Operation – Bell & Gossett P5002169C Series VSCS User Manual
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OPERATION
FLUSHING 
New and old systems should be flushed to 
eliminate all foreign matter. Heavy scale, welding 
splatter and wire or other large foreign matter can 
clog the pump impeller. This will reduce the 
capacity of the pump causing cavitation, excessive 
vibration, and/or damage to close clearance parts 
(wear rings, seals, sleeves, etc.). 
FILLING
Vents should be located at the highest point so 
entrained gases and air can escape. However, if 
the gases are flammable, toxic, or corrosive they 
should be vented to an appropriate place to 
prevent harm to personnel or other parts of the 
system. Pipe hangers and anchors should be 
checked to make sure they are properly set to take 
the additional weight of the pumpage. 
All drains should be closed when filling the 
system. Filling should be done slowly so that 
excessive velocities do not cause rotation of the 
pumping elements that may cause damage to the 
pump or its driver. The adequacy of the anchors 
and hangers may be checked by mounting a dial 
indicator off of any rigid structure not tied to the 
piping and setting the indicator button on the pump 
flange in the axial direction of the nozzle. If the 
indicator moves, as the filling proceeds, the 
anchors and supports are not adequate or set 
properly and should be corrected. 
PRIMING
If the pump is installed with a positive head on the 
suction, it can be primed by opening the suction 
valve and loosening the vent plug on top of the 
casing (do not remove), allowing air to be purged 
from the casing. 
If the pump is installed with a suction lift, priming 
must be done by other methods such as foot 
valves, ejectors, or by manually filling the casing 
and suction line. 
CAUTION: Seal Damage Hazard
Do not run pump dry. Seal damage may occur.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in 
serious property damage and/or moderate 
personal injury. 
While venting the air from the pump body, the 
pump shaft should be rotated a few times by hand. 
PRE-START CHECKS
WARNING: Unexpected Startup Hazard
Disconnect and lockout power before servicing.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in 
serious personal injury or death, or property 
damage. 
WARNING: Electrical Shock Hazard
Electrical connections to be made by a qualified 
electrician in accordance with all applicable codes, 
ordinances, and good practices. 
Failure to follow these instructions could result in 
serious personal injury or death, or property 
damage. 
Before the initial start of the pump, make the 
following inspections: 
1. Check the alignment between the pump and
motor. (See the Coupling Alignment section 
for alignment requirements.) 
2. Check all connections to the motor and
starting device with the wiring diagram. Check 
voltage, phase, and frequency on the motor 
nameplate with the line circuit. 
3. Check the suction and discharge piping and
the pressure gauges for proper operation.
4. Turn the rotating element by hand to ensure
that it rotates freely.
5. Check the stuffing box adjustment, lubrication,
and piping (packing seal only).
6. Check the driver lubrication. Refer to the
driver installation, operation, and maintenance 
manual. 
7. Ensure that the pump bearings are properly
lubricated. See the Pump Bearings 
paragraphs in the Lubrication section. 
8. Ensure that the coupling is properly lubricated,
if required. See the Couplings paragraph in 
the Lubrication section. 
9. Ensure that the pump is full of liquid and that
all valves are properly set and operational, 
with the discharge valve closed and the 
suction valve fully open. Purge all air from the 
top of the casing. 
