Article written by FCX Performance, Inc
It’s important your operating equipment doesn’t experience premature failure. The best way to avoid premature failure of an industrial pump is by taking preventative measures to ensure your pump's reliability. To avoid premature failure and maximize pump life, start with these best practices: proper installation, monitor operating conditions and follow manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedules.
Start with a Proper Pump Installation
Improper pump installation can lead to excessive vibration which can reduce the life of your pump. With a suitable suction piping arrangement, you’ll create an environment to ensure a smooth flow to the pump suction. Give your pump a solid foundation to operate from by properly grouting the pump’s base plate. Alleviate as much pipe strain as possible to avoid parts within the pump becoming misaligned. As a final step in the installation process, a proper shaft alignment is necessary to provide stability against vibration. Hitting these check points during the installation of a pump can efficiently ensure your pump's reliability for the future.
Establish Proper Operational Procedures for Your Pump
Setting up standard operational procedures allows you to monitor your pump regularly and catch any unwanted failures before they happen. Double-check that there are no closed valves on the suction or discharge side of the pump. A closed suction valve can starve the pump from the required suction pressure while a closed discharge valve could lead to catastrophic failure, depending on the type of pump that is installed. Regular monitoring of the mechanical seal’s flush arrangement and making sure it’s properly maintained is another critical step in maximizing the pump’s service life.
Keep Up with Regular Pump Maintenance
Regular maintenance checks can help you stay informed on your machine's performance capabilities. Therefore, knowing and implementing your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules for regular or preventative maintenance can be useful to ensure your pump’s reliability. There are many things to note during these checks; they can be simple visual inspections for any seal or gasket leaks to more complex inspections confirming proper lubricant levels and regular vibration monitoring.
Seal or gasket leaks can be a simple fix or an indicator of premature failure, such as pulling air into the system. If the proper lubricant levels are not maintained, the pumps’ bearings may overheat, leading to a bearing failure. Regular vibration monitoring can provide operators with indications of increasing vibration levels, which allows you to plan for a pump repair rather than running into unplanned downtime from pump failure.
Implementing all 3 fundamental practices can allow you to get the maximum service life out of your pump. With proper installation and start up, managing operational procedures, and keeping up with its maintenance schedule, you can prevent premature failure.
