Pump Commissioning Checklist

Pre-Startup Checks

• Verify installation: Check that the pump is correctly mounted on the baseplate, all bolts are tight, and grouting is complete.
• Check alignment: Verify pump-to-motor alignment with a laser alignment tool. Correct if necessary. Both cold and hot alignment.
• Check rotation direction: Bump the motor (start and stop quickly) and verify rotation matches the arrow on the pump casing. Wrong rotation causes immediate damage.
• Check lubrication: Verify bearings are greased or oil is at the correct level. Use the manufacturer's specified lubricant.
• Check seal flush: If the seal has a flush line, verify it is connected and the flow path is clear.
• Inspect piping: Verify suction and discharge piping is clean, properly supported, and not putting strain on the pump casing.
• Open suction valve: Fully open the suction valve. Never start the pump with suction valve closed.
• Check NPSH: Verify that the suction conditions provide adequate NPSH for the pump. See our Pump NPSH Explained guide.
• Vent the casing: Open the vent valve on the pump casing to release trapped air. Close it when liquid flows out.

Startup Procedure

1. Close the discharge valve partially (not fully closed). This reduces starting load.
2. Start the motor. Listen for unusual noises.
3. Observe the discharge pressure gauge. It should rise to the shut-off head within seconds.
4. Open the discharge valve slowly to the required flow rate.
5. Monitor motor current. It should be within nameplate rating.
6. Check for leaks at all flanges, seals, and connections.
7. Listen for cavitation noise (crackling like gravel). If present, stop the pump and investigate suction conditions.
8. Monitor bearing temperature for the first hour. Normal operating temperature is 50 to 70 degrees C. Above 80 degrees C is a concern.
9. Check vibration. Compare to baseline and ISO 10816 limits.
10. Record operating data: flow rate, suction and discharge pressure, motor current, bearing temperature, vibration level.

Post-Startup Checks

• Re-check alignment hot: After the pump has been running for 2 to 4 hours and reached operating temperature, re-check alignment.
• Verify seal performance: Mechanical seal should have minimal to no visible leakage. Continuous dripping indicates a problem.
• Trend operating data: Record baseline performance: flow, pressure, current, temperature, vibration. This is the reference for future condition monitoring.
• Set up maintenance schedule: Create a maintenance plan in PlantLogica with daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual tasks.