Centrifugal Pump Start-up Procedure

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What is Centrifugal Pump: A Centrifugal pump is a device used to lift fluid from lower to higher levels by the mean of centrifugal force acting inside the pump. Centrifugal pump is quite suitable for liquid, slurry, and suspension with solid.

“A Pump is a device used to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy with the help of an external source (i.e. Motors)”. The pump increases the pressure of the liquid, usually, motor-driven and the shaft is connected to the impellers. The rotation movement of the impeller is responsible for liquid transportation.

Step by step for Centrifugal Pump Startup Procedure: Please refer below steps for the centrifugal pump startup procedure. 

  1. Before the commissioning of the pump, the Tag no of the pump is to be ensured.
  2. All previous or pending maintenance has been completed before startup operation.
  3. All drain valves need to be close position.
  4. Open the suction side valve.
  5. Open the utility lines (Pump mechanical seal cooling or lube oil) if applicable.
  6. The discharge Valve can be fully or partially open based on the pumping system condition (i.e. to meet the design or rated flow).
  7. To start the Pump driver (I.e. Pump Motor) electrical source is utilized.
  8. Open the vent valve for Pump priming purposes which is used to remove the air. In case when liquid comes out through the vent valve. It should be closed at this stage.
  9. Rotation of shaft to assess by hand whether it is moving or not.
  10. Verify the rotation of the pump is in the correct direction.
  11. Check the reading of the pressure gauge at the discharge side with respect to design or rated flow. If discharge pressure is not correct, please follow below mentioned three steps and check again:
  • Stop the pump driver (Motor).
  • Priming of the pump is to be done again.
  • Restart the pump driver (Motor)
  1. Operating parameters of pumping operation to be ensured through the MCMS (MCMS stands for Machine conditioning and monitoring system). Monitoring is necessarily required for bearing temperature, noise, and vibration, Pump is not operating beyond its operation level to be ensured.
  2. If there are any means of maintenance required, to be fixed immediately with the help of maintenance personnel, also leakage is to be ensured.
  3. Switch off the pump driver (motor).
  4. If the pump is operating in the correct mode, the discharge valve is to be open and the pump motor can be controlled or on/off from the control room.
  5. Repeat Step 11 until the pump operates properly.

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