What are the operational precautions for a centrifugal pump?


The operation of centrifugal pumps must strictly follow the specifications to ensure the safe and stable operation of the equipment, extend its service life, and avoid faults or safety accidents caused by improper operation. The following are detailed operational precautions:

Preparations before startup

  • Check equipment status First, confirm whether all parts of the centrifugal pump are securely connected and if there is any looseness, especially the bolts connecting the pump body and motor, and the flange connections of the inlet and outlet pipelines. Also, check whether the pump shaft rotates smoothly without sticking or abnormal noises. If any issues are found, they should be investigated and resolved promptly.
  • Verify lubrication system Check whether the oil level of the lubricating oil (or grease) in the bearing box is within the specified range, and whether the oil quality is good without deterioration, emulsification, or impurities. If the oil level is insufficient, add lubricating oil (or grease) of the same type; if the oil quality is poor, it must be completely replaced.
  • Confirm sealing condition For centrifugal pumps using mechanical seals, check whether the mechanical seal is installed correctly and if there are any signs of leakage; for pumps with packing seals, check the tightness of the packing to ensure good sealing without affecting the pump shaft rotation.
  • Check inlet and outlet valves Close the outlet valve and open the inlet valve to ensure the pump is filled with liquid and air inside the pump is expelled to prevent "air binding." If the conveyed liquid contains gas, venting operations are also required.
  • Verify power supply parameters Check whether the power supply voltage and frequency match the motor's rated parameters, whether the wiring connections are correct and secure, and whether grounding is good to avoid motor damage caused by power issues.

Operations during startup

  • Start the motor according to procedures When starting the motor, closely monitor the motor's starting current and running sound. The starting current should return to the rated current within the specified time. If the starting current is too high or lasts too long, stop the motor immediately for inspection. Also, the motor should run smoothly without abnormal noise.
  • Slowly open the outlet valve After the motor starts normally, slowly open the outlet valve and gradually adjust the pump's flow and head to the required operating conditions. During the opening of the outlet valve, observe changes in pump pressure, current, and other parameters to avoid overpressure or overcurrent.

Monitoring during operation

  • Monitor key parameters During the operation of the centrifugal pump, continuously monitor the pump's outlet pressure, flow, motor current, bearing temperature, and other parameters. Outlet pressure and flow should remain stable within the specified range, motor current must not exceed the rated value, and bearing temperature generally should not exceed 70°C (refer to the equipment manual for specifics). If abnormal parameters are found, take timely measures to adjust or stop the pump for inspection.
  • Check for leaks Regularly inspect the pump's sealing parts and the connections of inlet and outlet pipelines for leaks. If leaks are found, handle them promptly to prevent liquid loss and environmental pollution.
  • Pay attention to abnormal noises and vibrations During operation, if abnormal noises (such as impact or friction sounds) or severe vibrations are detected, stop the pump immediately for inspection. Identify the cause and eliminate faults before restarting.

Shutdown operations

  • Close the outlet valve Before shutdown, slowly close the outlet valve to reduce the pump load and minimize water hammer effects on the equipment.
  • Cut off power supply After closing the outlet valve, cut off the motor power supply to stop the pump operation.
  • Clean the site After shutdown, clean the pump body and surrounding debris to keep the equipment clean. If the pump will be stopped for a long time, drain the liquid inside the pump to prevent freezing or corrosion damage.

Routine maintenance

  • Regularly replace lubricating oil (or grease) According to the equipment manual, regularly replace the lubricating oil (or grease) in the bearing box, generally every 1000-1500 operating hours, to ensure good lubrication of the bearings.
  • Inspect and adjust sealing devices For mechanical seals, regularly check the wear of the sealing surfaces and replace them promptly if worn; for packing seals, regularly adjust the packing tightness and replace packing if necessary.
  • Regularly clean filters Filters on the inlet and outlet pipelines should be cleaned regularly to prevent impurities from entering the pump and damaging impellers, bearings, and other components.
  • Maintain equipment inspection records Establish an equipment inspection record system to document the centrifugal pump's operating parameters, fault conditions, and handling measures in detail, providing a basis for maintenance and upkeep.

In summary, strictly following the operational precautions for centrifugal pumps and performing routine maintenance can effectively improve equipment operating efficiency and reliability, reduce failure rates, and extend the equipment's service life.