With over 70 years’ experience in the industry, we feel like we’ve seen a thing or two when it comes to pump operations. As with most heavy-duty equipment, centrifugal pumps may encounter issues on occasion. Because nobody likes the downtime caused by extensive repair time or parts replacement, we want to share with you our handy, quick troubleshooting guide for common centrifugal pump problems.
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
We created this guide so that if you experience any of these at your operation, you’ll have a starting point to a solution at your fingertips.
The following are some common centrifugal pump problems, their likely causes, and what to do about them.
You may encounter a situation where your pump is not delivering the liquid consistently – or at all. This can occur even if the pump has been operating normally, and both the discharge and suction valves are open and functional. There are several potential causes for a stoppage in liquid delivery. Fortunately, there are remedies as well:
Your pump may seem to be operating properly, with the discharge and suction valves open and fluid flowing through the system. However, you may still notice that the flow rate or head in the system is below rating. Here are some possible causes and solutions:
Heat is a danger to centrifugal pumps, so you’ll always want to monitor this. You may encounter an issue where the pump appears to be operating normally and near rating for system flow and head, yet the bearing temps are hot. Here are the probable causes and what to do about them:
Intermittent performance of a centrifugal pump is an obvious sign of an issue. Anything other than smooth, non-interruptive run times should be looked at. If your pump starts and but then the flow stops – and especially if it occurs often – here’s what could be wrong:
Leaks around the pump seals are an obvious sign of a problem, even when the pump is operating at normal hydraulic conditions with the discharge and suction valves open, and the system flow and head are near rating. But before you replace the pump completely, examine the possible causes and solutions for this issue:
This is another common issue that many operators run into with centrifugal pumps. Even during seemingly normal operation, you may notice the pump is drawing excessive power. Here are some possible causes and solutions:
Noise and vibrations are telltale signs that something is wrong with the pump. Bearing heat can be one possible cause, but there are several other possibilities as well:
These are just a few of the most common pump problems you may encounter at your operation and some steps to help resolve them. For more information on pump troubleshooting, click here.
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS
FIRST NAME
*
LAST NAME
*
*
MESSAGE
*
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Thanks. We have received your request and will respond promptly.
Log In
Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.
Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.
Eng-Tips Posting Policies
Horizontal or vertical centrifugal pump?
thread407-204791 Forum Search FAQs Links MVPsForum
Goto SHANGLISHI to know more.
Search
FAQs
Links
MVPs
(Mechanical)
(OP)
12 Dec 07 08:36If I have two identical performance pumps (same capacity, pressure, etc) only difference is one has vertical shaft and other one has horizontal shaft. If my system have enough NPSHa to satisfy NPSHr for both pumps, what other consideration I have do to select one of these pumps?
Regards
(Mechanical)
12 Dec 07 15:28Single biggest determining factor is probably floor space - the vertical will take a lot less space.
(Mechanical)
12 Dec 07 18:57Ideally the pumps are mounted horizontally, especially if they are large. If there is limited space, they can be mounted vertically.
(Chemical)
14 Dec 07 17:18The seals and bearings will be differnt and your maintenance people will need to be informed. The pumps arrangement will also require a look at the system to remove them for repair. Think about cranes if they are large enougn.
When installing larger horizontal you may need to grout them in and have a good leveling system. The horizontal will be more forgiving, but they still need to be level.
Most vertical pumps are installed below grade to get the NPSH value required, if you have enough NPSH you can mount the vertical above ground. This will cost more.
Verticle pumps can be restaged more easily than horizontals.
(Petroleum)
16 Dec 07 11:57Kenyi,
Not knowing the pump specifications you may need to consider additional thrust if using a vertical pump. The weight of large impellers and shafts along with gravity will add to the bearing load in a vertical configuration. The pump manufacture should be able to help with this if you are close on bearing limits.
D23
(Mechanical)
16 Dec 07 15:28There is no rule to define the use of vertical over horizontal or horizontal over vertical. It comes down to choice, preference, real estate available for installation etc.
Pumps designed for vertical installation already have the correct bearing configuration and can be installed without any problems, just take a look at all the submersible pumps installed throughout the world - plus all the large waste water, cooling tower and large circulating water pumps - how many millions are there installed and running without problems?
Kenyi (Mechanical) What size units are you looking at?
Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.
Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.
Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members! Already a Member? Login
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Vertical Chemical Centrifugal Pump. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.