THE START-UP PROCEDURE OF A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP
CENTRIFUGAL PUMP
e. Rotate the shaft for free movement.
f. Check that the electric supply is available.
g.. Check if steam turbine driven – turbine is checked out and available.
2. Starting from the position the suction / discharge valves are closed.
a. Check the pump drain valve is closed.
b. Check the pump vent valve is closed.
c. Open the pressure gauge tapping.
d. Crack open suction valve and pressure up pump casing. Then vent any gas from pump case until pump case is liquid full. Then open suction valve fully. e. Crack open discharge valve – if the pump is not in hot service. It should be allowed to warm up. This means that there must be some way provided to by-pass the non-return valve, either a small hole drilled in the non-return valve or a small by-pass line around the non-return valve.
It depends on refinery practice, but in most cases, the spare pump in any service should be left with the suction valve open and pump under suction pressure. This should not stop operator carrying out the routine checks before starting the pump. There is no excuse not to check oil levels or cooling water, etc. before starting a pump.
3. With the discharge valve cracked open, start the pump – if electric, by pressing the button: if steam turbine driven, by commissioning the steam turbine as per steam turbine start up procedure. Check the direction of rotation
5. Watch discharge pressure gauge reading come up to normal. If the pump motor has an ammeter, check the load. If the load remains higher than normal or there is no discharge pressure, check for the reason. If the situation remains same, shut down the pump.
5. If the pressure is normal and the motor load is normal, open the discharge valve slowly.
6. REMEMBER to check pump regularly for bearing lubrication and temperature and any unusual noise.
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