Article written by FCX Performance, Inc
When your plant has an underperforming pump, you often rely on your pump’s survey data to ensure that, once repaired, the pump will perform as needed. Since the pump is considered mission-critical equipment and is at the heart of most systems, diligent record keeping can help you identify many points of interest when selecting a new pump or repairing your old pump. Your pump records can be equated as written confirmation of your system and operational requirements; this can confirm your pump and mechanical seal materials have been selected properly.
Helps to identify system requirements
Keeping a record of key data points from your pump can be a huge asset to your maintenance team when repairing or replacing old pumps. Documenting whether your pump is running continuously or intermittently in a batch process can help to identify if specific controls need to be implemented. Any fluid remaining in the pump when it is not operating should remain in a state that provides a safe start to the next batch operation.
Monitoring the throughput requirements, or flow, of your pump’s system helps operators identify how quickly you need your pump to transfer fluids. Keeping a record of your suction and discharge pressure requirements show how much system pressure the pump needs to overcome and provide at the usage point. For example, if the system is currently providing 50 psi suction pressure and you need 100 psi at the end point, then we would know that the pump only needs to provide an additional 50 psi to the system. If you have a fluid with a high specific gravity, you may need to run more horsepower for the system to function where you need it. Therefore, confirming your control limits for horsepower and voltage is important to your pump survey.
Ensure the Best Pump Selection by Confirming Fluid Characteristics
Knowing your pump’s fluid characteristics will help narrow down your pump and mechanical seal options that can best meet the needs of your application. There may be special considerations you need to make if your fluid needs to run at very high or very low temperatures. The solids content of your fluid can also determine what type and material makeup of the pump should be selected. A higher percentage of solids may require reconsidering the pump materials, mechanical seal type and seal flush arrangement. Fluid vapor pressure also impacts pump selections, and understanding the fluid’s vapor pressure requirements will help you avoid experiencing cavitation.
Allow Your Pump to Meet the Needs of System Changes
The back pullout feature of ANSI pumps allows the casing to remain bolted to the piping system for the rest of the pump to be removed for maintenance when needed. This allows you to avoid premature seal wear or untimely replacement of parts. Most pump failures occur around the seal chamber from fluid leaking along the shaft; the seal chamber on ANSI pumps can be designed to offer the best environment for your mechanical seal. You can extend the life of your mechanical seal with ANSI pump features that can provide an optimum environment for your mechanical seal.
Pumps and pump parts have an expiration. Collecting data from your pump system can help your operation and maintenance teams handle failure or misfire situations quickly and efficiently. Periodic pump surveying is a best practice to keep your maintenance teams informed.
