GIW Technical Series
Pump Storage
Normal Storage Requirements
All GIW pumps are factory prepared for normal shipping and storage for up to 3 months from the time of
pump assembly. Once received, pumps should be stored indoors and out of the weather until ready for
installation. In construction environments where indoor storage is not available, the pump may be protected
for up to one month under tarps or other means of shelter that prevent direct exposure to water and dirt. In
freezing environments, water must be prevented from collecting in the pump shell.
Long Term Storage
For storage exceeding 3 months from the time of pump assembly, a few extra precautions are recommended.
All exposed machined surfaces are coated with a rust inhibitor at the factory to protect the surfaces during
shipping and rigging. These coatings should be checked and if necessary renewed on exposed areas where
they have been rubbed off. All threaded holes should be protected with grease and plugged.
Oil lubricated units are coated with GIW Blue oil during assembly and the oil is drained from the housing for
shipment. For long term storage, the GIW Blue Oil supplied with the pump should be added to the bearing
housing until the level is halfway up the sight glass and the pump shaft rotated five (5) revolutions every
month to keep the bearings coated with oil. If the pump is stored for less than 12 months, this oil may be
used for initial commissioning and break in. Otherwise, it is recommended that the oil be replaced prior to
commissioning to remove any moisture. If the pump must be moved long distances from the storage location
to site, it is recommended that the bearing assembly be drained before shipment.
If the pump is fitted with a mechanical seal, the locating tabs on the seal must be loosened before turning the
shaft and retightened afterward. This should be done by a trained mechanic familiar with mechanical seals.
Also, if any impeller or shaft locking fixtures are present, these must be loosened or removed.
As an alternative to shaft rotation, a Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) product compatible with the GIW Blue
Oil may be added to the bearing assembly oil. The VCI product should be used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Grease filled units do not require shaft rotation during storage.
Most standard bearing assemblies with GIW labyrinth seals do not use a vent or breather and the housing
should remain sealed. Pumps with Inpro® seals should be coated externally with white grease or petroleum
jelly to seal the gap between the rotor and stator. Units equipped with a vent kit should have the vents either
removed and plugged, or blocked to prevent air exchange. Sealing the bearing assembly is especially
important if a VCI product is used.
Vertical pumps may be stored either vertically or horizontally, and the blocking on the shaft should be left in
place until the pump is ready to be installed.
Elastomer components such as rubber liners should be stored in a controlled environment below 120°F
(50°C) away from sunlight and sources of ozone such as electric motors. Under these conditions, gum rubber
parts have a two year shelf life, while neoprene and urethane parts may be stored up to five years. Note that
natural darkening or discoloration of the rubber does not mean a loss of material properties. However,
chalking or a soft layer that can be easily rubbed off indicates possible surface deterioration. Check the
storage conditions and date of the parts.
Stuffing box packing should be checked before start up and replaced if necessary. Mechanical seals require
special storage and commissioning considerations that are specified by the seal manufacturer.
After installation and final drive alignment, verify the torque of all the fasteners and check the lubricant
levels. Consult the GIW Maintenance Manual for further instructions regarding startup and commissioning
before putting the pump into service.
TECH Pump Storage 2008-02-28.doc
