GIW Technical Series

Reverse Rotation, Torque & Flow in GIW Slurry Pumps

Many slurry pumps, including most GIW pumps, are supplied with a threaded impeller-to-shaft
connection. These pumps must be operated in a manner to maintain positive torque on the shaft.
Otherwise the impeller can unscrew into the suction liner, resulting in damage to the wet end parts
and drive train.
The most common type of failure due to reverse torque is accidental start-up of the pump in reverse
rotation. This is most often seen during the commissioning of new pumps, but can occur any time a
motor is replaced or rewired. To prevent this type of failure, motor rotation should always be
checked with the motor coupling disconnected anytime a new motor is installed or any changes are
made to the wiring.
Reverse torque may also occur under certain conditions of reverse flow in a slurry pump. This most
often happens during a power failure in systems with significant static head. As the flow drains back
through the pump, the impeller slows down, stops and begins turning in reverse. Depending on the
amount of static head, reverse rotation can begin within a matter of seconds and reverse speeds may
exceed the normal running speed by up to 50%. If, however, no unusual resistance is offered by the
system or drive train, positive torque is maintained. This holds true through forward rundown,
reversal and acceleration to reverse rotation, and eventual final reverse rundown to standstill.
Certain types of resistance can, however, cause reverse torque and must be avoided:
1. Excessive motor / drive train resistance or braking while the pump is running down in the
normal (positive) direction of rotation.
2. Any resistance applied to the impeller after the pump begins spinning in reverse. This most
commonly occurs if attempts are made to valve off or divert the flow after reverse rotation has
been achieved. If the flow is reduced too quickly, instead of driving the impeller, it acts as a
brake and reverse torque results. If this reverse torque exceeds the tightening of the impeller
during normal operation, it will unscrew.
To prevent reverse torque problems during shutdown, power failure or reverse flow situations, the
following rules should always be followed:
9 Never apply braking (VFD or mechanical) to the pump drive train during any shutdown (power
failure or normal shutoff). Allow the pump to run down naturally.
9 If possible, prevent reverse flow with a check valve. This is often not practical in slurry systems
due to valve wear considerations. System design and water hammer considerations must also be
addressed.
9 Once reverse flow has developed, do not attempt to valve off or divert the flow from the pumps
in any way. If it is desired to divert the flow to a holding pond to prevent overflow of the sump,
the diversion should be made after the flow has passed through the pumps.
In most cases, reverse rotation is not detrimental to the pump or drive train. Some possible
exceptions that should be checked are:
o Any lubrication systems that are electric motor driven and do not provide for an oil bath backup
during power failure.
o Effects of reverse speed and/or over speed conditions on the motor and/or gearbox. This should
be checked with the manufacturer.

Tech Reverse Rotation and Flow 2007-10-03.doc