Pump Handbook

Pump Installation (Cont.)

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Setting the Baseplate and Pump Unit

After the foundation has been installed and allowed to cure, the baseplate should be set. The following are some general steps involved in setting the baseplate / pump unit.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF ITS EQUIPMENT.

  • Prepare the foundation for setting the pump baseplate and pump unit. It may be necessary to chip the top 1/2" to 1" from the surface of the foundation to remove the cement-rich surface called laitance. The laitance is a weak surface created when concrete is cast and would not provide for proper adhesion or support for the grout that will be installed under the baseplate.

  • Setting the baseplate: Lower pump unit onto foundation. On the foundation pad, elevate the baseplate with shims, wedges or jacking bolts (3/4" to 1-1/2") to allow for adequate grout.

  • Leveling baseplate: Level the baseplate over its length and width by adjusting leveling shims, wedges or jacking bolts. Before tightening anchor bolts, align unit.

  • Align the pump and drive equipment following the pump manufacturer's recommendations. Dial indicators or laser alignment. After the unit has been brought into the pump manufacturer's recommended alignment, and the alignment devices are still attached to the equipment shafts, hand tighten the anchor bolts while observing the indicators. If a shaft movement or more that .002" is indicated, the baseplate has a "soft" anchor bolt/shim. This condition must be corrected before proceeding.

  • As part of the foundation after the baseplate has been properly set, the baseplate should be grouted. The use of an epoxy grout should be considered. Epoxy grout can provide a rigid vibration and chemical resistant mounting for the baseplate. Follow the grout manufacturer's recommendations for preparation of the foundation and grout.

  • After the grout has been allowed to cure, check alignment to insure that it has not changed. If the alignment has changed, realign unit.

  • All piping must be supported independently of, and line up naturally with the pump flanges. Before connection of piping to the pump flanges, attach indicators to the equipment shafts as previously illustrated, zero indicators, and connect suction piping and observe indicators. If more than .002 movement is indicated, adjust piping and or piping supports to eliminate pipe strain. Follow the same procedure for the pump discharge.

  • After attachment of the piping, re-check alignment and adjust if necessary.

  • Prior to starting the unit, review the manufacturer's installation, operation and maintenance manual for proper start-up procedures.

  • Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper startup of unit. Run the unit under actual operating conditions for a sufficient length of time to bring the pump and driver to operating temperature. Check alignment while unit is still hot per the manufacturer's recommendations.

At installation of the foundation and pump pump unit, prepare a check list of steps to be taken during the installation. Check lists are helpful, handy reminders that make the job go more smoothly. A check list can also be used to assist in verifying that the installer has taken all the necessary steps. This can be done by requesting the installer to notify you at each step in the installation, allowing you to inspect the work's progress, and signing off that the proper work has been completed. An example of an installation check list follows in the sample documents.

 

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