GIW Technical Series

CENTER OF GRAVITY
When installing a GIW pump in the field, moving or rigging the unit involves special safety concerns
for both the equipment and personnel. Extra precautions must be taken to insure that all rigging
equipment has the capacity for the pump shipping weights, and that the selected lifting points can support
and balance the unit to prevent tipping. Lifting eyes are provided on the pump casing to attach chain
shackles, and the pedestal has holes in various locations for hooks or slings.
The unique design and robust construction of a GIW slurry pump usually locates the center of gravity
(CG) at the stuffing box area as illustrated below. On certain designs, it is possible for the weight of the
pump to be greater than that of the bearing and pedestal, creating an overturning moment. These units
must be braced or blocked under the pump casing to help stabilize the assembly when its on the ground.
Overhead mounted motors, drives and accessories can cause the CG to move above the shaft, making it
top heavy. This must be accounted for when lifting the unit, as outlined in the GIW Maintenance Manual.
The center of gravity of an assembly is found by using the theoretical center of the pump casing as the
origin (0,0,0) point. In most cases, the positive X-axis points out the suction and the positive Y-axis is
upward. The Z-axis is then defined by the right hand rule. In the illustration below, X values to the Right
of 0,0,0 are Positive, and X values to the Left of 0,0,0 are negative.
CG

CG
Assembly

+Y

+Y

0,0,0

+X
wtM

TW
cdM

+Z

+X

+Z
View looking
into suction

The dimensional CG can be quickly estimated from the assembly drawing. Add the weights of all the
mechanical end components together to find (wtM). Multiply this by one half the distance (L) from the
origin to the end of the pedestal (cdM). Now divide by the total shipping weight (TW) of the assembly.
This equals the location of the center of gravity of the pump assembly from 0,0,0 as follows:
CG = (wtM * cdM)
TW

cdM = L / 2 where L = Distance from end of Pedestal to origin

wtM = Weight of Pedestal + Bearing Asm + Shaft + Stuffing Box Asm
TW = Shipping weight of the entire Pump Assembly

Large motors and speed reducers will each have a separate CG, which is normally indicated by its lifting
eye. The structural steel sub-base assembly is designed to properly locate all the system components and
maintain correct alignment after installation. It is considered flexible and not intended for the structural
support of the pump assembly or drive train components during lifting or rigging. For safety reasons,
heavy components such as the motor and speed reducer should be mounted to the sub-base after it has
been installed and leveled on the concrete foundation.
GIW is committed to providing our customers with the highest quality, longest lasting pumps in the
BC 7-98
industry .... the Center of your entire pumping system.