Goulds Pumps VIC - IOM - Manual (Page 51)

Occasional leaks
If the seal leaks slightly at start-up, allow a reasonable amount of time for the seal to adjust itself. Fluids
with good lubricating qualities normally take longer to adjust than fluids with lesser lubricating qualities.
When a seal starts out with a slight leak and the leak decreases while running, it indicates leaks across the
seal faces. Run the pump continuously in order to eliminate this issue.
Continuous leaks
When immediate leaks occur and remain constant, even during operation, it usually indicates either
secondary seal (shaft packing) damage, or seal faces that are warped or cracked. See Troubleshooting for
probable causes.
Stuffing box leaks
CAUTION:
Packed stuffing boxes are not allowed in an ATEX-classified environment.
Normal leaks
With the pump in operation, there should be some leaking at the stuffing box packing. The correct leak
rate is a rate which keeps the shaft and stuffing box cool. This rate is approximately one drop per second.
Check the temperature of the leaked fluid as well as the discharge head.
Decreased leaks
If the pump runs hot and the leaks begin to decrease, stop the pump and allow it to cool down. Loosen
the packing gland in order to allow the packing to resume leaking. After the pump has cooled, restart the
pump and run it for 15 minutes. Then check the leaks. If the leaks exceed two drops per second, adjust the
packing.
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.
2. Shut down and lock the driver to prevent accidental rotation.
3. If the driver is not equipped with a non-reverse ratchet (NRR), be certain that the unit is completely
stopped before you restart the pump.
Lubricate the thrust pot during a shutdown period
1. Completely immerse the bearings in oil.
This helps to avoid oxidation of the anti-friction bearings during shutdown periods lasting longer than
one week.
2. Fill the oil reservoir until the oil runs over the oil retainer tube and down the shaft.
Before startup, drain the oil to its required level.
Commissioning, Startup, Operation, and Shutdown (Continued)
Model VIC Installation, Operation, and Maintenance 49