Vertical can pump on a steel skid

[vipanbenipal]

Hi,

I am trying to design a steel base for a vertical pump. is there any code that will guide me? or anyone expert here has seen something and can advise?
I can only find guides for concrete foundation but there is nothing for steel base.

Please and thank you

 

[bimr]

When a pump is mounted directly on a structural steel frame, the pump should be located directly over, or as near as possible to the main building members, beams, or walls. The pump should be bolted to the support to avoid distortion, prevent vibration, and retain proper alignment. The installation should also be reviewed with the manufacturer.

If a Sub Base is being bolted to a structural steel foundation, use shims for leveling the plate.

Structural steel is much more flexible than a concrete base. Consideration also has to be given to the natural frequncy of the support structures.

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=335816

 

[DubMac]

Agree with bimr. Check natural frequencies and make sure the pump is set absolutely vertical. Have provisions for leveling after installation; which would include a sub base foundation plate.

 

[1gibson]

Read the contract with the pump vendor. In my experience, the way this works is that the pump gets installed, vibrates, pump vendor comes out on warranty claim, states the obvious (flexible foundation causing natural frequency problems) and suggests options to mitigate. Then you just have to argue who pays for it and how fast it can get done (these are very much intertwined.) So that is why you want to read the contract as a first step.

Either way, make sure the pump vendor is aware of your proposed foundation as early as possible. They may be able to perform a vibration analysis with different boundary conditions (foundation constraints) and already have a head start on a solution if it does vibrate.

Also be aware that if you have multiple units all attached with structural steel, they will "talk" to each other. You will chase the vibration problem back and forth between them, and experiments to isolate the problem or implement potential solution on one pump only will waste time and defy all logic.