01

Complete the pre-start review

Confirm the equipment matches approved drawings and datasheets. Check installation, supports, piping cleanliness, valve orientation, electrical supply, rotation procedure, lubricant, guards, relief path and chemical compatibility before introducing process chemical.

  • Pump and motor nameplates
  • Foundation, alignment and guards
  • Correct check-valve orientation
  • Open and unrestricted relief route
  • Instrument ranges and calibration
  • Flushing and decontamination arrangements

02

Prime and start safely

Use the approved priming procedure and a safe compatible fluid where required. Vent trapped air through the designed route. Start at a conservative setting where the manufacturer permits, observe suction and discharge behaviour and stop immediately if leakage, abnormal noise or excessive pressure develops.

  • Correct tank and valve line-up
  • No dry running unless explicitly permitted
  • Controlled venting of air or gas
  • Monitor pressure and motor current
  • Inspect all connections for leakage

03

Calibrate and prove controls

Measure delivered volume over a known time under representative back pressure. Compare flow across required settings, then test remote start/stop, analogue or digital control, alarms, trips, duty/standby changeover and loss-of-signal behaviour.

  • Stable calibration interval
  • Representative discharge pressure
  • Minimum and normal operating points
  • Alarm and permissive testing
  • Recorded baseline for maintenance

04

Troubleshoot in a fixed sequence

If capacity is low or unstable, check chemical supply and valve line-up first, then suction conditions, trapped gas, check valves, back pressure, control signals and mechanical condition. Change one variable at a time and record the result. Do not defeat trips or exceed pressure ratings to force delivery.

  • Process availability
  • Suction integrity and NPSH
  • Valve cleanliness and orientation
  • Discharge restriction and pressure
  • Stroke, speed and control command
  • Mechanical inspection only after safe isolation

Frequently asked questions

Why should calibration be performed against back pressure?

Positive-displacement delivery and system behaviour should be verified under conditions representative of service, including the accessories and control range.

What records should commissioning produce?

Keep completed checklists, calibration results, alarm and interlock tests, operating baselines, punch items and the final approved settings.

Technical references

Use the current applicable standard, manufacturer manual and project specification for final engineering.

VK Pumps commissioning and technical support Request a model-specific VK Pumps manual