What is the recommended installation for piping a base-mounted pump?
• If the inlet piping is not straight into the pump it is recommended that a suction guide/diffuser be bolted to the suction flange of the pump. If a suction guide is NOT used, there should be at least 10 diameters of straight-run pipe between the suction of the pump and the first elbow. This is especially critical in HSC double-suction pump designs as the turbulent inlet flow can cause undue shaft thrust, and subsequent bearing problems. If an elbow must be installed on the pump suction be sure it is in a plane perpendicular to the pump shaft to prevent uneven flow to each side of a double suction impeller. • Pipe from the pump suction flange to the pipe rack, not the other way around • Make sure eccentric reducers are not installed upside down at the pump suction. The top of the reducer should go straight into the suction flange. • Piping should be arranged with as few bends as possible. If bends are necessary use a long radius when ever possible.
