Fire Pump 8100 Series - 8 Start-Up, Operation and Shutdown; Start-Up; Preparation for Startup; Priming

Series 8100/8150/8200/9100 Fire Pump
25 AC6102 Rev 03

8 Start-up, operation and
shutdown
8.1 Start-up
WARNING
Start-up should be carried out by authorized
personnel. Do not start the pump until all pre-
start-up checks have been performed
CAUTION
Do not start the pump until it has been
completely filled with liquid and vented. The
pump must not run dry as this will result in
serious damage to the pump.
WARNING
Electric Shock Hazard: Electrical connections
are to be made by qualified personnel, in
accordance with applicable codes,
ordinances, and good practices.
NOTICE
See also installation and operating
instructions for the electric motor, if
applicable.
NOTICE
See also installation and operating
instructions for the diesel engine, if
applicable. We recommend that you register
the diesel engine with the manufacturer
before start-up. Otherwise, the engine
manufacturer cannot provide any warranty if
the engine is faulty.
8.1.1 Preparation for startup
WARNING
Unexpected Start-up Hazard: Disconnect and
lockout power before performing pre-start-up
checks. Failure to follow these instructions
could result in serious personal injury or
death.
Before the initial start of the pump, perform the following
inspections:
1. Remove all corrosion protection materials, referenced
in section 5.3 Storage, in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. Check alignment between pump and driver, (motor or
engine). See section 7.5 Initial Alignment.
3. Check that all pipes and hoses are installed correctly.
4. Check all electrical connections. Check voltage, phase,
and frequency.
5. Check suction and discharge piping and pressure
gauges for proper operation.
6. Check that all safety devices are installed.
7. Turn rotating element by hand to assure that it rotates
freely.
8. Check stuffing box adjustment, lubrication, and piping.
9. Check driver lubrication.
10. Assure that pump bearings are properly lubricated.
11. Assure that coupling is properly lubricated, if required.
12. Assure that pump is full of liquid and all valves are
properly set and operational, with the discharge valve
closed and the suction valve open. Purge all air from top
of casing.
13. Check rotation. Be sure that the driver operates in the
direction indicated by the arrow on the pump casing as
serious damage can result if pump is operated with
incorrect rotation.
8.1.2 Priming
NOTICE
Flushing: New and old systems should be
flushed to eliminate all foreign matter. Heavy
scale, welding splatter and wire or other large
foreign matter can clog the pump impeller.
If the pump is installed with a positive head on the suction, it
can be primed by opening the suction valve, and loosening
the vent plug on top of the casing (Do not remove), allowing
air to be purged from the casing.
If the pump is installed with a suction lift, priming must be
done by other methods such as foot valves, ejectors, or by
manually filling the casing and suction line.
All drains should be closed when filling the system. Filling
should be done slowly so that excessive velocities do not
cause rotation of the pumping elements which may cause
damage to the pump or its driver. The adequacy of the piping
anchors and hangers may be checked at this time by
mounting a dial indicator off of any rigid structure not tied to
the piping and setting the indicator button on the pump flange
in the axial direction of the nozzle.
If the indicator moves, as the filling proceeds, the anchors
and supports are not adequate or set properly and should be
corrected.
8.2 Coupling Guard
WARNING
Unexpected Start-up Hazard: Disconnect and
lockout power before performing pre-start-up
checks. Failure to follow these instructions
could result in serious personal injury or
death.
NOTICE
The coupling guarding described herein
refers to guarding that is supplied by A-C Fire
Pump for pumps that have a motor driver. For
pumps with an engine driver refer to the
engine manufacturers instructions, supplied
with the pump unit.
NOTE: The coupling guard fasteners have devices that keep
them from completely detaching from the guard or the pump.
Do not remove these devices or separate the fasteners from
the guard or the pump.
NOTE: Do not spread the inner and outer guards more than
necessary for guard removal or installation. Over-spreading
the guards may alter their fit and appearance.