How to Start a Centrifugal Pump After Shutdown?
Introduction
For every industry, a properly functioning industrial pump is crucial for an effective process. It is why facilities do proper maintenance and take necessary steps to minimize the pressure and power stresses.
However, things don’t always go as planned. There can certainly be many emergency or maintenance reasons why you might have to shut down your facility. At the time of the COVID-19 pandemic only, many facilities were led to the shutdown on short notice. And when you will start your pump again, there can be a need for large fixes.
Uncertain events come when they are least expected, which is why knowing how to start Centrifugal Pump after a long shutdown is necessary. Knowing how to restart your centrifugal pump after shutdown properly can help you take the required steps to avoid any catastrophe.
Let’s take a closer look at the step-by-step process of how to start a Centrifugal pump, then walk through the necessary precautions with maintenance tips.
How To Start A Centrifugal Pump After Shutdown?
Step-by-step process to start a Centrifugal Pump after shutdown.
Step 1 – Check If A Centrifugal Pump Can Spin Freely
Due to inactivity for a long time, the centrifugal pump may contain trapped solids or have mechanical issues that can be detected by checking the pump spin.
Hence, the first and most important step is to check if the centrifugal pump can spin freely without any issues or not. To check this, lock out the centrifugal pump and remove the coupling guard and shaft. You can spin it by hand and listen carefully if there’s any rubbing noise coming out from the pump.
Step 2 – Check The Coupling Condition Of A Centrifugal Pump
After the coupling guard is off, it’s a good time to inspect the overall condition of the coupling and look for any signs of wear and tear. Rubber dust and plastic chunks under the coupling are some of the damages that usually occur due to the misalignment of the pump. So if any of these signs are seen, make sure to properly align your centrifugal pump before starting.
Step 3 – Check Mechanical Seals Conditions
To detect if there is any sign of leakage in the Centrifugal pump, inspect the mechanical seal condition. Take a closer look at the mechanical seals, and if you find any flush water to the seal, immediately make sure to turn it on.
Step 4 – Check Lubrication Level
Lubrication plays an important role in the smooth and safe operation of all industrial pumps. Hence, it is essential to check the oil and lubrication levels of electric motors and other pump parts and ensure they are adequately lubricated. To know more about proper lubrication tips for centrifugal pumps, check your manufacturer’s guide.
Step 5 – Check Suction And Discharge Valves Position
Ensure suction and discharge value are in the right position before starting the centrifugal pump to avoid any errors. Suction valves should be fully open, and discharge valves should not be completely open but should be 10 to 15 % open.
Step 6 – Properly Prime The Centrifugal Pump
After opening the pump’s suction valve, the liquid should fill the centrifugal pump and prepare for further process.
Step 7 – Base Inspection
Inspect the base of a centrifugal pump to ensure all the mounting bolts are tight and no soft feet on the motor or pump are found.
After following these seven steps, you can start your centrifugal pump. Though do check out if there’s still any strange sound or vibration found, monitor if the pump is running smoothly and pump bearings are not overheating.
Precautions To Take While Starting A Centrifugal Pump
- Never operate a pump without liquid in it.
- Ensure to operate the pump at the right speed.
- The discharge Valve should not be fully open.
- The centrifugal pump must be primed before getting started.
- Install Variable Frequency/Speed Drives to minimize the pressure spikes and power stresses while starting the centrifugal pump.
- Adjust the pressure and flow of the seal chamber as per the requirements.
- The pump and its parts should be lubricated properly.
- The starting frequency of the centrifugal pump shouldn’t exceed 12 times/hour.
Prepare Your Centrifugal Pump
To ensure it runs smoothly without failure.
Planning on restarting your centrifugal pump soon? Follow the above steps to start your pump after a long break and get the process started smoothly and efficiently without any hassles.
Leading Industrial Pump Manufacturer In India
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