Thrush 3500 RPM User Manual

OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

FOR BASE MOUNTED END SUCTION

CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

The THRUSH End Suction Centrifugal Pump has been carefully assembled and factory tested to
provide years of trouble free service. In order to insure the service intended, the following
information is provided to enable proper installation, operation and maintenance of this product.

9636-0400 8/08

INSTALLATION

LOCATION

The pump should be located as close to the liquid source as possible so that the suction line can
be short and direct. It should be located in a clean, open area, where it is easily accessible for
inspection, lubrication and repair. Pumps installed in dark, dirty areas or cramped locations are
often neglected which can result in premature failure of both the pump and the driver.

Adequate provisions should be made for electrical wiring to the pump motor. A switch and
overload protection should be installed near the pump unless it is impractical. The electrical
conduit should be positioned in such a way as to preclude the possibility of moisture entering the
conduit or the motor and causing short circuit.

FOUNDATION

The foundation must be sufficiently rigid to absorb any vibration and stress encountered during
pump operation. A raised foundation of concrete is preferable for most floor-mounted pumps.
The raised foundation assures a satisfactory base, protects against flooding, simplifies moisture
drainage and facilitates keeping the area clean.

The pump should be firmly bolted to the foundation, whether it is a raised concrete base,
steelwork wall, or structural member. The mounting bolts or studs should be accurately located
per the applicable THRUSH dimension sheet. Foundation bolts should be enclosed by a slee ve 2
to 4 diameter larger than the bolt to allow movement for proper alignment with the pump mounting
holes. Refer to Figure 1. If the pump is to be mounted on steelwork or other structure, adequate
support should be provided to prevent distortion of the base plate or the structure, which could
produce excessive strain on the pump casing and piping and seriously affect alignment of the
pump and driver.

MOUNTING

The pump unit should be set on the foundation, being careful not to damage the threads on the
foundation bolts. The flexible coupling halves should be disconnected. Shims could be inserted
and the pump leveled. A spirit level should be used on the faces of the flexible coupling halves
and on the suction and discharge flanges. If the pump has threaded nozzles, a short piece of
pipe inserted in the nozzles will serve as a smooth surface for a leveling reference point. The
shims should be adjusted until the pump is leveled horizontally and vertically. Tighten the
foundation bolts finger tight.

GROUTING

Grouting the base plate prevents lateral movement of the base plate and improves the vibration
absorbing characteristics of the foundation by increasing its mass. A wooden dam should be
constructed around the base plate to contain the grout while it is being poured. The entire base
plate should be filled with grout, allow 48 to 72 hours for grout to dry. After grout is thoroughly
dried, firmly tighten foundation bolts.

PIPING

The piping practices followed will directly affect the efficiency and power consumption of the
pump. Pay particular attention to the seemingly insignificant details involved in piping for they
make the difference between a good and bad installation. BOTH THE SUCTION AND THE
DISCHARGE PIPING SHOULD BE INDEPENDENTLY SUPPORTED NEAR THE PUMP.
LIBERAL USE OF PIPE HANGERS AND SUPPORT BLOCKS WILL PREVENT EXCESSIVE
STRAIN ON THE PUMP CASING AND ON THE PIPE JOINTS. The suction diameter should be
at least the same diameter as the suction nozzle on the pump and preferably larger. Use of a
smaller diameter pipe will result in loss of head due to friction. All joints must be tight to maintain
prime on the pump.

SUCTION PIPING

Long radius elbows should be used in place of standard elbows wherever possible, beca use of
their superior flow characteristics. Elbows should not be used at suction nozzle, but if it is
unavoidable, long radius elbows should be used. Elbows installed in any position at the suction
nozzle have a tendency to distribute the liquid unevenly in the impeller eye and may cause a
reduction in capacity, create an undesirable thrust condition, or create noisy operation. Eccentric
reducers should be installed directly at the suction nozzle, with the taper at the bottom to prevent
air pockets from forming. Straight taper reducers should never be used in a horizontal suction
line because of the air pocket that is formed at the leg of the reducer and the pipe.

DISCHARGE PIPING

The discharge pipe diameter should be the same as or larger than the discharge nozzle diameter.
The size of the discharge pipe to be used is dependent upon its application.

Long radius elbows should be used in the discharge piping as well as in the suction piping to
prevent excessive head loss due to friction. Whenever possible, elbows should not be installed
directly at the discharge nozzle as the turbulence created by the elbow will affect pressure gauge
readings.

An increaser should be installed at the discharge nozzle if larger diameter discharge piping is
used. Straight taper increasers and/or reducers are satisfactory in discharge applications.

Expansion joints are used primarily to prevent the transmission of piping strain, caused by
thermal expansion and contraction, piping misalignment, pressure cha nges, or other causes, to
the pump casing. They are also used to suppress any noise that may be transmitted through the
piping.

PROPER PIPING ALIGNMENT IS ESSENTIAL BEFORE CONNECTION IS MADE. PIPING
ALIGNMENT SHOULD NEVER BE ACHIEVED BY FORCE. THIS COULD PRODUCE STRAIN
ON THE PIPING AND THE PUMP CASING. PROPER SUPPORTS SHOULD BE INSTALLED
FOR THE PIPING TO KEEP ITS WEIGHT OFF THE PUMP CASING.

ALIGNMENT

The pump and driver were accurately aligned at the factory. However, it is impossible to maintain
this alignment during shipping and handling. Therefore, it will be necessary to realign the pump
and driver. Flexible couplings are not universal joints and should not be used to compensate for
misalignment of the pump and motor shafts. Their function is to transmit power from the driver to
the pump while compensating for thermal expansion and shaft end movement. The coupling
faces should be far enough apart so that they do not make contact when the motor shaft is forced
to the limit of the bearing clearance toward the pump.

There are two types of misalignment encountered with flexible couplings: ANGULAR
MISALIGNMENT in which the shafts are not parallel and PARALLEL MISALIGNMENT where the
shafts are parallel but not on the same axis.

STRAIGHT EDGE ALIGNMENT

All THRUSH base mounted end suction pumps are furnished with flexible couplings. To check
alignment, simply place the alignment gauge furnished with the pump across the coupling
flanges, making sure the edge is firmly against the coupling halves. If parallel misalignment
exists, there will be a gap under the gauge. To correct this, loosen the motor, hold down bolts
and realign or shim motor until the alignment gauge rests firmly on both coupling halves as in
Figure 2. Check alignment at 90° increments around the circumference of the coupling. (Do not
rotate shaft for this check.) If alignment is correct, retighten motor bolts. After the bolts have
been tightened, recheck alignment. Angular misalignment can be checked with a caliper by
checking the spacing between coupling halves at 90° intervals. If misalignment exists, realign as
previously described.

DIAL INDICATOR ALIGNMENT

To check angular alignment with a dial indicator, remove coupling insert, clamp the dial indicator
to the pump coupling half so that the ball on the indicator just rests on the face of the motor
coupling half. A chalk mark should be made at the point where the ball contacts the coupling half.
Both the pump shaft and the motor shaft should be rotated an equal amount so that the reading is
taken at all check points with the ball on the chalk mark. Insert shims as required. To check
parallel alignment with the dial indicator, the ball should rest on periphery of the motor coupling
half. A chalk mark should be made at the point of contact, and the shafts rotated equally so that
the reading is taken with the ball on the chalk mark at all check points. Insert shims as required.

NOTE: ANY ADJUSTMENT TO CORRECT ONE DIRECTION OF ALIGNMENT MAY AFFECT
THE OTHER DIRECTION. THEREFORE, IT IS NECESSARY TO RECHECK BOTH ANGUALR
AND PARALLEL ALIGNMENT AFTER EACH ADJUSTMENT.

THRUSH STANDARD COUPLINGS (TB WOODS) WILL OPERATE SATISFACTORILY WITH
1/16” PARALLEL MISALIGNMENT OR 1 Deg. ANGULAR MISALIGNMENT MAXIMUM. ON
OTHER COUPLINGS CONSULT MANUFACTURE’S DATA.

Figure 2

OPERATION

CAUTION: CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS SHOULD NEVER BE STARTED OR RUN DRY.
OPERATING A PUMP DRY WILL CAUSE SCORING OF THE MECHANICAL SEAL,
RESULTING IN PREMATURE SEAL FAILURE. TO PREVENT THE PUMP FROM BEING RUN
DRY, IT SHOULD BE PRIMED BEFORE STARTING.

PRIMING THE PUMP

The pump will not operate satisfactorily until it is primed. All air must be expelled from the suction
piping and pump casing and replaced by the liquid to be pumped. There are several methods of
priming pumps. The one selected will depend on the specific requirements.

FLOODED SUCTION PRIMING

This method of priming a pump is relatively simple. (See Figure 3) The liquid source is located
above the pump and all that is necessary to prime the pump is to open the air vent valve or plug
in the pump casing and to crack open the gate valve in the suction line. The suction line and
pump should be filled slowly until a steady stream of liquid is observed flowing from the air vent.
After the pump is operating, it is recommended that the air vent valve or plug be opened again to
insure that all air has been expelled from the pump casing.

SUCTION LIFT

A foot valve should be used for priming on suction lift applications (See figure 3). The foot valve
located at the bottom or end of the suction piping functions as a check valve, which allows flow in
one direction only – toward the pump. Otherwise, all the liquid may drain from the pump and
suction piping back into the sump after shutdown. Initial priming is accomplished by completely
filling the suction piping and pump casing with the liquid to be pumped. This can be done by
removing the air vent valve or plug at the top of the pump casing and inserting a pipe nipple in the
orifice with an appropriate increaser to accommodate a hose connection. A priming line can also
be inserted in the discharge piping between the check valve and the pump, or the priming can be
done with a bucket and funnel. IMPORTANT: FILL THE SUCTION PIPE AND PUMP CASING

WITH LIQUID.

When the pump is started, the vacuum created by pumping the priming fluid, combined with
atmospheric pressure in the liquid well, forces liquid into the suction piping, thus opening the
valve and keeping it open until the pump is shut down. When the pump is shut down, the liquid
being pumped reverses its flow causing the valve to close. The liquid is trapped in the suction
piping and pump casing, thus maintaining a prime on the pump.

VACUUM PRIMING

Vacuum priming consists of removing air from the pump casing and suction piping and drawing
liquid into them by means of a vacuum-creating device. The types of vacuum equipment range
from a simple hand pump to a complex central priming system. The specific priming
requirements will govern what type of vacuum primer is used.

STARTING THE PUMP

The discharge gate valve should be partially closed when the pump is started in order to avoid
possible water hammer and initial power draw. As soon as the pump is up to operating speed,
the discharge gate valve should be opened to the desired position. The motor should turn
clockwise when viewed from the motor end and counter-clockwise when viewed from the casing
end.

MAINTENANCE

It is doubtful that the THRUSH pump will ever require complete disassembly; generally only
certain components need to be disassembled to accomplish inspection or repair.

DISASSEMBLY

Since the THRUSH base mounted end suction pumps are a back pull out design, it is
unnecessary to disconnect the piping or casing for service. All service and maintenance can be
performed by disconnecting the coupling and removing the power frame assem bly from the
casing.

1. Close suction and discharge valves.

2. Break electrical connections to prevent drive unit from being energized during
disassembly.

3. Unscrew two of the pipe plugs (29) from top and bottom of the casing (28). (See Parts
List)

4. Remove all relief, cooling, flushing or drain lines, if present, from the pump.

5. Disconnect the flexible coupling from between the pump and motor. Unscrew the hold
down bolts that hold support foot (24) and bearing frame (10) to base.

6. Remove capscrews (30) from bracket (15) and pull bearing frame bracket assembly from
casing (28). Remove casing gasket (27).

7. Unscrew impeller bolt (35) and remove impeller washer (34), taking care not to damage
gaskets (33 & 36).

8. Slide impeller (37) and impeller key (14) from the shaft, again taking care not to damage
sleeve gasket (23) located behind impeller. Remove sleeve gasket (23).

9. Casing wear ring (39) is pressed into casing (28) with an interference fit and must be
removed with a puller if replacement is necessary.

10. If replacing seal cartridge assembly (19, 20, 21 & 22) slide seal assembly off the shaft.

11. If replacing mechanical seal only (21 & 22) slide assembly off the shaft. Remove snap
ring (20) at spring end. Remove spring and seal head (22). The rubber in seal head may
be partially adhered to shaft sleeve (19). Remove seat and O-ring (21). The sleeve
should be carefully cleaned to remove any residue in seal area, and checked for abrasion
or corrosion. The sleeve under the seal may be polished lightly to 32 RMS finish before
replacing seal assembly (21 & 22). DO NOT REUSE A PITTED SLEEVE.

12. NOTE: THE MECHANICAL SEAL IS A PRECISION PRODUCT AND MUST BE
TREATED AS SUCH. DURING REMOVAL GREAT CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO AVOID
DROPPING ANY PART OF THE SEAL. TAKE PARTICULAR CARE NOT TO
SCRATCH THE LAPPED FACES ON THE WASHER OF THE SEALING SEAT. DO
NOT PUT A SEAL BACK INTO SERVICE UNTIL THE SEALING FACES OF THE
WASHER AND SEAT HAVE BEEN LAPPED OR REPLACED.

13. The seal cavity of the bracket (15) should be cleaned of all residues. Make sure the
1/32-inch radius in the seal seat cavity is not damaged during disassembly since a sharp
edge can easily cut the O-ring during reassembly.

14. Remove capscrews (26) and washers (25) to take off support foot (24).

15. Unscrew capscrews (17) and washers (18) to remove bracket (15) from bearing frame
(10).

16. Remove impeller key (14) from the shaft and remove water slinger (66).

17. Unscrew capscrews (3) and remove bearing cap (2). Remove O-ring and retain er ring
(6).

18. Slide out shaft (12) with bearing (7 & 11). Since bearings are press fitted on the shaft,
they will have to be pulled or pressed off the shaft. Remove lip closure seal (5) from
frame and bearing cap if damaged.

REASSEMBLY

1. Press lip closure seal (5) into frame and bearing cap.

2. Press bearings (7 & 11) onto shaft (12). Snap retainer ting (6) into place.

3. Slide shaft (12) with bearings (7 & 11) into frame (10) and place O-ring into place.

4. Fasten bearing cap (2) in position with capscrews (3) and position water slinger (66) on
the shaft.

5. Mount bracket (15) by screwing capscrews (17) and washers (18) into bearing frame (1 0)
to assure proper alignment. Turn all capscrews in an even amount. Fasten the bracket
support foot (24) by placing washers (25) over capscrews (26) and screwing them into
position.

6. Thoroughly inspect the seal cavity in the bracket for burrs or nicks which could damage
the seat of the seal. APPLY A FILM OF SOAP PASTE OR FLAX SOAP (DO NOT USE
OIL OR GREASE) TO THE SEAT AND O-RING (21).

7. If replacing seal cartridge assembly, remove cardboard spacer and slide assembly (19,
20, 21 & 22) onto shaft (12).

8. If it is not possible to insert seal assembly with fingers, press into place with a piece of
tubing that has the end cut square and matches the sleeve diameter. Tubing should be
slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft. Spring tension will probably prevent the
sleeve from remaining in position axially until the impeller is locked against it.

9. When replacing mechanical seal only (21 & 22) wipe the sealing faces of the seat and
seal washer clean. Lubricate theses surfaces and shaft sleeve (19) with a clean soap
solution. Put seat and O-ring (21) on shaft sleeve (19), smooth side to pump end. Slide
the entire rotating assembly onto the sleeve. Carbon in seal head must mate with seal
seat. Replace snap ring (20). The shaft sleeve with the seal rotating assembly on it may
now be replaced onto the pump shaft. Spring tension will probably prevent the sleeve
from remaining in position axially until the impeller is locked against it.

10. Press casing wear ring (39) in casing if change is necessary. Rings should not be
hammered into place. Use a press or clamp the parts in a bench vise using wooden
blocks to protect the rings. It may be necessary to pin or dowel the rings after assembly
if the insert or casing had rings replaced before since each re-assembly can stretch or
tear metal and thereby loosens the fit. If the facility is available it is good practice to take
a very light finish out or to ream the inside diameter of the casing rings after pressing to
restore roundness. When rings are pressed they may get squeezed out of shape.

11. Replace bracket wear ring (16) in bracket (15), if applicable.

12. Carefully place sleeve gasket (23) on motor end of impeller. Assemble impeller key (14)
and impeller (37) to shaft. Secure impeller with impeller washer gasket (33), washer (34
& 36) and impeller bolt (35).

13. Replace casing gasket (27) on bracket (15). Slide entire bearing frame-bracket assembly
into casing (28) being careful not to damage casing gasket (27). With assembly properly
positioned in casing (28) replace capscrews (30). Turn all capscrews in and tighten
evenly. Replace all hold down bolts securing pump assembly to base.

14. Install the two pipe plugs (29) in the pump casing. Position the casing gasket (27) and
casing (28) against the pump bracket and secure with capscrews (30).

15. Replace all relief cooling, flushing or drain lines.

16. Read carefully the selection of the manual titled – INSTALLATION, especially those
paragraphs referring to pump and coupling alignment.

17. Connect electricity to the motor.

18. Lubricate bearings.

19. Open suction and discharge valves.

SERVICE

The THRUSH pump requires no maintenance other than periodic inspectio n, occasional cleaning
and lubrication of bearings. The intent of inspection is to prevent breakdown, thus obtaining
optimum service life. The liquid end of the pump is lubricated by the fluid being pumped and
therefore does not require periodic lubrication. The motor, however, may require lubrication, in
which case, the motor manufacturer’s recommendation should be followed.

LUBRICATION OF IMPELLER SHAFT BEARINGS

The base mounted end suction pump is available with two options for lubricating the shaft
bearings. They are:

1. Re-greasable (standard)

2. Oil Lubrication

REGREASABLE bearings will require periodic lubrication. This can be accomplished by using
the lubrication fittings in the cartridge cap and power frame. Lubricate the bearings at regular
intervals using a grease of high quality. Lime, lithium, lithium soda or calcium base grease is
recommended as lubricants for pumps operating in both wet and dry locations. Mixing of different
brands of grease should be avoided due to possible chemical reaction bet ween the brands, which
could damage the bearings. Accordingly, avoid grease of vegetable or animal base (which can
develop acids) as well as, grease containing rosin, graphite, talc and other impurities. Under no
circumstance should used grease be reused.

THRUSH STANDARD GREASE IS AMERICAN OIL CO, RYCON NO. 2 NLG 1 – 2 OR EQUAL

The THRUSH base mounted end suction pumps are quite large and require a considerable
amount of grease to purge the bearing. It is recommended that the following quantities be used:

No. 1 Power Frame – 2 oz. per bearing on initial startup
No. 2 Power Frame – 4 oz. per bearing on initial startup
The frequency of lubrication is dependent upon the location and environment. In clean, dry

location 1 oz. of grease every 3 months is sufficient. In wet or humid locations the frequency of
lubrication should be doubled.

OIL LUBRICATED bearings are optional on THRUSH base mounted end suction pumps. A fixed
oil level is maintained with the proper frame by an oiler, which allows visual indications of reserve
oil.

On initial installation and before starting a unit that has been shut down for repairs or for any
extended length of time, run enough 10/20 weight motor oil through the oiler to maintain a
constant oil level to insure that the bearing will never be without an oil supply. Oil will have to be
added at intervals to maintain a constant level in the oil cup.

Under working conditions, oil will break down and need to be replaced at regular intervals. The
length of these intervals will depend on many factors. Under normal operation, in clean and dry
locations, the oil should be changed about once a year. However, when the pump is exposed to
dirt contamination, high temperatures (200 Degree F or above) or a wet location, the oil may have
to be changed every 2 or 3 months.

At times it may be necessary to clean the bearings due to accumulated dirt or deteriorated
lubricants. This can be accomplished by flushing the bearing with light oil heated to 180 – 20 0
Degrees F while rotating it on a spindle. Wipe the bearing housing with a clean rag soaked in
kerosene and flush all surfaces. Dry the bearings completely before re-lubricati ng. Compressed
air can be used to speed drying, but care should be taken not to let bearings rotate while being
dried.

CAUTION: USE NORMAL FIRE CAUTION PROCEDURES WHEN USING ANY PETROLEUM
CLEANER.

The motor, which drives the THRUSH pump, may or may not require lubrication. Consult the
motor manufacturer’s recommendations for proper maintenance instruction s.