Proper storage of your FMC Technologies pump will insure that it is ready for service when needed. Follow the guidelines below that fit the requirements of your application.

Our pumps come from the factory prepared for storage periods of up to six (6) months in proper environmental conditions. Indoor storage in a dry, temperature-controlled location is always recommended. If pumps are to be stored short term (less than six (6) months) in a severe environment, they should be prepared using the procedures outlined in the “Short Term Storage For Severe Environments” section below. If the pump is to be stored, or is inactive, for periods in excess of six (6) months, it is necessary to prepare the pump as outlined in the “Long Term Storage” section

Short Term Storage

If the pump is stored in an indoor, temperature controlled environment for less than six (6) months, no special steps are required to prepare it for storage. As a general rule, pumps in corrosive fluid applications should drain fluid end, flush with water or other suitable rust preventative, and blow dry using compressed air whenever idle for periods in excess of one (1) month.

Short Term Storage for Severe Environments

Drain any fluid from pump and blow dry with compressed air. Spray a fog of preservative oil into suction and discharge ports of fluid end, then install pipe plugs in openings. Remove the oil fill cap (or plug) and the power end breather vent. Spray a heavy fog of preservative oil into the oil fill hole until it can be seen coming out of the breather opening. Coat all exposed, unpainted metal surfaces (ex. Driveshaft) with a preservative oil. Replace the oil fill cap and breather vent, then cover the entire pump with a weather resistant covering such as a canvas or plastic tarp.

Long Term Storage

Long-term storage is defined as any period when the pump is in storage or idle for periods in excess of six (6) months. Remove the piston cup seals as described in the “Replacing Piston Cup Seals” section of this manual and store them in a separate location with a controlled environment where they are protected from UV exposure. If the pump has been in service, flush the fluid end with water to clean out any of the remaining pumpage, then blow the fluid end dry using compressed air.

Drain any remaining oil from the pump power end, then remove the power end cover to expose the drive components. Spray all internal parts with a rust preservative that is soluble in lubricating oil while rotating the driveshaft several turns by hand to insure complete coverage. Replace the power end cover and add a concentrated internal rust inhibitor per manufacturers recommendations (see Recommended Lubricant Chart).

Spray a rust preventative onto all exterior machined surfaces paying careful attention to any unpainted areas like the crankshaft extension. Remove the power end breather cap and store with the piston cup seals. Cap the breather opening with a plug or other suitable means in order to keep the preservative atmosphere sealed inside the power frame.

Never store the pump on the floor or ground. Always place it on a shelf or pallet that is several inches above ground level. Cover the entire pump with a canvas or plastic tarp. Periodically inspect the unit and rotate the crankshaft by hand several turns during each inspection. Drain and replace the rust inhibitor after every six (6) months of storage.

Before operating the pump, drain the preservative and lubricating oil mixture from the power end. Reinstall the drain plug, breather/filler cap, piston cup seals, and any other components that were removed for storage. Once these steps have been completed, follow the normal pump start up procedures outlined in this manual. Note that FMC Technologies can factory prepare units for extended storage for a nominal fee if specified at the time of order.

Precautions during Freezing Weather Conditions

Freezing weather can cause problems for equipment when pumping water based fluids that expand in volume when changing from a liquid to a frozen solid state. For example, when water is left in a pump fluid end and exposed to freezing temperatures, the expansion of the water as it freezes can rupture the fluid cylinder of the pump and cause permanent equipment damage or personal injury. Whenever the pump is stored or idle in conditions that are near or below freezing, any water based fluids should be removed from the pump. The best way to do this is to run the pump for a few seconds with the suction and discharge lines disconnected or open to atmosphere. This will clear the majority of the fluid from the pumping chamber as well as the suction and discharge manifolds. After the run, blow compressed air through the fluid end to remove all traces of fluid. If possible, lift up the suction valve seats to insure that all fluid is drained from the pumping chamber between the suction and discharge valves.

As an alternative to the previous procedure, a compatible antifreeze solution can be recirculated through the fluid end. RV antifreeze, propylene glycol, is often used for this purpose.