How to Restart Your Liquid Ring Pump or Compressor After a Flood

For liquid ring pumps and compressors that may have been exposed to flood waters due to a hurricane, storm surge, or heavy rain it is extremely important that you visibly inspect the machine for damage, and take steps to flush debris from the machine, ensuring that the rotor is not locked up before you restart your process equipment. 

To ensure a safe restart, and maintain the reliability and longevity of your Nash & Garo Equipment, the following procedure is recommended prior to start up after an emergency stop.

For oil lubricated liquid ring vacuum pumps and compressors:

  • Drain the oil and look for signs of moisture. If moisture is present, remove the oil and inspect for corrosion on any parts. Any sight of corrosion should be thoroughly cleaned, the bearing should be replaced. Install new oil.
  • Flush out piping, strainers and heat exchangers. Making sure to block in vacuum pumps and or compressors so as not to allow debris to be forced into the pump/ compressor during flushing.
  • Flush out vacuum pump or compressor independently.
  • Hand rotate vacuum pump or compressor to determine if locked up prior to start up.

For grease lubricated liquid ring vacuum pumps and compressors:

  • Remove the grease caps. Look for moisture or signs of corrosion.  Any sight of corrosion, the bearing should be replaced. Purge the bearing with new grease.
  • Flush out piping, strainers and heat exchangers. Making sure to block in vacuum pumps and or compressors so not allowing debris to be forced into the pump/ compressor during flushing.
  • Flush out Vacuum Pump and/or compressor independently.
  • Hand rotate vacuum pump or compressor to determine if locked up prior to start up.

Caution!

  • Never run your liquid ring vacuum pump or compressor dry or full of water, and make sure all seal liquid connections are in place prior to restarting the machine. Please refer to your owner's manual for startup instructions for your specific model. Don't have a manual?  You can request a copy of one here.
  • For assistance with inspections, troubleshooting, and restarting your liquid ring pump/compressor please contact us. We have field service technicians available and at-the-ready to assist you.