If you want your pumps to consume less fuel, minimize downtime and reduce operational costs, then you need to ensure that it operates at maximum efficiency. Very often, pump owners consider pump maintenance as a frivolous expense that can be avoided. Contrary to this popular assumption, pump maintenance is not an expense but an investment that enhance pump performance and value.
As the leading pumps manufacturers in India, we have noticed that pumps that are maintained diligently offer high efficiency and reduced operational costs. Here, in this blog post, we share our tips on identifying common pump system problems and ways to rectify them.
Common Signs that Indicate Inefficiency in a Centrifugal Pump
Noticeable Difference in Pump Flow
Track the discharge flow. Do you notice these signs?
Is there a decrease in flow?
Is your pump taking a long time to do the same job as before?
The reduced flow could be because of the following reasons: a leaking gasket, a clogged suction line, a worn plate, a worn/damaged impeller, a collapsed suction hose lining, etc. Here are the steps to follow to determine the cause of decreased flow:
- Measure the discharge pressure and the suction vacuum during pump operation.
- Compare the latest readings to the original readings taken during pump installation.
- If you notice a higher discharge pressure, then it could indicate the following causes
Clogged discharge lines
Air trapped inside
A closed valve
The next step is to identify where the problem is located. If both the discharge gauge and suction gauge show a decrease then it indicates the problem is located between the gauges.
Pump is not able to Re-prime as Rapidly as it Did
The main reason for slow re-priming is due to excessive face clearance. If this isn’t the issue, then watch out for these signs:
Are all the hardware gaskets tight?
Are seals leaking?
Is the volute worn out?
Is there clogging at the recirculation port?
To determine where the problem is located, do a maximum vacuum check. Here are the steps to follow:
- Fill the pump with the maximum amount of water required for re-priming.
- To do this, remove the suction flap valve, and prime the volute casing.
- Once the pump begins operation, turn off the pump and let the liquid inside the pump fall back into the sump.
The product that remains in the volute casing is the minimum left for re-priming. The next step is to install a vacuum gauge on the suction end of the pump. Close a valve in the suction line. This creates a valve effect. Re-energize the pump and check the vacuum gauge. The reading you observe is the pump’s lift capabilities.
Excessive Noise
If you notice your pump making excessive noise than usual, then it’s a sure-sign indicator of something wrong. If your pump makes sounds like a marble rattling inside a can, then it indicates cavitation. There are several causes for cavitation:
Too high suction lift
Clogged strainers
Too long suction hose
Plugged or collapsed lining
Or a combination of any of these issues
Failed bearings also create excessive noise. But, the noise created is different from that of the noise produced due to cavitation.
Dry run the pump for a short period without water. If you don’t notice any noise, then it indicates that the noise is due to hydraulic troubles.
If the noise continues even when the pump is dry run, then it indicates a mechanical issue.
Frequent Clogs in the Pump Line
If you notice that the suction valve is clogged, then it indicates that the strainer is either too small or too large. It could also be due to a wide face clearance. Also, make sure that the strainer is not stuck in the mud at the suction end.
Pump Overheating
If the pump overheats, then the flow of the liquid inside and outside the pump is severely restricted. Improper impeller clearance, clogged suction strainers, or an obstructed open-ended discharge line are some of the reasons for pump overheating. Never attempt to open a hot pump. Make sure the pump is cool enough to touch before you open it. Even if the casing has cooled, there still may be pressure build-up inside. So, make sure to follow provided by
pump manufacturing companies in India while troubleshooting overheated pumps.
Key Takeaway
Running a pump without proper maintenance could lead to costlier and time-consuming repairs down the line. Make sure that your pump operator is aware of the key parameters of the pump. Any deviation from these parameters should be promptly checked.
As the
leading centrifugal sump pump suppliers in India, Sintech offers extensive pump maintenance guidance for all our customers, post the sale. If you have any query on operating industrial
pumps in India, get in touch with our friendly team for expert insights and guidance.
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