Notes of Pump Start-up & Shut down (Part.2)

Magnetic drive engineering plastic chemical pumps typically require minimal maintenance under normal operating conditions, and the probability of damage is very low. However, errors during pump shutdown and startup are more likely to cause damage. Here are some simple cases for your reference.

Crystal Formation in Chemical Solutions:

Long-term Stagnation Crystallization:

For chemicals prone to crystallization when stagnant, it is recommended to drain the chemicals after pump shutdown and clean the pump and piping system. When restarting, re-fill the pump to avoid damage due to dry running.

Temperature-Dependent Crystallization:

Chemicals that crystallize with temperature reduction should have a bypass line installed to maintain a minimum circulating flow and avoid complete shutdown. If a shutdown is necessary, drain the chemicals, clean the pump and piping system, and before restarting, heat the chemicals to ensure no crystals are present in the suction tank.

Evaporation-Induced Crystallization:

Many chemicals crystallize upon contact with air due to the loss of water content. For chemicals with this characteristic, it is crucial to maintain a saturated condition in the pump's interior and the suction system before restarting after prolonged shutdown. Ensure there are no crystals in the suction tank before restarting the pump.

For chemicals prone to crystallization, in addition to the mentioned steps before pump startup, if feasible, it is advisable to manually rotate the motor cooling fan with a slender tool before starting a magnetic drive pump. If there is resistance, it may indicate crystallization inside the pump, requiring disassembly and inspection for removal.