Fulton Vertical Electric (FT-N) Thermal Fluid (hot oil) Heater - Manual (Page 48)

Fulton Thermal Corp.*Electric Thermal Fluid Heaters Manual* Version 2010-0423
Page 48
b) The pump should never be run without fluid in the casing. For pumps equipped with
mechanical or air-cooled seals, air must be bled out of the stuffing box area to ensure
that thermal fluid has lubricated all seal and bearing areas. Operation of the pump even a
short time without bleeding first will damage the pump.
c) Also use the thermal fluid as a barrier fluid. Remove the 3/8” plug at the barrier fluid fill
port. Fill the cavity with thermal fluid until it comes out of the overflow tube. Replace the
3/8” plug.
d) Mechanical/Air Cooled Seal
1. Open the air bleed connection located directly over the pump shaft.
Replace plug when a steady stream of thermal fluid, free of entrained air,
flows from the port.
2. If flow has not started after two to five minutes, remove the coupling
guard and rotate the pump shaft by hand in the proper direction. This
should help move the cold viscous fluid through close tolerance seal
areas. Replace plug when flow is steady.
3. If this fails to induce flow, introduce fluid through the bleed port and
rotate the shaft by hand to work the fluid around the seal area. Continue
to add fluid and rotate the shaft until no more fluid can be added.
4. Replace the plug and run pump for five to ten seconds. Stop the pump,
remove the plug and wait for flow to start. If after two minutes flow has
not started, add more fluid as described above and run the pump for five
minutes.
5. Constantly check the bearing area (located immediately behind the
casing) for overheating. Remove the plug and check for flow.
6. If flow has not started at this point, the fluid may be too viscous to move
through the seal area. Start the system normally by selecting heat on the
control panel, and raise the temperature 50°F. Continue to raise the
system temperature by 50°F increments. Keep checking the pump until
flow starts.
Caution
1. Use extreme caution opening plug when system temperature is elevated.
2. Wear eye and hand protection.
3. Back the plug out slowly to the last two or three threads. Allow any pressure
under plug to bleed slowly to prevent a spray of hot oil.