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For liquid bulk operators, the pump is part of a complete transfer system. Pipework condition, valves, lubrication, operating settings and cleaning procedures can all affect how that system performs.
The Gardner Denver STP125 Start Up, Shut Down and CIP Checklist brings three important operating procedures into one reference:
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Startup begins before the pump is running.
The first step is confirming that the pump and surrounding pipework are ready to move product.
The pipework should be flushed to purge welding slag and other hard solids, and obstructions should be removed from both the pipework and pump.
Operators should then verify that connections and pipework joints are tight and leak-free, lubrication is present in the pump and drive unit, pipework valves are open and all safety guards are in place.
These checks help establish that the complete transfer path is ready for operation rather than treating the pump as an isolated component.
Once the physical installation has been checked, briefly start and then stop the pump.
Confirm that product is flowing in the correct direction.
Pump speed, pressure and temperature settings should also be checked to confirm that they remain below the pump’s maximum limitations.
When every pre-start question can be answered “yes,” the pump may be used.
If a condition cannot be verified, it should be addressed before normal operation begins.
A repeatable shutdown procedure is just as important as a consistent startup.
When taking the STP125 out of service:
This creates a defined transition from operating equipment to an isolated system that can proceed to the next required process.
The STP125 can be manually cleaned or cleaned in place (CIP).
Specific cleaning requirements for an application should be established by the carrier or shipper.
Before beginning CIP, determine the last product handled by the pump. Remove dust caps and fittings and rinse residue from them using hot water.
A hot-water hose can then be connected to the pump inlet. Alternatively, the pump inlet can be connected to the tank trailer outlet during the tank’s hot-water cleaning cycle.
Where required, a ball or gate valve is installed at the pump discharge to restrict liquid flow during cleaning.
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Three operating conditions are particularly important during the cleaning procedure.
CIP parameter | Checklist guidance |
|---|---|
Hot water / cleaning solution | 176°F to 194°F (80°C to 90°C) |
Cleaning pressure | Approximately 60 to 75 psi |
Time at cleaning pressure | 15 minutes |
For hydraulically driven systems, the hydraulic proportional control valve should initially be in the neutral position. During operation, select forward and slowly increase to full pump speed.
For electrically driven systems, start the system and slowly increase speed using the handwheel on the belt variator.
Once the system is operating, use the ball or gate valve to restrict liquid flow and increase pump pressure to approximately 60 to 75 psi.
A pressure gauge at the discharge outlet is required to verify pressure.
The pump should then run for 15 minutes at this cleaning pressure.
The checklist contains an additional cleaning procedure that applies only to pumps fitted with a relief valve.
Do not perform this step if the pump does not have a relief valve.
For an applicable pump, the ball or gate valve is closed until the pump relief valve activates. The valve is then opened, closed again and reopened.
This sequence is intended to remove residue from behind the relief-valve diaphragm and other close-tolerance areas inside the pump.
Because this procedure deliberately interacts with the relief valve, operators should follow the checklist exactly and confirm that the pump is equipped appropriately before proceeding.
One of the most important warnings in the checklist concerns thermal shock.
Do not subject the STP125 to rapid temperature changes.
Rapid temperature changes can result in pump seizure due to thermal shock.
This means cleaning temperature should not be considered independently from the temperature of the pump itself. Operators should manage the transition into and out of the cleaning process rather than abruptly exposing the equipment to a significantly different temperature.
Once cleaning is complete, shut down the pump system in the reverse order of startup.
External fittings should be cleaned with hot water and returned. Remove hoses and fittings from the pump, bag the hose ends and seal the pump ports.
These final steps complete the cleaning process and prepare the pump and associated equipment for their next operating condition.
Check that the pipework has been flushed, obstructions have been removed, connections are tight and leak-free, lubrication is present, valves are open and safety guards are installed. Briefly start and stop the pump to confirm correct flow direction, then verify speed, pressure and temperature settings.
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