burks BPI Horizontal Stainless Steel Multistage Pump

Product Overview

The BPI series is a horizontal multistage centrifugal pump, non-self-priming, with female threaded inlet/outlet ports and single-phase or three-phase motors. On the BPI series, all parts in contact with the fluid — stage chambers, impellers and pump casing — are made of stainless steel (the "I" denotes stainless steel wetted parts). The BPI has 2–6 impeller stages, with the impellers fitted on the extended motor shaft (pump and motor on a single shaft). The series uses a standard mechanical seal. Installation and service must be carried out by qualified personnel only.

Applications

Suitable for drinking water, heating water, industrial water, condensate, water/glycol mixtures (up to 40% glycol) and other liquids free from mineral oil and without abrasives or long-fibred substances. The main areas of use are water supply installations, booster and boiler feed service, industrial circulation systems, process technology, cooling water systems, fire extinguishing systems and washing and sprinkler installations. Approval from the manufacturer must be obtained beforehand if corrosive chemicals are to be pumped.

Safety Notes, Transport and Storage

These instructions must be read by both the installer and the operator before the pump is installed or started up. The personnel installing the pump must have the appropriate qualifications, and inspection and installation work must be carried out by authorized and qualified specialists; in principle, work should not be carried out on a running pump or installation. Failure to comply with the safety precautions could result in personal injury or damage to the pump or installation and could invalidate any claim for damages; it could give rise to the failure of important parts of the pump or installation, personal injury due to electrical and mechanical causes and material damage. Alterations to the pump or installation may only be carried out with the manufacturer's consent; the use of original spare parts and accessories authorized by the manufacturer will ensure safety. The operational safety of the pump can only be guaranteed if it is used in accordance with these instructions, and the limits given in the catalogue or data sheet must under no circumstances be exceeded. During transport and in storage the pump must be protected against moisture, frost and mechanical damage.

Model Designation

The model designation of the BPI series is shown in the figure below:

BPI is the pump model, in which "I" denotes stainless steel wetted parts. In the model code, the first group of digits after the hyphen is the rated flow rate (m³/h, 2-pole/50 Hz) and the last group of digits is the number of impeller stages. For example, BPI-202 denotes a BPI series pump with a rated flow rate of 2 m³/h and 2 impeller stages. In addition to this basic structure, order model designations also carry suffixes for material, seal type, voltage, frequency, etc. according to the actual configuration, as marked on the order model designation and the rating plate. When ordering spare parts or accessories, please give all the information on the pump/motor rating plate.

Technical Parameters (BPI Series)

When pumping viscous fluids (e.g. water/glycol mixtures), adjust the pump data to allow for the higher viscosity. Only use branded glycol mixtures with corrosion inhibitors and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Performance Curves

The flow rate / head (Q-H) performance curves of the BPI series are given below, grouped by rated flow series; the curves are labelled with the number of impeller stages (the last two digits of the model designation).

Performance curves: BPI 202–206

Performance curves: BPI 402–406

Performance curves: BPI 802–805

Performance curves: BPI 1602–1604

Model Parameters

The maximum head and maximum flow rate of each series are as follows:

Parameters of the BPI models are as follows (rated currents are listed by voltage version; a version not listed means that the model is not available in that voltage):

Note: weights are given by version, single-phase for the 1~220 V version and three-phase for the 3~380 V version; where the two versions have the same weight, a single value is given. The inlet and outlet ports are Rp tapped ports.

BPI Outline Dimensions

The general outline dimension drawing of the BPI series is shown below. Dimension codes in the drawing: A = length from the inlet end face to the pump/motor interface; B = motor section length; C = overall length; D = overall height; E = height of the inlet centre line; F = inlet connection thread; G = distance from the inlet end face to the outlet centre line; H = outlet connection thread. Dimensions of each model are given in the table below (unit: mm; F and H are thread sizes).

Note: Models marked "no single-phase version" are available as three-phase (3~380 V) versions only. The drawing also carries the following fixed dimensions common to the whole series: overall width of the pump end view 190; centre distance of the foot mounting holes 108 (hole diameter Ø9); from the inlet centre line to the top of the pump casing 104; centre-line offset of the end view 106; vent/drain plug connections Ø1/4″. For the rated power, rated current and weight of each model, see the Model Parameters tables above; for flow rate and head, see the Performance Curves section above.

Construction and Installation

BPI construction (see the cross-section below): horizontal inlet (1) and vertical outlet (2); the hydraulic section consists of stage chambers (5) and impellers (6) in modular construction, the impellers being fitted on the extended motor shaft (7), i.e. pump and motor on a single shaft; the pump casing (8) surrounds the hydraulic section, and the shaft is sealed to the motor with a mechanical seal (axial face seal) (9); the casing also carries a vent plug (3) and a drain plug (4). All parts in contact with the fluid, such as stage chambers, impellers and the pressure casing, are made of chromium-nickel stainless steel and have been cleared by KTW and/or WRAS, therefore suitable for use with drinking water. Single-phase (AC) motors are equipped with a thermal cut-out which switches off the motor when the permissible temperature of the motor coil is exceeded and switches it back on automatically once it has cooled down. The pump, and in particular the mechanical seal, must not run dry; low-water (dry-running) protection should be provided by the customer.

Installation points:
- Before installing the pump, make sure that all welding and soldering on the pipe system has been completed and that the pipe system has been completely flushed out; foreign bodies and dirt will damage the pump.
- Install the pump in a dry place free of frost, easy to reach for operation and maintenance, and as close as possible to the place from which water is drawn; install it in a horizontal, flat position on a concrete foundation or directly on a smooth, level floor, and fix it to the base with two M8 bolts (the use of rubber-metal vibration absorbers is recommended).
- The motor ventilator inlet must be kept clear, at least 0.30 m from the wall, and room must be left for maintenance work.
- To ensure that the drain plug can be accessed, the installation height must be at least 20 mm above the floor (the installation drawing is marked 20 mm MIN.).
- Isolating valves should be installed in front of and behind the pump and a backflow preventer (check valve) immediately behind the outlet, so that the pump can be easily changed and maintenance work carried out.
- The inlet and outlet pipes should be connected to the pump without stress; the weight of the pipework must be supported and must not rest on the pump. The suction pipe diameter must never be less than that of the pump inlet; limit features that cause losses of head (bends, joints, valves, etc.) and allow no air entrance on the suction pipe.
- Protect the pump at the inlet pipe with a strainer (1 mm mesh) or filter to avoid dirt being sucked in and blocking the pipe.
- Take suitable measures to prevent low water levels and hence guard against the pump running dry, in order to protect the mechanical seal.

A typical BPI installation is shown below: gravity feed from a tank above or direct feed from the municipal pipework (either/or); pipework items are 1 = isolating valve, 2 = backflow preventer, 3 = vent plug, 4 = drain plug, 5 = inlet filter/strainer.

Electrical Connection

Electrical work must be carried out by a qualified and licensed electrician in strict compliance with local regulations. Refer to the motor rating plate for its electrical characteristics (frequency, voltage, nominal current, etc.) and check that the motor complies with the mains supply used.
- Make sure the pump is earthed; do not forget to connect the earth.
- The electricity supply must be connected via a supply cable; the all-pole switch must have a contact gap of at least 3 mm. Mains fuse: 10 A time-lag fuse. Provide a line protection circuit breaker (an air circuit breaker is recommended); if necessary a fault current breaker should be provided.
- Three-phase motors must be protected by a motor protection switch / circuit breaker set to the current marked on the motor rating plate; single-phase motors have built-in thermal protection (fitted with a thermal motor cut-out in the factory, which cuts off the pump when the permissible coil temperature is exceeded and switches it back on automatically once it has cooled down).
- Use a cable meeting the applicable standard, with an adequate external diameter to protect against damp entering the terminal box.
- A connection error would damage the motor. The power cable must never touch the pipework or the pump and motor casing, and must be kept away from any moisture.
- Heat-resistant cable must be used if the temperature of the fluids pumped exceeds 90 °C.
- The electric connections should be made as shown by the diagrams inside the cover of the motor terminal box (see the figure below): single-phase MOT.220V (230V/240V), supply 1×220V (1×230V/1×240V); three-phase MOT.220-380V (230-400V/240-415V), Y connection for 3×380V (3×400V/3×415V), Δ connection for 3×220V (3×230V/3×240V).

Operation with a frequency converter: the speed can be controlled by a frequency converter, connected and operated strictly in accordance with the converter manufacturer's instructions; the limits are as follows — speed control limits 40%n_nom ≤ n ≤ 100%n_nom; the converter must not produce rates of voltage rise of over 500 V/μs and voltage spikes of over 650 V, otherwise the motor coil may be damaged; if such values are possible, an LC filter must be installed between the converter and the motor (in control devices with frequency converters supplied by the company, the filter is already installed).

Starting Up, Priming and Venting

Never operate the pump dry! To protect the mechanical seal, first check that there is a sufficient level of water in the reservoir and/or check the inlet pressure. When used for the first time to pump drinking water, the system must be flushed through so that any dirty water present will not contaminate the drinking water supply.

Priming and venting: open the isolating valve at the inlet, then open the vent screw (Figs. 1 & 2, item 3) until the pumped fluid comes out; close the vent screw, open the isolating valve at the outlet and switch on the pump. Warning: depending on the fluid temperature and the system pressure, if the vent screw is completely loosened, hot liquid or gas can escape or even shoot out at high pressure — beware of scalding; depending on the operating conditions, the entire pump may become very hot — avoid touching the pump and pipework owing to the risk of burning.

Checking the direction of rotation: switch the pump on briefly and check that it rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow on the pump casing (direction marked on the rating plate); if this is not the case (three-phase motors), interchange any two phases in the pump terminal box. Single-phase motors do not need adjustment of the rotation direction. Adjust the motor overload protection to the nominal current given on the rating plate; if float switches are fitted, position them in such a way that the pump cuts out if the water level is so low that air would begin to be sucked in.

Starting up: open the discharge valve and start the pump. Use a pressure gauge to check the stability of the discharge pressure; if it is unstable, bleed the pump again or perform the filling operation. Check that the current draw does not exceed the value marked on the motor rating plate. WARNING: the pump must not be operated in a no-flow condition (discharge valve closed) for more than 10 minutes; when running continuously, keep at least 10% of the nominal (rated) flow.

Maintenance

The pump is basically maintenance-free. No special servicing is required in operation; always keep the pump and motor perfectly clean. Before carrying out any maintenance work, switch off the pump, disconnect the power supply and ensure that it cannot be switched on again by unauthorized people; never carry out work on a running pump.
- During the running-in period, there may be some dripping from the mechanical seal (axial face seal); should a more significant leak occur as a result of substantial wear, have the mechanical seal replaced by a specialist.
- Increased bearing noise and unusual vibrations indicate a worn bearing; have the bearing replaced by a specialist.
- When the pump is exposed to frost or is out of service for a long period, the pump and pipework must be emptied: empty the pump by releasing the drain valve (item 4).

Troubleshooting

1. Pump does not run

No power → Check fuses, float switches and cables.
Motor safety switch activated → Eliminate motor overload.

2. Pump runs but delivers no water / insufficient output

The internal parts are obstructed by particles → Dismantle the pump and clean.
Suction pipe obstructed → Clean all the pipes.
Pipe or pump components blocked by foreign body → Check and clean pipe and pump.
Air in suction pipes → Check tightness of the whole pipe up to the pump and seal it.
Air in inlet pressure gland → Seal inlet pressure gland.
Pump is no more primed → Fill the pump to prime again; check foot valve is tight.
Suction pressure is too low, it causes cavitation noise → Too high losses of head on suction or suction head is too high (check the NPSH of the installed pump).
Wrong direction of rotation (3-phase motor) → Interchange two phases at the motor terminal box or overload protector to change the direction of rotation.
Supply voltage too low → Check the voltage on the terminals of the motor and the capacitor.
Inlet pipe too narrow → Fit a larger inlet pipe.

3. Pump does not pump evenly

Inlet too high → Position the pump lower.

4. Insufficient or unstable pressure

Wrong choice of pump → Fit a more powerful pump.
The motor fails to run at its normal speed (particles, inadequate motor supply, etc.) → Dismantle the pump and solve the defect (check the inside of the pump body).
The motor is defective → Replace the motor.
Bad filling of the pump, air inside → Fill the pump and vent until there are no more air bubbles.
Wrong direction of rotation (three-phase motor) → Interchange the two phase wires on the motor terminal box or motor-overload release and reconnect.
Flow is too small, inlet pipe blocked → Clean filter and inlet pipe.
Valve not sufficiently open → Open valve.
Foreign body blocking the pump → Clean the pump.
Supply voltage too low → Check the voltage at the terminals of the motor and the capacitor coupling.

5. Pump vibrates

Foreign body in the pump → Remove foreign body.
Particles obstructing the pump or pipes → Dismantle/check the pump and clean.
Difficult rotation of the pump → Check the pump turns freely without abnormal sticking.
Loose on its foundation → Check and tighten completely the nuts of the stud (anchor) bolts.
Pump not properly fixed to the base → Tighten anchor bolts.
Base is not sufficiently heavy/stable → Fit a heavier, more stable base.
Bad electrical connection → Check the connections of the pump.

6. Motor overheats, motor cut-out activates

Too low voltage → Check voltage on the terminals of the motor; it should be within ±10% of the rated voltage.
Insufficient voltage → Check voltage.
Pump obstructed by particles → Dismantle the pump and clean.
Pump sluggish: foreign body, bearing damaged → Clean pump; replace the bearing or have the pump repaired by the company's customer services.
Ambient temperature too high → Provide cooling.
Ambient temperature above 40 °C → The motor is aimed at operating at a maximum ambient temperature of 40 °C.
Coupling failure in the terminal box → Connect the circuit according to the wiring diagram inside the terminal box (to conform to the motor plate).

7. The circuit-breaker device is on

Too low value of the thermal relay (3-phase motor) → Check the current with an ammeter and set the value to the current rating on the motor data plate.
The voltage is too low → Check the voltage of the motor and capacitor coupling.
A phase is cut / circuit not connected → Check the circuit connections and change the electrical cable if necessary.
The thermal relay of the circuit-breaker is defective → Replace it.
A fuse is off (blown) → Replace it.

8. The flow is irregular

The suction head (Ha) is not adequate → Study again the installation conditions and the recommendations described in this instruction.
The suction pipe has a lower diameter than the pump suction port → The suction pipe must have the same diameter as the suction pump port.
The strainer and the suction pipe are partially obstructed → Remove and clean.

If the fault cannot be remedied, please contact the company. Note: if the liquid is toxic, corrosive or dangerous for human beings, the company or the qualified person in charge of the repair must be informed, and the pump must be cleaned to ensure complete safety for the repairer.

burks continuously improves and innovates its products. If the product appearance and technical parameters change, the changed product appearance and technical parameters shall prevail, and burks reserves the right to make changes.