Water Pump Startup Procedures & Safety Precautions

Water Pump Startup Procedures & Safety Precautions

Summary

Key Precautions for Industrial Water Pump Startup & Initial Operation

Pump Startup

⚠️WARNING: Carefully read the warning signs on the pump's outer sleeve before startup.

1. Priming the Pump
The pump must be completely filled with water (or the liquid being pumped) before it can be started.
● In Systems with Flooded Suction (Gravity Feed):
    1. Close the pump outlet valve.
    2. Loosen the vent plug on the pump head.
    3. Slowly open the inlet valve until a steady stream of water flows out of the vent hole.
    4. Tighten the vent plug.
    5. Fully open any isolation valves or check valves on the suction line.

● In Open Systems (Where the liquid level is below the pump):
    ⚠️NOTE: A check valve (foot valve) must be installed on the suction pipeline.
    1. Close the pump outlet valve.
    2. Remove the vent plug on the pump head.
    3. Pour the liquid through the vent hole until the pump and the entire suction pipeline are completely filled.
    4. Reinstall and tighten the vent plug.
⚠️WARNING: DO NOT start the pump until it is fully filled with liquid and completely vented!
Safety Precautions:
● Pay close attention to the direction of the vent hole. Ensure that escaping water does not cause personal injury or damage the pump and other components.
● Hot Water Applications: Exercise extreme caution to avoid the risk of severe scalding from hot water or steam.
2. Checking the Direction of Rotation
● Switch on the power briefly.
● Observe the rotation direction by looking at the motor fan blades.
● The correct direction of rotation is indicated by the arrow on the pump head. When viewed from the motor drive end, the pump should rotate in a counter-clockwise direction.
3. Pre-Start Checklist
Before starting the pump, verify the following:
● Mechanical & Electrical:
    1. Check if the anchor bolts (foundation bolts) are securely tightened.
    2. Ensure the mains voltage is correct.
    3. Confirm the direction of rotation is correct.
● Hydraulic:
    1. Confirm the pump is fully primed with water.
    2. Check that all pipe connections are tight and leak-free.
    3. Ensure the pipeline can supply water normally.
    4. The inlet valve must be completely open.
    5. The outlet valve should be opened slowly only after the pump has started.
● Controls & Monitoring:
    If a pressure gauge is installed, monitor the working pressure.
    Check all control settings required for normal operation.
    If the pump is controlled by a pressure switch, check and adjust the start and stop (cut-in/cut-out) pressures.
    Verify that the motor's full-load current (measured via the pressure switch or starter) does not exceed the maximum allowable current.