This paper discusses various issues that pertain to the start-up and commissioning of ring section type boiler feed pumps in the modern combined cycle plant. Ring section type boiler feed pumps are particularly prevalent in today's plants, primarily due to their attractive first cost and array of specific speeds. While the start-up of boiler feed pumps has been addressed in the past, it is important to update the work as it relates specifically to the current model, the ring section type. The vast majority of feed pump start-up problems that impact or delay the commissioning schedule of a new power plant will do so, regardless of the type of pumps. However, by using good installation practices and scrutinizing them closely, any pump can smoothly survive initial operation. To assist in this goal, the effort should be collaborative between the pump manufacturer, the purchaser and the installation personnel. While the commissioning of any style of boiler feed pump in new construction is usually challenging, the modern combined cycle plant can place many additional unique demands on pumps, making them susceptible to failure in a variety of ways. During the design phase one of the most important stages in the life of the plant to consider is system start-up and commissioning. Insufficient attention to details such as piping, nozzle loads, and foundations may result in costly problems. Operating the system during the start-up phase requires correctly trained personnel to follow proper procedures. This requires engineering the training and operational procedures with equipment protection as well as the job function in mind. Several design alternatives and their associated costs are presented to increase the system resistance to failure. With all of the preparations discussed in this paper, including correct installation protocol and thorough systematic inspection, the initial operation of a boiler feed pump should be highly successful. It is imperative that agreement exists between the manufacturer and the purchaser of exactly what the installation goals are, and the equipment is correctly specified. However, if incomplete agreement or incorrect applied procedures, the start-up could be problematic, time consuming, expensive, and potentially dangerous.
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