Maintaining Pump Systems
Maintaining pump systems properly is crucial for ensuring their efficient and reliable operation. By regularly inspecting and taking care of the various components of the pump, you can prevent unforeseen breakdowns and prolong its lifespan. In this blog, we will delve into the essential daily maintenance tasks that you should undertake to keep your pump in optimal condition. Pump maintenance is essential for ensuring that pumps operate efficiently and reliably. Here are some tips for daily pump maintenance:
DAILY MAINTENANCE
- Check on operating Condition
If head, electric current, temperature, vibration, noise, etc. are obviously different from those prescribed for normal operation, something is wrong and corrective action must be taken before a total breakdown occurs. It is urged that a daily operation log be kept.
REPLACEMENT OF EXPENDABLES
- Gland Packing
When gland packing leak becomes excessive, packing should be tightened. Should the shaft or sleeve be worn, packing should be replaced. Normally, gland packing must be replaced once a year.
- Mechanical Seal
If there is a leak in the mechanical seal, it should be replaced. The pump casing, pipe and water storage area of a seasonal pump (cooling/heating) will rust during the shutdown period. Operating the pump at the beginning of a season under such conditions can cause damage. It is important, therefore, to clean the piping and water storage area prior to re- newed operation.
- Coupling Rubber
Coupling rubber should be replaced immediately when ex- cessive vibration and/or noise are detected. Coupling rubber can be used for about one year if centering is correct. Correct centering must be made at the time of pump installation, and coupling condition should be periodically checked with remedial measures taken when necessary.
- Ball Bearings
Generally, bearings should be replaced every two or three years. However, if the pump is installed in an area with excessive humidity or high ambient temperature, the grease will leak and result in rusted bearings which will curtail service life. Under such operating conditions, the pump will emit abnormal noise or over heat in a short period of time. If this occurs, the bearings should be replaced immediately.
- Lubrication
Certain Model MS pumps use sleeve metal and #140 turbine oil or its equivalent as lubricant. In a new pump, oil should be changed about once a week during initial stages of operation, and about once every six months thereafter. When changing oil, be sure to drain all dirty oil from the bearings before filling with fresh oil.
OVERHAUL & SHUTDOWN CAUTIONS
- Overhaul
After several years of use, the moving parts in the pump wear and the water passages may become narrow due to collected rust, re-sulting in deterioration of performance. The pump should be over-hauled once every three to five years to assure stable service for a long period of time.
- Shutdown Cautions
When a pump is to be taken out of service for an extended period. or, in a cold area for even a short time, drain all water from the pump by opening the drain cock or plug. If deactivated pump contains water, the casing may crack from freezing. In the event there is no possibility of freezing, the pump should be either com- pletely drained or completely filled with water. Incomplete drain- age will generate rust, which may prevent subsequent operation without prior remedial work.
By following these daily maintenance tips, you can help ensure that your pump operates efficiently and reliably. It’s also a good idea to refer to the pump manufacturer’s maintenance manual for specific instructions and recommendations.
