifications).
GREASE LUBRICATED BEARINGS
Grease lubricated bearings are pre-lubricated at the
factory. Regrease bearings every 2000 operating hours
or 3 months, whichever occurs first.
Regrease Procedure
NOTE: When regreasing there is danger of
impurities entering the bearing housing. The grease
container, the greasing device, and fittings must be
clean.
1. Wipe dirt from both grease fittings (Fig. 11).
2. Remove two grease relief plugs from side of frame
opposite grease fittings.
3. Fill both grease cavities through grease fittings with
recommended grease until fresh grease comes out of
the relief holes. Reinstall grease relief plugs until
immediately prior to starting pump.
NOTE: The bearing temperature usually rises after
regreasing due to an excess supply of grease. Temper-
atures will return to normal after pump has run and
purged the excess from the bearings, usually two to
four hours. Grease relief plugs should be removed
during this period, and replaced when temperature
has stabilized.
For most operating conditions a lithium based mineral oil
grease of NLGI consistency number 2 is recommended.
This grease is acceptable for bearing temperatures of
-15°C to 110°C (5°F ro 230°F).
Bearing temperatures are generally about 20°F (18°C)
higher than bearing housing outer surface temperature.
Some acceptable greases are:
NLGI Consistency 2
Exxon Unirex N2
Mobil Mobilux EP2
Sunoco Multipurpose EP
SKF LGMT 2
$
! CAUTION
Never mix greases of different consistency (NLGI 1
or 3 with NLGI 2) or different thickener. For
example, never mix a lithium base grease with a
polyurea base grease.
NOTE: If it is necessary to change grease type or
consistency, the pump must be disassembled and the
old grease removed from the bearings.
28
3996 IOM 9/2010
Fig. 11