Pump Commissioning Checklist

A pump that starts and runs is not a commissioned pump. Commissioning means establishing that it runs at the intended duty, within its mechanical limits, and recording the baseline that future maintenance will be measured against.

This checklist follows installation and precedes handover.

Before the First Start

Confirm alignment has been checked after grouting and after pipework connection, and that the figures are recorded.

Confirm the pipework is independently supported and that no flange was drawn up to close a gap.

Confirm the coupling guard is fitted and secure.

Confirm the direction of rotation was checked with the coupling disconnected.

Confirm bearing lubrication: grease on the KCP and VNP series, and oil level where an oil-lubricated frame is fitted.

On open impeller pumps, confirm and record the impeller clearance.

Priming and Venting

Fill the casing and suction line completely and vent all high points. A centrifugal pump does not self-prime and will not survive dry running.

On a lined pump this matters more, not less. Polymer wetted parts have no liquid to carry heat away and will distort long before a metal casing would.

Open the suction valve fully and leave it fully open.

First Start

Start against a partially closed discharge valve where the commissioning procedure requires it, then open it to the duty condition promptly. Do not leave a pump running against a closed discharge.

Listen. Cavitation has a characteristic gravel sound and should be identified in the first minutes, not the first year.

Watch the discharge pressure. Unstable pressure at steady speed usually means air or cavitation.

Record the Baseline

Flow and discharge pressure at the duty condition.

Motor current at the duty condition.

Bearing temperatures once thermally stable.

Vibration readings at the bearing housings.

Seal condition: a mechanical seal should show no visible leakage; gland packing should show a controlled drip.

Impeller clearance on open impeller pumps.

After the First Running Period

Re-check the coupling alignment once the unit has reached operating temperature. Thermal growth changes alignment on hot duties.

Re-check bearing temperatures and vibration against the baseline.

Adjust gland packing if fitted, to a controlled drip rather than to dryness.

Confirm no pipework has moved or begun to bear on the pump.

Handover

Hand over the recorded baseline figures with the pump documentation. They are what makes future troubleshooting possible.

Confirm the lubrication interval and the person responsible for it.

Confirm spares: seal, bearings and shaft sleeve at minimum, and gaskets for the casing joint.