Optimum Pumping Systems has always been our main focus. Our goal is to obtain the highest possible efficiency in our equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency we can offer great savings in energy consumption and spare parts expense.
In order to offer a lower total cost of ownership in our equipment, and to help industries on our path towards reducing our carbon footprint, we put at your disposal a dedicated, multidisciplinary team of pump professionals; our team, focused on Ethical, Environmental Engineering can help you determine which sizes, materials and equipment is the best for your application and make sure you get the most out of your equipment.
In addition, our post-sales service is excellent at keeping track of your equipment's performanec and adjusting accordingly to give you the best efficiency during the life of your pumps.
This has helped us to provide lower cost of ownership while lowering the industries' pumping systems environmental impact.
Optimum Pumping Systems has always been our main focus. Our goal is to obtain the highest possible efficiency in our equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency we can offer great savings in energy consumption and spare parts expense.
In order to offer a lower total cost of ownership in our equipment, and to help industries on our path towards reducing our carbon footprint, we put at your disposal a dedicated, multidisciplinary team of pump professionals; our team, focused on Ethical, Environmental Engineering can help you determine which sizes, materials and equipment is the best for your application and make sure you get the most out of your equipment.
In addition, our post-sales service is excellent at keeping track of your equipment's performanec and adjusting accordingly to give you the best efficiency during the life of your pumps.
This has helped us to provide lower cost of ownership while lowering the industries' pumping systems environmental impact.
Suction &/ or discharge valve(s) closed or partially closed
- Open Valves
Wrong direction of rotation
- Check rotation with arrow on casing-reverse polarity on motor
- Note: If impeller unscrews, check for damage.
Speed too low
- Correct speed.
- Check records for proper speed.
Obstructions in lines or pump housing
- Inspect and clear.
- Improper piping.
- Check for loose valve seat.
Strainer or flame arrestor partially clogged
- Inspect and clean.
- Check orientation.
- Properly sized?
- Remove if start up strainer is no longer needed.
Pump impeller clogged
- Check for damage and clean.
Impeller installed backwards (double suction pumps only)
Inspect
Wrong impeller size
- Verify proper impeller size.
Check valve plugged or installed backwards
- Unplug or repair check valve.
- Reinstall in proper orientation.
Internal wear (reduces throughout capability)
- Check impeller clearance.
- Check for pipe strain.
- Check for cavitation.
- Check for corrosion wear, casing wear.
- Pump metallurgy too soft for abrasives.
Air/ gas entrainment in liquid
- Check for gas/ air in suction system/ piping.
- Install gas separation chamber in suction tank/line.
- Checking for well pipe, too short, or missing.
- Check for air leaks through gaskets, packing, or seals.
- Check for air leaks in suction pipe.
- Open air vent valve.
Pump is cavitating (symptom for liquid vaporizing in suction discharge recirculation)
- If pump is above liquid level, raise liquid level closer to pump or lower the pump.
- If liquid is above pump, increase liquid level elevation or increase suction pipe size.
- Change pump size or speed.
- Check for pipe restrictions.
- Check air leakage through packing.
- Install full port valve.
- Check boiling point margin (flash point).
- Reduce piping losses by modifying improper piping.
- Compare flow to BEP.
- Check NPSHa/NPSHr margin.
Insufficient immersion of suction pipe or bell, vortexing
- Lower suction pipe or raise sump level.
- Reduce flow rate.
Viscosity too high, 500 cps most pumps, cps maximum under special designs
- Heat up liquid to reduce viscosity.
- Increase size of discharge piping to reduce pressure loss.
- Use larger driver or change type of pump.
- Slow pump down.
Mismatched pumps in parallel operation
- Check design parameters.
- If pumps are properly matched, check for matching piping.
Pump too small (total system head higher than design head of pump)
- Decrease system resistance to obtain design flow.
- Check design parameters such impeller size, etc.
- Increase pump speed.
- Install proper size pump.
Evaporation or solidification in stuffing box and on seal faces
- Install double seal & barrier system.
- Keep stuffing box at proper temperature.
Improper operation procedures
- Verify that Operations does not start up & shut down pump improperly.
- Discontinue dead-heading pump.
- Avoid running pump dry.
- Gravity drain through pump.
- Have purge system valved out.
- Work with Operations to change bad habits or work with engineering to design around.
Misalignment
"- Check angular and parallel alignment between pump & driver.
- Eliminate stilt-mounted baseplate.
- Check for loose mounting.
- Eliminate conduit and piping strain.
- Check for thermal growth.
Inadequate grouting of base or stilt-mounted
- Check grouting. Is it cracked, crumbling, air voids, etc. Was it grouted to current industry practices? Consult Process Industry-Practice RF-IE686.
- If stilt-mounted, grout baseplate.
Casing distorted from pipe strain
- Check orientation of bearing adaptor.
- Check for misalignment of pipe.
- Check pump for wear between casing and rotating elements.
- Analyze piping loads.
- Check for pipe supports.
- Check for proper spring hanger setting.
- Is suction piping supported within 1 to 3 feet of the pump? Is vertical piping supported from above using pipe hangers or spring hangers? Verify proper support with engineering.
Bent shaft
- Check TIR at impeller end (should not exceed 0.002"). Replace shaft & bearings if necessary.
Unbalance Pump
- Balance impeller.
Wrong impeller size
- Verify proper impeller size.
Pump too small (total system head higher than design head of pump)
- Decrease system resistance to obtain design flow.
- Check design parameters such as impeller size, etc.
- Increase pump speed.
- Install proper size pump.
- If pump is above liquid level, raise liquid level closer to pump or lower the pump.
Pump is cavitating (symptom for liquid vaporizing in suction system), suction re-circulation, discharge re-circulation
- If liquid is above pump, increase liquid level elevation or increase suction pipe size.
- Change pump size or speed.
- Check for pipe restrictions.
- Check air leakage through packing.
- Install full port valve.
- Check boiling point margin (flash point).
- Reduce piping losses by modifying improper piping.
- Compare flow to BEP.
- Check NPSHa/NPSHr margin.
Viscosity too high, 500 cps most pumps, cps maximum under special designs (product not lubricating seal faces)
- Heat up liquid to reduce viscosity.
- Install seal flush.
- Install double seal & barrier system.
Supply tank empty
- Refill supply tank.
- Install double seal & barrier system.
- Install electrical shutdown.
Improper mechanical seal
- Check mechanical seal selection strategy.
Mismatched pumps in parallel operation
- Check design parameters.
- If pumps are properly matched, check for matching piping.
Pump too large (total system head lower than design head of pump; too much or too little flow causes shaft vibration and short seal life)
- Increase system resistance (add orifice or restrict discharge valve.
- Check design parameters such as impeller size, etc.
- Decrease pump speed.
- Install proper size pump.
Air/ gas entrainment in liquid
- Check for gas/ air in suction system/ piping.
- Install gas separation chamber in suction tank/line.
- Checking for well pipe, too short, or missing.
- Check for air leaks through gaskets, packing, or seals.
- Check for air leaks in suction pipe.
- Open air vent valve.
Unbalanced Driver
- Run driver disconnected from pump unit, perform vibration analysis.
Pump is cavitating (symptom for liquid vaporizing in suction system), suction re-circulation, discharge re-circulation
- If pump is above liquid level, raise liquid level closer to pump or lower the pump.
- If liquid is above pump, increase liquid level elevation or increase suction pipe size.
- Change pump size or speed.
- Check for pipe restrictions.
- Check air leakage through packing.
- Install full port valve.
- Check boiling point margin (flash point). Reduce piping losses by modifying improper piping.
- Compare flow to BEP. Check NPSHa / NPSHr margin. Check pump suction energy.
Suction &/ or discharge valve(s) closed or partially closed
- Open valves.
Misalignment
- Check angular and parallel alignment between pump & driver.
- Check and eliminate any pipe strain.
- Eliminate stilt-mounted baseplate.
- Check for loose mounting.
- Eliminate rigid conduit connection.
- Check for thermal growth.
Inadequate grouting of base or stilt mounted
- Check grouting. Is it cracked, crumbling, air voids, etc. Was it grouted to current industry practices? Consult Process Industry Practice RE-IE-686.
- If stilt-mounted, grout baseplate.
Coupling problems
- Check for proper grease.
- Check for proper sizing.
- Check for contoured key.
- Use Class 1 alignment.
Bearing failures
- Inspect parts for defects-repair or replace. Have bearing mfr. analyze failed bearings and make recommendation
- Check lubrication procedures
- Check for contaminated lubricant (e.g., water)
- Check for over-lubrication. Check for under-lubrication.
- Verify (mineral) oil temperature less than 180°F (83°C).
Pump impeller clogged
- Check for damage and clean.
Bent shaft
- Check TIR at impeller end (should not exceed 0.002"). Replace shaft & bearings if necessary.
Check valve plugged or installed backwards
- Unplug or repair check valve.
- Reinstall in proper orientation.
Obstructions in lines or pump housing
- Inspect and clear.
- Improper piping.
- Check for loose valve seat.
Strainer or flame arrestor partially clogged
- Inspect and clean.
- Check orientation.
- Properly sized?
- Remove if startup strainer is no longer needed.
Insufficient immersion of suction pipe or bell, vortexing
- Lower suction pipe or raise sump level.
- Reduce flow rate.
Air/ gas entrainment in liquid
- Check for gas/ air in suction system/ piping.
- Install gas separation chamber in suction tank/line.
- Check well pipe: too short, or missing.
- Check for air leaks through gaskets, packing, or seals.
- Check for air leaks in sealing system.
- Open air vent valve.
Pump too large (total system head lower than design head of pump)
- Increase system resistance to obtain design flow. Check design parameters such as impeller size, etc.
- Decrease pump speed.
- Install proper size pump.
Pump too small (total system head higher than design head of pump)
- Decrease system resistance to obtain design flow.
- Check design parameters such as impeller size, etc.
- Increase pump speed.
- Install proper size pump.
Wrong impeller size
- Verify proper impeller size.
Mismatched pumps in parallel operation
- Check design parameters. If pumps are properly matched, check for matching piping.
Unbalance - Driver
- Run driver disconnected from pump -perform vibration analysis.
Unbalance - Pump
- Balance impeller.
Bearing failures
- Inspect parts for defects-repair or replace. Have bearing manufacturer analyze failed bearings and make recommendation.
- Check lubrication procedures.
- Check for contaminated lubricant (e.g., water).
- Check for over-lubrication.
- Check for under-lubrication.
- Verify (mineral) oil temperature less than 180°F (83°C).
Unbalance-Driver
- Run driver disconnected from pump unit - perform vibration analysis.
Pump is cavitating (symptom for liquid vaporizing in suction system), suction re-circulation, discharge re-circulation
- If pump is above liquid level, raise liquid level closer to pump or lower the pump.
- If liquid is above pump, increase liquid level elevation or increase suction pipe size.
- Change pump size or speed.
- Check for pipe restrictions.
- Check air leakage through packing.
- Install full port valve.
- Check boiling point margin (flash point).
- Reduce piping losses by modifying improper piping.
- Compare flow to BEP.
- Check NPSHa/ NPSHr margin.
Unbalanced-Pump
- Balance impeller.
Misalignment
- Check angular and parallel alignment between pump & driver.
- Check and eliminate any pipe strain.
- Eliminate stilt-mounted baseplate.
- Check for loose mounting.
- Eliminate rigid conduit connection.
- Check for thermal growth.
Bent shaft
- Check TIR at impeller end (should not exceed 0.002"). Replace shaft & bearings if necessary.
Casing distorted from pipe strain
- Orientation of bearing adaptor ok?
- Check for misalignment of pipe.
- Check pump for wear between casing and rotating elements.
- Analyze piping loads.
- Check for pipe supports.
- Check for proper spring hanger setting.
- Is suction piping supported within 1 to 3 feet of the pump? Is vertical piping supported from above using pipe hangers or spring hangers?
- Verify proper support with Engineering group.
Inadequate grouting of base or stilt-mounted
- Check grouting. Is it cracked, crumbling, air voids, etc. Was it grouted to current industry practices? Consult Process Industry Practice RF-IE-686
- If stilt-mounted, grout baseplate.
Pump too large (total system head lower than design head of pump)
- Increase system resistance to obtain design flow.
- Check design parameters such as impeller size, etc.
- Decrease pump speed.
- Install proper size pump.
Pump too small (total system head higher than design head of pump)
- Decrease system resistance to obtain design flow.
- Check design parameters such as impeller size, etc.
- Increase pump speed.
- Install proper size pump.
1. Check the power supply: confirm that the power supply to the pump is on and correctly wired.
2. Check the pump settings: confirm that the pump settings are correct.
3. Check the flow rate: confirm that the flow rate is within the acceptable range.
4. Check the pressure: Confirm that the pressure is within the acceptable range.
5. Check the temperature: confirm that the temperature is within the acceptable range.
6. Check the vibration levels: confirm that the vibration levels are within the acceptable range.
7. Check for blockages: confirm that there are no obstructions or blockages in the system.
8. Check for leaks: confirm that there are no leaks in the system.
9. Check the seals: Confirm that the seals are not worn or damaged.
10. Check the bearings: Confirm that the bearings are not worn or damaged.
11. Check for corrosion: confirm that there is no corrosion in the system.
12. Check for cavitation: confirm that there is no cavitation in the system.
13. Check the impellers: Confirm that the impellers are in good shape and spinning properly.
14. Check the valves: confirm that the valves are operating correctly.
15. Check for air: confirm that there is no air in the system.
Video: Click Here
If you want to learn more, please visit our website INDUX.
1. Flow rate: Determine the flow rate of the pump that is needed to meet the requirements of the system.
2. Pressure: Choose a pump that can meet the pressure requirements of the system.
3. Type of pump: Consider the type of pump that is most suitable for the application, such as centrifugal, reciprocating, or rotary.
4. Materials of construction: Select materials of construction that are compatible with the medium being pumped.
5. Maintenance: Determine the maintenance requirements of the pump and make sure that it is easy to access and maintain.
6. Installation: Make sure that the pump is easy to install and meets all safety requirements.
7. Cost: Consider the cost of the pump, installation, and any additional components that may be needed.
8. Warranty: Make sure that the pump comes with a warranty that covers any defects or malfunctions.
Video: Click Here
1. First, you should check the motor and other electrical components to make sure they are functioning properly.
2. Inspect all hoses, valves, and other components for any signs of leakage or blockage.
3. Check the pump's pressure gauge to ensure that it is in the correct range.
4. Inspect the pump's impeller to make sure it is not damaged or broken.
5. Check the pump's seals to make sure they have not failed.
6. Make sure the pump is connected to the correct source of power.
7. Clean the pump and its components to ensure that no debris is blocking the flow.
8. Examine the pump's suction and discharge lines for any signs of clogs or blockages.
9. If necessary, inspect the pump's motor for any signs of overheating or wear.
10. If all else fails, contact a professional to help you troubleshoot the issue.
Video: Click Here
1. Poor maintenance: Poor maintenance is one of the most common causes of industrial pump system malfunctions. If pumps aren't taken care of properly, they can get clogged, corroded, worn, or damaged in other ways, which can cause them to work less well or stop working altogether.
2. Mechanical wear and tear: mechanical wear and tear is another common source of pump system malfunctions. Over time, pumps can get worn down and lose parts, which can cause them to work less well or stop working altogether.
3. Electricity problems: Another common cause of industrial pump system malfunctions can be electrical problems. Power outages, surges, and other electrical problems can cause pumps to malfunction or even shut down completely.
4. Not enough lubrication: Pumps can break or stop working if they are not properly lubricated. Pumps can run dry if they aren't oiled well enough, which can cause them to work less well or stop working altogether.
5. Leaks or blockages: Leaks or blockages in the system can cause pumps to malfunction or even shut down completely. Leaks can occur due to improper installation, corrosion, or wear and tear. Blockages can occur due to foreign objects or other debris.
Video: Click Here
1. Not considering the system pressure: When selecting a pump, it is important to consider the pressure requirements of the system. If the system pressure is too high for the pump, it will not be able to deliver the required flow rate.
2. Not accounting for changes in the system: When selecting a pump, it is important to consider how the system may change over time. If the system pressure or flow rate requirements change, the pump must be able to handle the new requirements.
3. Not considering the type of fluid: Different fluids have different viscosities and densities, which can affect the performance of the pump. It is important to consider the type of fluid when selecting a pump.
4. Not considering the environment: Pumps must be designed to operate in the environment they will be located in. If the environment is too hot, too cold, too wet, or too dry, the pump may not be able to perform properly.
5. Not considering the total dynamic head: Total dynamic head is the maximum pressure the pump must overcome to move the fluid. It is important to account for the total dynamic head when selecting a pump.
6. Not considering the speed of the pump: The speed of the pump must match the system requirements. If the pump is too slow, the system will not achieve its desired flow rate. If the pump is too fast, it may cause cavitation and damage the pump.
Video: Click Here
Before inspecting the seals in your industrial pump system, you should ensure that all power sources are disconnected and the system is pressurized. Once you have done this, you can begin the inspection process.
First, you should check the mechanical seals for signs of wear and tear, including cracks, chips, and other visible damage. You should also check for any signs of leakage, which may indicate a seal is worn or has become loose.
Next, you should check for any signs of contamination, such as dirt, oil, or other contaminants. If any contaminants are found, they should be removed and the seals should be replaced.
Finally, you should inspect the O-rings and gaskets in the system for any signs of wear or damage. If these are worn or damaged, they should be replaced. Once you have completed the inspection process, you should test the system to ensure that the seals are functioning properly and that no leaks are present. This is a critical step in ensuring the safety and efficiency of your industrial pump system.
Cavitation is the formation and collapse, of vapor bubbles in a liquid. It can cause a great deal of damage to a pump and its components.
How can you detect cavitation?
There are a few ways to detect cavitation. One is to look for changes in the pump's noise level. Another is to look for changes in the pump's vibration levels.
What do you do once you've detected cavitation?
If cavitation is detected, it is important to take steps to correct the problem. This may include adjusting the pump's speed, changing the pump's operating point, or adding a cavitation inhibitor to the liquid.
How do you identify what's causing cavitation?
There are a few things that can cause cavitation. One is the pump's operating point. Another is the liquid's properties.
What do pump parts with cavitation damage look like? Cavitation damage can be quite severe. It can cause pitting and erosion of the pump's components.
How does cavitation affect energy consumption?
Cavitation can cause a significant increase in a pump's energy consumption.
The net positive suction head (NPSH) is the difference between the total head and the vapor pressure head.
Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) is a term used in engineering to define the head available to a pump at the suction point. The NPSH available to a pump is the difference between the total head and the vapor pressure head. The total head is made up of the static head, the frictional head, and the velocity head. The pressure that the vapor in the liquid exerts is known as the vapor pressure head. If the vapor pressure is greater than the atmospheric pressure, then the vapor pressure head will be negative.
The NPSH required by a pump is the minimum NPSH available to the pump at the operating point. The operating point is the point at which the pump is running at its rated speed and producing its rated flow. If the NPSH available at the operating point is less than the NPSH required by the pump, then the pump will cavitate. Cavitation is the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in a liquid. When the vapor bubbles collapse, they create a shock wave that can damage the pump.
There are three factors that affect the NPSH available to a pump: the pump design, the operating conditions, and the characteristics of the liquid. The pump design is the most important factor. The NPSH available to a pump is a function of the pump's design and the characteristics of the liquid. The operating conditions of a pump change the total head and the vapor pressure head, which in turn changes the NPSH. The liquid's properties change the vapor pressure head, which in turn changes the NPSH that a pump can use.
A pump's NPSH can be raised by either raising the total head or lowering the vapor pressure head. The total head can be increased by increasing the static head, the frictional head, or the velocity head. The vapor pressure head can be decreased by increasing the atmospheric pressure or by decreasing the vapor pressure. The NPSH available to a pump can also be increased by using a pump with a higher design NPSH.
To lower the NPSH a pump needs, you can either lower the total head or raise the vapor pressure head. Decreases in the static head, frictional head, or velocity head can all reduce the total head. The vapor pressure head can be increased by decreasing the atmospheric pressure or by increasing the vapor pressure. The NPSH required by a pump can also be decreased by using a pump with a lower design NPSH.
The NPSH available to a pump and the NPSH required by a pump are both important factors in the selection of a pump. The NPSH available to a pump should be greater than the NPSH required by the pump. If the NPSH available to a pump is less than the NPSH required by the pump, then the pump will cavitate.
1. Insufficient pipe size: If the pipe size is too small, the fluid velocity will be too high, resulting in reduced pressure at the pump intake, which can cause cavitation. 2. Excessive friction losses: If the pipe is too long or has too many bends or turns, the energy losses due to friction will be too high and the pump will not be able to create enough suction. 3. Air pockets in the pipe: If there are air pockets in the pipe, the air can cause a vacuum and prevent the liquid from flowing properly. 4. Poor installation: If the piping is not installed correctly, it can lead to improper suction. 5. Poor maintenance: If the piping is not properly maintained, it can become blocked or corroded, which can also lead to improper suction. Video: Click Here
Pump World will be closing at 3:00pm Friday, August 29th and closed on Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day.
Slurry pumps are a versatile solution for the removal and/or transport of water or other liquids that contain a certain amount of solid materials in its medium. These pumps are used in applications such as wastewater treatment, construction, mining, oil and gas, and biopharmaceuticals. Slurry pumps are typically constructed of highly durable materials to resist wear and damage due to abrasive solids being suctioned, with large internal clearances to reduce the chance of blockages.
For more information, please visit Low to Medium Head Heavy Duty Slurry Pump.