Common Causes of Industrial Pump Failure and How to Prevent Them

08 March 2022

Many industries today maximise industrial pumps in moving materials. These materials are water, chemicals, oil, food, sludges, and slurries. Some notable applications of industrial pumps are pumping water from the wells, aquarium and pond filtering, pumping oil or gas, and cooling tower operations.

For industrial pumps to be effective in these applications, manufacturers would often create them out of durable materials. As their components are assembled, industrial pumps can easily move materials into their intended destinations. Not all pumps, however, can move the fluid similarly. Some pumps move fluid through gravity methods, while others move fluid by either direct lift or displacement.

Industrial pumps that are regularly assessed and maintained can work for a long time. However, there are still instances where they fail out of nowhere. The following are some of the most common causes of industrial pump failure and ways to prevent them.

Voltage Discrepancies

One of the primary causes of industrial pump failure is voltage discrepancies. Industrial pumps are rated based on their needed horsepower to make them operational. They are likewise rated according to the needed amount of power that requires to be taken from their voltage or amperage. If the industrial pumps cannot maximise the right voltage during their operations, they will be forced to maximise more amperage. As the value of their amperage increases, the amount of generated heat also increases, leading to partial to total failure.

Inefficient Operations

Another cause of industrial pump failure is inefficient operations. Industrial pumps are designed to flow efficiently. And for them to work effectively, they must always reach the best efficiency point (BEP), a point along a pump performance curve where their efficiency peaks. Normally, operating at or around BEP is highly recommended. However, if the pumps consistently work below or above 30% of their BEP, they are expected to attain bearing failure, mechanical seal failure, and shaft breakage. They will likewise consume a lot of power as well as gain shorter service life.

Infiltration of Elements

One more common cause of industrial pump failure is the infiltration of elements to various motor parts. Industrial pumps are intended to regulate the movement of fluid and other materials to their intended places. However, if these materials or elements infiltrate the pump motor, their cables may have been cut or have obtained some damages. The infiltration of elements can also happen if the motor of the pumps has been running too long, allowing the mechanical seals to slowly open over time. Ultimately, infiltration of elements may happen if the materials are overly acidic.

Some ways to prevent industrial pump failure are to know and follow the BEP of industrial pumps, ensure that proper voltage can be provided during pump operations, and check the compatibility of elements that will be transported by the pumps. Regular assessment of industrial pump components can also help pumps work effectively. To know more about industrial pumps, give us a call at Fluid Sealing.

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