Why pre-shipment inspection matters
A non-conformity found on site costs far more than one found in the workshop: dismantling, re-shipping, delayed start-up. Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is the last chance to confirm that the pump matches the order, datasheet and approved ITP, while the supplier can still fix things at low cost.
Before the inspection: documents to request
Ask the supplier for these documents a few days before the visit. Reviewing them in advance makes the inspection faster and highlights the critical points.
- Purchase order, approved datasheet and general arrangement (GA) drawing
- Approved ITP with Hold and Witness points
- Material certificates for pressure parts (EN 10204 3.1)
- Test reports: hydrostatic, performance, NPSH if required
- Motor test report and declarations (CE, ATEX if applicable)
- Coating (DFT) report and draft packing list
The checklist, section by section
Use this list as a baseline and adapt it to your project ITP and specification.
1. Identification and nameplates
- Pump nameplate: model, serial number, rated flow and head match the datasheet
- Motor nameplate: power, voltage, frequency (50/60 Hz), IE class, IP rating
- ATEX marking where required by the installation area
- Client tag number on the pump and on the documents
2. Visual and dimensional check
- Nozzles: size, pressure rating, facing and orientation as per GA drawing
- Baseplate: foundation holes, lifting lugs, flatness, no damage
- Coupling and coupling guard installed; alignment record available
- Mechanical seal and flush plan as per datasheet
3. Tests and records
- Hydrostatic test: pressure and duration per specification, no leakage
- Performance test: guaranteed duty point within the required ISO 9906 tolerance grade
- Vibration, noise and bearing temperature recorded, when specified
- Test instruments calibrated, with valid certificates
4. Electrical items
- Motor insulation resistance measured and recorded
- Terminal box, cable glands and earthing as per specification
- Direction-of-rotation arrow present and correct
- Anti-condensation heater and sensors (PT100, PTC) if required
5. Coating and preservation
- Dry film thickness (DFT) and colour per the painting system
- Machined surfaces protected, nozzles closed with covers or blind flanges
- Circuits drained and dry after testing; long-term preservation if specified
6. Accessories and spares
- Commissioning and two-year spares checked against the approved list
- Special tools, instruments and loose items identified and packed
7. Packing and marking
- Packing suitable for transport (including sea freight), ISPM 15 treated wood
- Shipping marks, weights, centre of gravity and lifting points shown
- Packing list checked item by item; final documents placed inside the case
The issues we find most often
- Motor nameplate data different from the order, especially voltage and frequency
- Flange rating or orientation different from the approved drawing
- Nozzles left open and machined surfaces unprotected
- Coating thickness below the specification minimum
- Spares or accessories missing against the packing list
What you receive after the inspection
An inspection report with photos and measurements for every checklist point, any NCRs with the reference requirement and, when everything conforms, the Inspection Release Note that authorises shipment.
Our pump inspection service