Start-Up - Pentair Pentek Series Electronic Manual

SECTION 3: Installation and Setup
3.5

Start-Up

NOTICE: To avoid sand-locking pump, follow procedure
below when starting pump for the first time. NEVER start
a pump with discharge completely open unless you have
done this procedure first.
1. Connect a pipe elbow, a short length of pipe and a
gate valve to pump discharge at well head.
2. Make sure that controls will not be subjected to
extreme heat or excess moisture.
3. Make sure power is OFF. DO NOT START PUMP YET.
4. Set gate valve on discharge 1/3 open; start pump.
5 Keep gate valve at this setting while water pumps out
on ground. Let it run until water is clear of sand or
silt. (To check solids in water, fill a glass from pump
and let solids settle out).
6. When water is completely clear at 1/3 setting, open
gate valve to approximately two-thirds open and
repeat process.
7. When water is completely clear at 2/3 setting, open
gate valve completely and run pump until water is
completely clear.
8. Do not stop the pump until the water is clear.
Otherwise sand will accumulate in the pump stages
which may bind or freeze the pump.
9. Remove gate valve and make permanent installation.
6
NOTICE: The motor may draw higher than normal current
while the riser pipe is filling. After the riser pipe is full,
the amp draw should drop back to less than the allowed
current given on the motor nameplate.
When pump is in service, the amp draw must be
approximately equal to or lower than the service factor
amps given on the motor nameplate. If not, recheck
entire installation and electrical hook-up to find out why
amp draw is higher than normal.
Motor Torque
The motor exerts a strong torque force on the downpipe
and any other supporting structures when it starts. This
torque is usually in the direction that would unscrew
right-hand threads (the motor's reaction movement is
clockwise as seen from above).
All pipe and pump joints must be tightened to safely
handle the starting torque. Tighten all threaded
joints to a minimum of 10 ft.-lb per horsepower.
i.e. 20 HP = 200 ft.-lb; 50 HP = 500 ft.-lb.
Tack welding or strap welding may be required with
higher horsepower pumps.