ITEMS TO CHECK ON (OR BEFORE) PUMP STARTUP

1. ITEMS TO CHECK ON (OR BEFORE) PUMP STARTUP • Motor bearing and pump bearing soil reservoirs or bullseyes should be at least ½ full • Pumps with constant level oil bubblers should have the bearing housing vent checked to ensure it is free and clear. This will prevent overpressurization of the bubbler and subsequent spill and loss of lubrication. • The area around the pump should be free of debris to ensure the pump is free to rotate. • Adequate NPSH should exist. This, along with proper venting, will help to ensure that cavitation will not occur. • If suction is under a vacuum, then NPSH may be ensured by an adequate height of water column on suction piping. • Suction valves should generally be fully open and discharge valves fully open unless it is necessary to throttle or close discharge valves to prevent water hammer or runout. • After startup; noise levels, discharge pressure, oil pressure (if applicable), motor current, flow, etc., should approach normal levels as the pump is loaded. (As load increases: current increases, discharge pressure decreases, flow increases, noise increases, oil pressure increases.)