Instructions for

Installation, Operation
and Maintenance

Vertical In-line
Multistage Pump
 RGV Series

Instruction Manual
Safety precautions

This symbol together with one of the following words “Danger” or “Warning” indicates the
risk level deriving from failure to observe the prescribed safety precautions:

DANGER Warns that failure to observe the precautions involves a risk of

Risk of electric shock electric shock.

DANGER Warns that failure to observe the precautions involves a risk of

damage to persons and/or things.

WARNING Warns that failure to observe the precautions involves the risk of
damaging the pump and/or the plant.

1. General information
The purpose of these explanations and recommendations is to facilitate the correct installation of the pump,
thus ensuring the best possible hydraulic and electrical performance of the unit.
The pump is a high-performance, low-noise vertical multi-stage IN-LINE unit, comprising different stages
arranged in series which provide constant flow with head varying according to the number of impellers.
0
Designed to work with clean water at a maximum temperature of up to 35 C.
Impellers, motor shaft and outer casing in stainless steel, diffusers are stainless steel, pump mounting and
intermediate body in stainless steel. Prior to assembly, all our materials are rigorously verified and
subjected to the most exacting quantity controls.
By strictly following the instructions for the installation and use of the pump and our recommendations for
electrical connection, you will avoid any problems that might otherwise occur, for which we can accept no
responsibility.

2. Installation
The pump should be installed in a dry, well-ventilated place, protected from the rain or any
risk of flooding or frost.
For adequate ventilation, and to facilitate any servicing that may be necessary, the pump
should be installed at least 1.5 metres away from walls, roofs or other machinery (see fig 1).
The pump should be anchored to a solid base of concrete brick, etc. through the holes in the
pump mounting plate, avoiding any risk of undesirable noise or vibration (see fig 2).
The pump intake should be as near to the water level as possible.
We also recommend that both suction and discharge pipework be of a larger diameter than
the pump intake and discharge ports.
When connected with eccentric and concentric cones, as otherwise head loss will be
increased, with a considerable reduction in flow (see fig 3).
3. Pipes assembly
All pipework should be connected to the pump with standard connection pieces (see fig 4)
NOTE : When connecting suction and discharge pipework, pump intake and discharge ports, marked with
arrows, must be taken into account (see fig 5).
Suction piping should slope gently upwards towards the pump, to facilitate priming and bleeding (see fig 6).
A foot valve should be installed, submerged to a depth of a least 50-75 cm, to avoid whirlpools, with the
consequent risk of air entering the system.
Discharge pipework should be of a diameter equal to or greater than the pump discharge. We
recommended that a check valve be installed to absorb water hammer and avoid the need to drain the
pump before dismantling.
Pipework should be allowed to rest against pump casing.

4. Electrical connection
Electrical connection should be made in line with the low voltage technical electrical
regulations of each individual country.
Our pumps are supplied without a thermal protection and consequently it is the installer who
is responsible for installing a motor protection device, suitable to the specific features of the
motor in terms of amperage, voltage and electrical security.
To ensure correct electrical connection, see the wiring diagram in the motor connection box
(see fig 7).
NEVER START THE MOTOR BEFORE PRIMING.

5. Priming
Prior to starting the motor the pump body must be primed as follows :
FLOODED SUCTION INSTALLATIONS
If the pump is connected to an installation with flooded suction, only the top bleed screw has
to be removed and the gate valve opened. When water comes out of the hole the screw
may be replaced (see fig 8)
SUCTION LIFT INSTALLATIONS
For installations with suction, open the top bleed screw and fill the pump body with water
until it comes out of the bleed screw hole.
This can take some time. It must not be forgotten that we are filling the entire suction pipe
(see fig 9)
It is very important for the pump to be primed slowly. It the operation is performed too
quickly, bubbles of air will enter the pump and could later create problems.

6. Before starting the pump

Ensure that the voltage and frequency are the same as those shown on the motor
specification plate.
Check that all pipework and connecting flanges are watertight and that the pump has been
properly primed.
Ensure that the motor turns freely.
Start the motor and verify the direction of rotation. Looking from above (motor fan), it should
turn in a clockwise direction. If the direction of rotation is wrong, switch over the two phases
on the mains cable (see fig 10).

7. Start up
Open all gates valves in the pump suction and discharge lines.
Turn on the start switch and check that the amperage drawn is the same as that shown on the motor
specification plate. Adjust the thermal relay to the current drawn.
If the motor does not run or the pump fails to draw water, check the troubleshooting section to be found at
the end of this manual.

8. Maintenance
Our pumps are essentially maintenance free.
0
In colder seasons, when temperatures fall below 0 C, special care must be taken in
completely emptying the pump to avoid the risk of damage. To empty the pump, open the
drain circuit at the foot of the pump and wait until it has emptied completely. It the pump is
not to be used for an extended period of time, we recommended that it be fully drained and
stored with a dust cover in a dry, well-ventilated place.
POSSIBLE FAULTS, CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

1) Higher noise level than usual.

2) Motor will not start.
3) Thermal relay jumps frequently.
4) The motor turn but no water is drawn.
5) The pump rotates in opposite direction when stopped.
6) Unstable pump operation.

1 2 3 4 5 6 POSSIBLE PROBLEM SOLUTIONS

r Motor bearing damaged Replace bearings

Wrong φ on suction line or gate valve Increase φ of pipe or open gate valve
r not fully open fully
r
Operation beyond scope of normal Partially close gate valve on discharge
curve line
r Thermal relay not connected Check motor protection

r r
Ensure mains and spec. voltage are the
Wrong voltage
same
r Pump blocked Call Official Service Engineer

r
Check safety devices pressure switch
Safety device on
level switch etc
r Badly set Check current and re-adjust

r Power drawn higher than spec. Ensure that pump is working its hydraulic

r Gate valve closed Check status of all gate valves

r
Distance between water level and motor
Shorten suction line length
more than 9 m
r Pump not primed Prime pump property

r Air entering suction line Check air-tightness of suction line

r Foot valve blocked Clean or change foot valve

r Motor running in wrong direction Ensure rotation is clockwise

r Directive foot valve Change foot valve

r Leak in suction line Seal leak

r Supply line too small Change for correct φ

r Water supply insufficient Ensure supply of correct flow

r Sign of cavitation Reduce suction height

MAINTENANCE

1. Routine Test
a) Inspections should be carried out in accordance with routine maintenance chart.

b) A high degree of cleanliness of the equipment and surrounding area should be maintained during all
maintenance procedures.

c) Listen for any unusual noise developed. Look for

i) Loose stud bolts holding coupling guard.

ii) Worn coupling.
iii) Air trapped in pump.
iv) Hydraulic noise, if the suction conditions have changed, causing minor cavitation.
v) Small solids entering pump.

d) Note the suction gauge reading and confirm that it is usual. If it is higher than the normal value :

i) Check whether there is a valve in the supply system been partially closed.
ii) Check the static suction lift whether it has increased.

e) Note the discharge gauge reading and confirm that it is as usual. If lower than the normal value :

i) Inspect for serious leakage anywhere, owing to pipe fracture.

ii) A valve in the delivery line may have been fully opened, which was previously partially closed.

2. Lubrication

a) Bearings are initially lubricated during manufacture. The re-greasing interval depends upon the running
speed of the unit : -

PUMP RUNNING SPEED RE-GREASING INTERVAL

1450 RPM 5000 HOURS

2950 RPM 3000 HOURS

To recharge the bearings with fresh grease, use a grease gun through the two lubricating nipples
provided.

b) Do not apply lubricant when pump is running.

Every 10,000 hours or 2 years, remove bearings from pump, de-grease, thoroughly clean, recharge with
fresh grease and refit in accordance with reassembly instructions.

Recommended greases : - MAKE GRADE

Shell Alvania R3
Esso Beacon 3
Castrol Spheerol AP 3
Mobil Mobilplex 3
3. Bearings
a) These instructions do not supercede any information issued by the bearing manufacturers, to whom the
application should be made for more comprehensive literature by personnel responsible for bearing care
and who wish to make a detailed study.

b) For type of bearing fitted refer to data sheet.

c) Care and maintenance of bearing is a matter of ensuring that they are:-

i) Correctly lubricated at intervals as laid down in routine maintenance chart.

ii) Removed, cleaned and refitted with care.
iii) Tools used and work areas should be clean.

d) To remove a bearing, use correctly suited withdrawal equipment. If other means are not available, a
hammer and soft metal drift may be used to tap evenly around the circumference of the inner ring.

e) CAUTION: Damage can be caused by exerting force against the outer ring of a ball bearing.

f) Ball bearings should not be dismantled.

g) Clean the bearings thoroughly with an approved fluid.

h) Dry the bearings by spinning with dry compressed air or by hand. Do not spin a clean dry bearing.

i) Inspect the bearing for wear, fractures, cracks, corrosion or other damages that may necessitate bearing
replacement.

j) Pack both sides of bearing with grease.

k) Check that the bearing, shaft and housing are clean and undamaged.

l) Recharge with grease to a maximum of two thirds full.

m) Refit the bearing onto the shaft and press or tap into position.

4. Routine Maintenance Chart

Every Week - Visually check for leaks.

Check for vibration.
Adjust gland as necessary to maintain slight leakage.
Test the bearing housing for any sign of temperature rise by hand.

Every Month - Check bearing temperature with a thermometer.

Check the functioning of the control panel and the
tightness of the connections.

Every 3 Months - Check the condition of the grease lubricated bearings.

Check the contactors for humming sound and clean the contacts if
necessary.

Every 6 Months - Check the packing and replace if necessary.

Check shaft of shaft sleeve for scoring.
Check alignment of pump and motor.
Check holding down bolts for tightness.
Check coupling for wear.

Every Year - Check the rotating element for wear.

Check the wear ring clearances.
Clean and re-grease bearings.
Measure total dynamic suction and discharge head.