Installation and operating instructions WILO Mather and Platt – Sump Pumps 23
9.3 Bearing Lubrication
Two types of bearings are used in vertical sump pumps.
Line shaft bearings are used to support pump shaft within the
column. These plain bearings are lubricated by external flush,
product lubrication or grease.
Thrust bearings: Double row angular contact bearings are used
to support the coupling end of the shaft. These ball bearings
support coupling ends and take pump thrust. They are
lubricated by bearing grease or oil.
CAUTION!
Operation of the unit without proper lubrication can result in
bearing failures, pump seizures and pump failure.
9.3.1 Line Shaft Bearings
Check to see that no damage has occurred to any lubrication
lines above the mounting plate during shipment or installation.
Check that connections are made to lubrication fittings at
pump manifold on mounting plate.
9.3.1.1 External flush lubrication (Ref. fig.3; Page No. 5)
a) Clean liquid from an external source must be used when
pumps are furnished with external flush lubrication
connections. Liquid is typically supplied continuously during
operation. Lubrication is needed to dissipate heat and
abrasives.
b) It is always absolutely necessary that rubber bearings be wet
during operation.
9.3.1.2 Internal flush lubrication (Ref. fig.2; Page No. 4)
When conditions warrant, the pump can be furnished with
provisions for pumped product bearing lubrication. This is
accomplished by means of a lubrication line from the discharge
flange of the pump casing to the line shaft bearings
Changes in noise and vibration may indicate insufficient
lubrication.
9.3.1.3 Grease lubrication (Ref. fig.4; Page No. 6)
Pumps furnished with grease-lubricated line shaft bearings will
leave the factory with lube lines and bearings already packed
with grease. The grease used will be of a water-resistant
nature. Each bearing should be re-greased prior to start-up
through the grease fittings located in the manifold on the
pump mounting plate. Grease must be insoluble in the liquid
being pumped. The recommended grease to be used which are
mentioned in section 9.4.1 or equivalent. Consult local
lubricant suppliers for the type of grease most compatible with
the liquid being pumped.
The grease lubrication system is the same as the external
flush system with the exception of the manifold. For grease
lubrication the manifold contains grease fittings while the
external flush manifold contains fluid line taps.
9.3.2 Thrust bearing lubrication
Grease lubricated double row angular contact thrust
bearings are used as standard. The bearing will leave the
factory with grease already packed.
The replacement interval of the grease for these bearings is
mentioned in the section 9.4.2
Oil lubricated bearings are used for the designs such as AOP
& EOP types (Ref. fig. 5 & 6, Page No. 7). In these pumps the
pumped oil is used for the lubrication of bearings. (Ref. fig.
12, Page No. 11)
9.4 Cleaning of Bearings
Vertical sump pumps are supplied with oil or grease
lubricated bearing depending upon the suitability. If the
unit has been in store for a long period before
commissioning, the bearings should be cleaned and flushed
out with clean white spirit or good quality paraffin. Waste
oil/paraffin & used cotton cloth should not be used for this
purpose, as particles of foreign matter may be left behind
which would cause damage when the bearing is in service.
Bearings should be then filled with recommended grade and
quality of fresh lubricant to the level.
Bearings are given an initial charge of grease before leaving
WILO Mather & Platt works and do not require any attention
beyond the normal greasing routine before the first
servicing period. Only greases recommended by pump
manufacturer or their equivalent should be used. Bearings
should never be over greased.
CAUTION !
Do not overfill the thrust bearings with grease.
If too much grease is filled into the bearings, they can
overheat.
9.4.1 Recommended Grease brands
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