Starting Hydraulic Axial Displacement Pump

[oceanview]

We are undergoing a major refit on an older ship and we are are now bringing seperate systems on-line. One of the systems is a hyrdaulic system consisting of two Sauer-Danfoss axial piston hyrdaulic pumps driven off of ptos from the generator engines. Hydraulics are not my strong point, so this question may be quite trivial, but I'd rather ask to avoid any problems. We have flushed the entire system since piping had to be removed and the clutches to the pumps were also overhauled. The hoses were also replaced to the pumps, so essentially the pumps are completely dry.
My plan is to bring the system online is to bleed any air to the pumps using head pressure from the header tank and then to start the system (of course ensuring everything is lined up).
However, the mechanic which replaced the clutches mentioned that you have to be very careful when starting these pumps dry as they are quickly damaged. He is not a hydraulic pump specialist, so does anyone have more to add to this? Are there any major steps that I am missing which should be taken while bringing the system online? Any helps or tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[hydtools]

Make sure the cases are full. This is where the swash plates and piston slippers get their lubrication.

If the pumps are variable volume, start at minimum displacement.

Ted

 

[zeusfaber]

Check the web for the manufacturer's application notes and see which ports they recommend you use for bleeding the pumps in the orientation you've got them mounted in (sorry, can't be more specific as all our pumps come from other suppliers).

A.

 

[IceStationZebra]

Along Hydtools recommendation, if you can run the pumps at a slow speed and low pressure do that.

I also agree with bleeding the air out of the intake line. Piston pump do NOT like seeing a vacuum at the inlet port.

ISZ