GORMAN-RUPP PUMPS Roto-Prime RS Series Owner's manual

PUBLICATION NUMBER OM-03989
January 21, 1994
Rev. D 05‐10‐12
THE GORMAN‐RUPP COMPANY MANSFIELD, OHIO
GORMAN‐RUPP OF CANADA LIMITED ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO, CANADA Printed in U.S.A.
www.grpumps.com
1994 The Gorman‐Rupp Company
RS AND RD
SERIES PUMPS

Register your new
Gorman‐Rupp pump online at
www.grpumps.com
Valid serial number and e‐mail address required.
RECORD YOUR PUMP MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER
Please record your pump model and serial number in the
spaces provided below. Your Gorman‐Rupp distributor
needs this information when you require parts or service.
Pump Model:
Serial Number:

OM-03989 RS AND RD SERIES PUMPS
PAGE I - 1INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Thank You for purchasing a Gorman‐Rupp RS or
RD Roto‐Prime Series Pump. Read this manual
carefully to learn how to safely install and operate
your pump. Failure to do so could result in personal
injury or damage to the pump.
A set of three manuals accompanies your pump.
Each set consists of three parts; the Installation/
Operation Manual contains essential information
on installing and operating the pump. However,
since pump installations are seldom identical,
some of the information only summarizes general
recommendations and practices required to in
spect, position, and arrange the pump and piping.
The Parts List Manual provides performance
curve(s), a pump model cross‐section drawing,
and parts list for your pump.
The Maintenance and Repair Manual provides
troubleshooting and maintenance instructions re
quired to properly diagnose operational problems,
and to service the pump components. Contact the
factory for the authorized repair facility closest to
you.
This pump is a Roto‐Primeself‐priming centrifu
gal petroleum pump, designed to handle petro
leum products only. It incorporates an integral va
riable‐capacity vane pump which automatically
evacuates air and vapor from the suction line. This
pump should not be used to handle water or other
non‐petroleum liquids. For specific service, con
tact your Gorman‐Rupp distributor or the Gorman‐
Rupp Company.
The basic pump is not furnished with a mounting
base and power source; however, these items are
available from the factory as optional equipment.
The pump is designed to be driven by an explo
sion‐proof motor with a maximum full load speed
of either 1750 RPM (RS Series) or 3450 RPM (RD
Series).
Because pump installations are seldom identical,
this manual cannot possibly provide detailed in
structions and precautions for every aspect of
each specific application. Therefore, it is the re
sponsibility of the owner/installer of the pump to
ensure that applications not addressed in this
manual are performed only after establishing that
neither operator safety nor pump integrity are com
promised by the installation. Pumps and related
equipment must be installed and operated ac
cording to all national, local and industry stan
dards.
If there are any questions regarding the pump
which are not covered in this manual or in other lit
erature accompanying the unit, please contact
your Gorman‐Rupp distributor or the Gorman‐
Rupp Company:
The Gorman‐Rupp Company
P.O. Box 1217
Mansfield, Ohio 44901-1217
Phone: [phone]
or:
Gorman‐Rupp of Canada Limited
70 Burwell Road
St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3R7
Phone: [phone]
CONTENTS
SAFETY - SECTION A
INSTALLATION - SECTION B
GENERAL INFORMATION PAGE B - 1.....................................................
PUMP DIMENSIONS PAGE B - 1..........................................................
PREINSTALLATION INSPECTION PAGE B - 1...............................................
POSITIONING PUMP PAGE B - 2..........................................................
GROUNDING PAGE B - 2................................................................
SUCTION AND DISCHARGE PIPING PAGE B - 2............................................
SUCTION LINES PAGE B - 3..............................................................
DISCHARGE LINES PAGE B - 6...........................................................
ALIGNMENT PAGE B - 7.................................................................

OM-03989RS AND RD SERIES PUMPS
PAGE I - 2 INTRODUCTION
OPERATION - SECTION C
GENERAL INFORMATION PAGE C - 1.....................................................
PRIMING PAGE C - 1....................................................................
STARTING PAGE C - 4...................................................................
OPERATION PAGE C - 4.................................................................
STOPPING PAGE C - 5...................................................................
BEARING TEMPERATURE CHECK PAGE C - 5.............................................
RECORDING MODEL AND
SERIAL NUMBERS
Please record the pump model, serial number, volt
age, and motor frame size in the spaces provided
below. Your Gorman‐Rupp distributor needs this
information when you require parts or service.
Pump Model:
Serial Number:
WARRANTY INFORMATION
The warranty provided with your pump is part of
Gorman‐Rupp's support program for customers
who operate and maintain their equipment as de
scribed in this and the other accompanying litera
ture. Please note that should the equipment be
abused or modified to change its performance be
yond the original factory specifications, the war
ranty will become void and any claim will be de
nied.
The following are used to alert personnel to procedures which require special attention, to those which
could damage equipment, and to those which could be dangerous to personnel:
Immediate hazards which WILL result in
severe personal injury or death. These
instructions describe the procedure re
quired and the injury which will result
from failure to follow the procedure.
Hazards or unsafe practices which
COULD result in severe personal injury
or death. These instructions describe
the procedure required and the injury
which could result from failure to follow
the procedure.
Hazards or unsafe practices which COULD
result in minor personal injury or product or
property damage. These instructions de
scribe the requirements and the possible
damage which could result from failure to
follow the procedure.
NOTE
Instructions to aid in installation, operation, and
maintenance or which clarify a procedure.

OM-03989 RS AND RD SERIES PUMPS
PAGE A - 1SAFETY
SAFETY - SECTION A
The following information applies
throughout this manual to Gorman‐
Rupp RS and RD Roto‐PrimerSeries
basic pumps.
Because pump installations are seldom
identical, this manual cannot possibly
provide detailed instructions and pre
cautions for each specific application.
Therefore, it is the owner/installer's re
sponsibility to ensure that applications
not addressed in this manual are per
formed only after establishing that nei
ther operator safety nor pump integrity
are compromised by the installation.
Before attempting to install, operate, or
service this pump, familiarize yourself
with this manual, and with all other liter
ature shipped with the pump. Unfamil
iarity with all aspects of pump operation
covered in this manual could lead to de
struction of equipment, injury, or death
to personnel.
Before attempting to open or service the
pump:
1. Familiarize yourself with this man
ual.
2. Shut off the incoming power to the
motor and lock it out, or take other
action to ensure that the pump will
remain inoperative.
3. Allow the pump to completely cool
if overheated.
4. Check the temperature before
opening any covers, plates, or
plugs.
5. Close the suction and discharge
valves.
6. Vent the pump slowly and cau
tiously.
7. Drain the pump.
This pump is designed to handle petro
leum products or other similar hydro
carbon liquids. Do not attempt to pump
water, corrosive materials, or any liq
uids which may damage the pump or en
danger personnel as a result of pump
failure.
This pump is designed to be used with
volatile and/or flammable liquids; be
certain proper safety practices are fol
lowed before operating or servicing the
pump. Provide adequate ventilation,
prohibit smoking, wear static‐resistant
clothing and shoes. Clean up all fuel
spills immediately after occurrence.
Do not operate the pump against a
closed discharge valve for long periods
of time. If operated against a closed dis
charge valve, pump components will
deteriorate, and the liquid could come
to a boil, build pressure, and cause the
pump casing to rupture or explode.

RS AND RD SERIES PUMPS OM-03989
PAGE A-2 SAFETY
After the pump has been installed, make
certain that the pump and all piping con
nections are tight, properly supported
and secure before operation.
This pump is designed to be used with
volatile and/or flammable liquids; over
heating may produce dangerous fumes.
Take precautions to ensure the area sur
rounding the pump is adequately venti
lated. Allow the pump to completely
cool and use extreme caution when
venting the pump, or when removing
covers, plates, plugs, or fittings.
Overheated pumps can cause severe
burns and injuries, and produce explo
sive fumes. If overheating of the pump
occurs:
1. Stop the pump immediately.
2. Ventilate the area.
3. Allow the pump to completely cool.
4. Check the temperature before
opening any covers, plates,
gauges, or plugs.
5. Vent the pump slowly and cau
tiously.
6. Refer to instructions in this manual
before restarting the pump.
Do not install and operate a non‐explo
sion proof motor in an explosive atmo
sphere. Install, connect, and operate
the motor in accordance with The Na
tional Electric Code and all local codes.
If there is a conflict between the instruc
tions in the manual accompanying the
unit and The National Electric Code or
the applicable local code, The National
or local code shall take precedence. All
electrical equipment supplied with this
pump conformed to applicable federal
regulations and national codes in effect
on the date of manufacture.
This pump is not designed to handle water.
Operation of the pump with water or water‐
based solutions will damage the group
grind within the vane‐type priming pump.
Do not connect this pump to a storage
tank which has been filled with water until
the tank and lines have been completely
drained and flushed. Install a commercially
available 80 mesh screen and a filter in the
suction line to prevent debris from entering
the pump. Check pump rotation with the
suction line disconnected.

OM-03989 RS AND RD SERIES PUMPS
PAGE B - 1INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - SECTION B
GENERAL INFORMATION
Review all SAFETY information in Section A.
Since pump installations are seldom identical, this
section is intended only to summarize general rec
ommendations and practices required to inspect,
position, and arrange the pump and piping. If there
are any questions concerning your specific instal
lation, contact your Gorman‐Rupp distributor or
the Gorman‐Rupp Company.
This pump is not designed to handle water.
Operation of the pump with water or water‐
based solutions will damage the group
grind within the vane‐type priming pump.
Do not connect this pump to a storage
tank which has been filled with water until
the tank and lines have been completely
drained and flushed. Install a commercially
available 80 mesh screen and a filter in the
suction line to prevent debris from entering
the pump. Check pump rotation with the
suction line disconnected.
Most of the information pertains to a standard stat
ic lift application, where the pump is positioned
above the free level of the liquid to be pumped.
If installed in a flooded suction application,
where the liquid is supplied to the pump under
pressure, some of the information such as mount
ing, line configuration, and priming must be tai
lored to the specific application. Since the pres
sure supplied to the pump is critical to perform
ance and safety, be sure to limit the incoming pres
sure to 50% of the maximum permissible operating
pressure shown on the pump performance curve.
For further assistance, contact your Gorman‐Rupp
distributor or the Gorman‐Rupp Company.
PUMP DIMENSIONS
For the approximate physical dimensions of your
pump, refer to the pump specification data sheet or
contact your Gorman‐Rupp distributor or the Gor
man‐Rupp Company.
PREINSTALLATION INSPECTION
The pump assembly was inspected and tested be
fore shipment from the factory. Before installation,
inspect the pump for damage which may have oc
curred during shipment. Check as follows:
a. Inspect the pump for cracks, dents, damaged
threads, and other obvious damage.
b. Check for and tighten loose attaching hard
ware. Since gaskets tend to shrink after dry
ing, check for loose hardware at mating sur
faces.
c. Carefully read all tags, decals, and markings
on the pump assembly, and perform all duties
indicated. Note the direction of rotation indi
cated on the pump. Check that the pump
shaft rotates in the required direction.
Only operate this pump in the direction in
dicated on the pump body and/or the ac
companying decal. Reverse rotation of the
shaft will adversely effect pump perform
ance, and the pump could be seriously
damaged.
d. Check levels and lubricate as necessary. Re
fer to LUBRICATION in the MAINTENANCE
AND REPAIR section of this manual and per
form duties as instructed.
e. If the pump and power source have been
stored for more than 12 months, some of the
components or lubricants may have ex
ceeded their maximum shelf life. These must
be inspected or replaced to ensure maxi
mum pump service.

RS AND RD SERIES PUMPS OM-03989
PAGE B - 2 INSTALLATION
If the maximum shelf life has been exceeded, or if
anything appears to be abnormal, contact your
Gorman‐Rupp distributor or the factory to deter
mine the repair or updating policy. Do not put the
pump into service until appropriate action has
been taken.
POSITIONING PUMP
Lifting
Use lifting equipment with a capacity of at least 5
times the weight of the pump, including the
weight of options and customer installed
accessories. Customer installed equipment such
as suction and discharge piping and fittings must
be removed before attempting to lift the pump.
The pump assembly can be seriously
damaged if the cables or chains used to lift
and move the unit are improperly wrapped
around the pump.
For the approximate weight of your pump, refer to
the pump specification data sheet or contact your
Gorman‐Rupp distributor or the Gorman‐Rupp
Company.
Mounting
Locate the pump in an accessible place as close as
practical to the liquid being pumped. Level mount
ing is essential for proper operation.
The pump may have to be supported or shimmed
to provide for level operation or to eliminate vibra
tion.
When the pump is installed under unusual
conditions, the priming tube(s) may vi
brate abnormally. If this occurs after the
pump and piping are properly secured,
contact the factory to obtain optional
springs for the priming pump group grind.
If the vibration is not corrected, the tubing
could fatigue and rupture, spilling the liq
uid being pumped and resulting in a fire
hazard.
GROUNDING
To eliminate electrostatic build‐up by the liquid be
ing pumped, it is recommended that the pump be
grounded by attaching a ground wire assembly to
a ground rod. Install the ground rod in accordance
with the National Electrical Code and all local
codes. Be sure the clamp or fastener has made a
tight electrical connection with the rod.
Inspect and test the ground wire assembly
for conductivity. Replace broken or frayed
wire before resuming operation.
SUCTION AND DISCHARGE PIPING
Damage to the pump resulting from debris
in the suction line will not be covered by the
pump warranty. Before connecting the
suction and discharge piping, carefully
check the storage tank and piping for con
struction debris such as nuts, bolts, wire,
weld slag, and other foreign material. In
stall a commercially available 80 mesh
screen and a filter in the suction line to pre
vent debris from entering the pump.
Pump performance is adversely effected by in
creased suction lift, discharge elevation, and fric
tion losses. See the performance curve and oper
ating range shown in the Parts List manual to be
sure your overall application allows the pump to
operate within the safe operation range.

OM-03989 RS AND RD SERIES PUMPS
PAGE B - 3INSTALLATION
Materials
Either pipe or hose maybe used for suction and
discharge lines; however, the materials must be
compatible with the liquid being pumped. If hose is
used in suction lines, it must be the rigid‐wall, rein
forced type to prevent collapse under suction. Us
ing piping couplings in suction lines is not recom
mended.
Line Configuration
Keep suction and discharge lines as straight as
possible to minimize friction losses. Make mini
mum use of elbows and fittings, which substan
tially increase friction loss. If elbows are necessary,
use the long‐radius type to minimize friction loss.
Connections to Pump
Before tightening a connecting flange, align it ex
actly with the pump port. Never pull a pipe line into
place by tightening the flange bolts and/or cou
plings.
Lines near the pump must be independently sup
ported to avoid strain on the pump which could
cause excessive vibration, decreased bearing life,
and increased shaft and seal wear. If hose‐type
lines are used, they should have adequate support
to secure them when filled with liquid and under
pressure.
Gauges
Most pumps are drilled and tapped for installing
discharge pressure and vacuum suction gauges. If
these gauges are desired for pumps that are not
tapped, drill and tap the suction and discharge
lines not less than 18 inches (457,2 mm) from the
suction and discharge ports and install the lines.
Installation closer to the pump may result in erratic
readings.
SUCTION LINES
To avoid air pockets which could affect pump prim
ing, the suction line must be as short and direct as
possible. When operation involves a suction lift, the
line must always slope upward to the pump from
the source of the liquid being pumped; if the line
slopes down to the pump at any point along the
suction run, air pockets will be created.
Refer to Figure 1 for the recommended configura
tion of the suction line.
INCORRECT PITCH
VAPOR
POCKETS
INCORRECT LOOPS
RECOMMENDED
NO
POCKETS
PITCH UP TO
SUCTION
WITH NO
LOOPS
VAPOR
POCKETS
Figure 1. Suction Line Configuration

RS AND RD SERIES PUMPS OM-03989
PAGE B - 4 INSTALLATION
Fittings
Suction lines should be the same size as the pump
inlet. If reducers are used in suction lines, they
should be the eccentric type, and should be in
stalled with the flat part of the reducers uppermost
to avoid creating air pockets. Valves are not nor
mally used in suction lines, but if a valve is used,
install it with the stem horizontal to avoid air pock
ets.
Refer to Figure 2 for the recommended entrance
conditions using fittings.
POOR ENTRANCE CONDITIONS
RECOMMENDED ENTRANCE CONDITIONS
CHECK
VALVE
REDUCER HORIZONTAL
ELBOW
GATE
VALVE
3 TO 4 DIA'S OF
STRAIGHT PIPE
ECCENTRIC
REDUCER
3 TO 4 DIA'S OF
STRAIGHT PIPE GATE
VALVE
HORIZONTAL
ELBOW
Figure 2. Entrance Conditions Using Fittings
Strainers
A suction strainer was not furnished with this pump
since it is not designed to handle liquids containing
solids. However, to protect the pump from acciden
tal damage a commercially available 80 mesh
screen should be installed in the suction line. Make
certain that the total open area of the screen is at
least three or four times the cross section of the
suction line to ensure an adequate supply of liquid
to the pump.
Damage to the pump resulting from debris
in the suction line will not be covered by the
pump warranty. Before connecting the
suction and discharge piping, carefully
check the storage tank and piping for con
struction debris such as nuts, bolts, wire,
weld slag, and other foreign material. In
stall a commercially available 80 mesh
screen and a filter in the suction line to pre
vent debris from entering the pump.
Sealing
Since even a slight leak will affect priming, head,
and capacity, especially when operating with a
high suction lift, all connections in the suction line
should be sealed with pipe dope to ensure an air
tight seal. Follow the sealant manufacturer's rec
ommendations when selecting and applying the
pipe dope. The pipe dope should be compatible
with the liquid being pumped.