Goulds Pumps VIT - IOM - Manual (Page 54)

Commissioning, Startup, Operation, and
Shutdown
Preparation for startup
Hazard statements
WARNING:
• Failure to follow these precautions before you start the pump will lead to serious personal injury and
equipment failure.
• DO NOT operate the pump below the minimum rated flows or with the discharge valves closed.
These conditions can create an explosive hazard due to vaporization of pumped fluid and can quickly
lead to pump failure and physical injury.
• Always disconnect and lock out power to the driver before you perform any installation or
maintenance tasks. Failure to disconnect and lock out driver power will result in serious physical injury.
• Operating the pump in reverse rotation can result in the contact of metal parts, heat generation, and
breach of containment.
Precautions
NOTICE:
• Verify the driver settings before you start the pump.
• Make sure that the warm-up rate does not exceed 2.5°F (1.4°C) per minute.
You must follow these precautions before you start the pump:
• Flush and clean the system thoroughly to remove dirt or debris in the pipe system in order to prevent
premature failure at initial startup.
• Bring variable-speed drivers to the rated speed as quickly as possible.
• Run a new or rebuilt pump at a speed that provides enough flow to flush and cool the close-running
surfaces of the stuffing-box bushing.
• Run a new or rebuilt pump at a speed that provides enough flow to flush and cool the close-running
surfaces of the stuffing-box or seal-housing bearing.
• If temperatures of the pumped fluid will exceed 200°F (93°C), then warm up the pump prior to
operation. Circulate a small amount of fluid through the pump until the casing temperature is within
100°F (38°C) of the fluid temperature.
• Rubber bearings must be wet prior to startup if the non-submerged (dry column) length is greater
than 50 ft (15 m). You can only use clean water or clean sea water.
At initial startup, do not adjust the variable-speed drivers or check for speed governor or over-speed trip
settings while the variable-speed driver is coupled to the pump. If the settings have not been verified, then
uncouple the unit and refer to instructions supplied by the driver manufacturer.
Prepare for startup
WARNING:
• For the VSS motor, do not check the motor rotation unless the motor is bolted to the pump and the
driver hub is disconnected from the pump hub.
• For a VHS motor, do not check the motor rotation unless the motor is bolted to the pump and the
drive coupling is removed.
• Do not test the motor for direction of rotation when it is coupled to the pump. If the pump rotates in
the wrong direction, serious damage to the pump, motor, and personnel will result.
Commissioning, Startup, Operation, and Shutdown
52 Model VIT Installation, Operation, and Maintenance