Bell & Gossett P5002169C Series VSCS User Manual
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10. Check rotation. Be sure that the driver
operates in the direction indicated by the 
arrow on the pump casing as serious damage 
can result if pump is operated with incorrect 
rotation. Check rotation each time the motor 
leads have been disconnected. 
WARNING: Rotating Components 
Hazard 
Do not operate pump without all guards in place.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in 
serious injury or death, or property damage. 
STARTING 
1. Close drain valves and valve in discharge line. 
2. Open fully all valves in the suction line.
3. Slowly turn on flush water to the stuffing box.
(If pumped fluid is dirty or if leakage of air is to 
be prevented, these lines should be always 
left open.) 
4. Prime the pump.
5. Start the pump driver (turbines and engines
may require warming up; consult the 
manufacturer’s instructions). 
NOTE: If the pump loses prime during start-up, it 
should be shut down and the condition corrected 
before the procedure is repeated. 
6. When the pump is operating at full speed,
open the discharge valve slowly. This should 
be done promptly after start-up to prevent 
damage to pump by operating at zero flow. 
7. Adjust the flush line valves to produce the
recommended pressure for the stuffing box.
OPTIONAL CHECKLIST 
1. Driver/Pump Rotation: Check rotation each 
time the motor leads have been disconnected. 
Be sure that the driver operates in the 
direction indicated by the arrow on the pump 
casing. Rough operation and extreme 
vibration can result if the pump is operated in 
the wrong direction. 
2. Flow: An accurate measurement of flow rate
(volume/time) is difficult in the field. Venturi 
meters, flow nozzles, orifice plates, or timing 
the draw down in the wet well are all possible 
methods. Record any reading for future 
reference. 
3. Pressure: Check and record both suction and
discharge pressure gauge readings for future
reference. Also record voltage, amperage per 
phase, kilowatts if an indicating wattmeter is 
available, and pump speed. 
4. Temperature: Check and record bearing
temperatures using a thermometer. 
Temperature should not exceed 250°F. 
5. Vibration: The acceptable vibration level of a
centrifugal pump depends on the rigidity of the 
pump and the supporting structure. Refer to 
the Hydraulic Institute Standards for a 
complete description and charts on various 
pumps. 
6. Sound: Field sound levels are difficult to
measure because of background noise from 
piping, valves, drivers, gears, etc. Follow 
recommendations in the Hydraulic Institute 
Standards.
7. Make all pump output adjustments with the
discharge valves.
CAUTION: Cavitation Damage Hazard
Do not throttle the suction valve to adjust the 
pump output. 
Failure to follow these instructions could result in 
property damage and/or moderate personal injury. 
FREEZE PROTECTION 
Pumps that are shut down during freezing 
conditions should be protected by draining the 
pump and removing all liquid from the casing. 
FIELD TESTS 
A typical performance curve for a specific pump 
can be obtained from your local Bell & Gossett 
representative. This can be used in conjunction 
with a field test, if one is required. All Bell & 
Gossett tests and curves are based on the 
Hydraulic Institute Standards. Any field test must 
be conducted according to these Standards. 
Unless otherwise specifically agreed, all capacity, 
head, and efficiencies are based on shop tests 
when handling clear, cold, fresh water at a 
temperature not over 85°F. 
