Maintenance and service – SPP Pumps Instream User Manual
Page 7

Operators Instructions for
Instream Centrifugal Pumps
Manual No/Rev
W23-001E / 8
Our policy is one of continuous improvement and we reserve the right to alter specifications at any time
Page 7 of 16
Check that the suction valve is open and that 
the pump is primed. 
 
Open the discharge valve to one quarter open 
to prevent hydraulic lock from occurring. 
Switch on the motor and allow it to build up to 
full operating speed. Slowly open discharge 
valve until the pump reaches the required duty 
condition. 
 
Check that the motor is not overloading, unit is 
not vibrating or excessively noisy, the motor is 
not overheating, and that the pump is 
developing the correct flow and head 
requirements. 
If the pump is operating at its normal speed, 
the pump should be shut down at once if any 
of the following defects are found: 
a) No liquid delivered. 
b) Not enough liquid delivered. 
c) Not enough pressure. 
d) Loss of liquid after starting. 
e) Vibration. 
f) Motor runs hot. 
g) Excessive noise from cavitation. 
h) Pump overheating. 
Recommended corrective action for these 
faults is given in Section 7 Faults and 
Remedial Action. 
 
5.3
During Operation
Hot Surfaces Hazard 
Do NOT touch surfaces that 
during normal running will be 
sufficiently hot to cause injury. These are 
marked with the HOT warning symbol. Note 
that these surfaces will remain hot after the 
pump has stopped: allow sufficient time for 
cooling before maintenance. Be cautious and 
note that other parts of the pump may become 
hot if a fault is developing. 
 
Cold Conditions Hazard 
Do NOT operate water pumps in 
temperatures below freezing point, 
without first checking that the pumped fluid is 
not frozen and the pump is free to turn. Pumps 
in these environments should be drained down 
during inactivity and re-primed before starting. 
Hazardous Noise 
In addition to local or site 
regulations for noise protection, 
SPP Pumps Ltd. recommend the use of 
Personal Ear Protection equipment in all 
enclosed pump rooms and particularly those 
containing diesel engines. Care must be taken 
to ensure that any audible alarm or warning 
signal can still be heard with ear defenders 
worn. 
Hazardous Gases, Mists, Sprays 
and Leaks 
Be aware of the hazards relating to 
the pumped fluid, especially the danger from 
inhalation of noxious and toxic gases, skin and 
eye contact or penetration. Obtain and 
understand 
the
hazardous
substance
(COSHH) data sheets relating to the pumped 
fluid and note the recommended emergency 
and first aid procedures. 
 
Periodic Checks: 
a) Motor Bearings: 
 
Check the bearing temperatures do not 
exceed 70°C as an increase may indicate the 
early stages of bearing trouble. 
 
b) Noise: 
 
Listen for any unusual noise or an increase in 
normal sound level. 
 
This may result from: 
i) 
Loose fasteners for guards and other 
equipment. 
ii)
Air trapped in the pump i.e. the pump was 
not fully primed. 
iii) Cavitation caused by air in the liquid from
leaks in the suction pipework.
iv) Small solids in the liquid. 
 
NOTE - At certain installations or at certain 
operation points on the pump curve, the noise 
level 70dB (or the actual pump specified noise 
level) can be exceeded. 
 
c) Suction Gauge Reading: 
 
If this is higher than normal, investigate and 
check that valves in the suction pipework are 
fully open or that the suction lift may have 
increased. 
 
d) Discharge Gauge Reading: 
 
If this is lower than normal, check for a leak in 
the associated pipework or that a valve in the 
delivery line has been opened when normally 
it is partially closed. 
 
5.4
Stopping Procedure 
 
Stop the motor then fully close the discharge 
valve. 
 
6. Maintenance and Service
6.1
General Introduction 
 
SPP Pumps Ltd Instream pumps will provide 
many years of trouble free service when 
maintained 
in
accordance
with
these
instructions. In the event of failure of the pump 
it is recommended that SPP Pumps Ltd. 
