How to Troubleshoot a Maintenance Pump
Troubleshooting a maintenance pump should begin by taking a look at the installation. Look for any evidence that the pump has been exposed to water or other contaminants. This can be determined by checking out the indoor environment where the pump is located. Is it clean, dry and removed from water threats? Since these pumps are delivered with pre-oiled internal components, the opening covers should have remained intact during installation and alignment. Ask the installers if the openings were covered during installation. During your troubleshooting process, take proper precautions to protect yourself from explosive, flammable and/or toxic liquids the pump may contain.
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Instructions
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Check the pump for reduced or lost fluid flow. Closely inspect all pump components, and make any necessary adjustments or replace non-performing components. Check the intake/suction and discharge lines. Make sure they are open and their valves correctly set according to manufacturer specifications.
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Any pump that has lost its prime can not pump efficiently. Verify that the pump is primed. Check the liquid/fluid level in the reservoir, and refill as needed. Vent the pump to remove any excessive air. Look at pump speed and confirm the driver is getting full power.
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Inspect the driver wiring if you see erratic pump rotation. Examine the connections to confirm that the unit is wired in correctly. Look for any damage and/or exposed wire in the wiring insulation. Verify that all lines or piping and valves are clog-free and firmly mounted.
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Strainers, no matter the application, do one job; filter debris and solids. Check the pump flow rate. If the flow rate is reduced or slow, inspect the rotors and rotor housing. Look for leaks in the relief and bypass valves, and repair as needed. If the pump has low inlet pressure, clean or replace the suction strainer and/or remove any blockage you may find.
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Examine the shaft seal closely. These leaks can be difficult to detect. Tighten the packing glands or add new packing as needed. If you detect a leak in the suction line, adjust the relief valve or replace seal lines/piping, or simply seal the leak if the valve and lines appear normal.
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Test the pump suction strength. If you find weak suction or suction loss, thoroughly inspect the suction line for leaks or blockages. Confirm that the suction valve is in the open position. Check the filter and clean or replace it. Clean the strainer, or if it needs replacing, do so.
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Confirm that the discharge pressure is normal. If the pump is showing low discharge pressure, check the liquid level in the reservoir and fill back to the fill line. Also look for air in the pump, piping blockages, and strainer condition.
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Tips & Warnings
You can reduce excessive viscosity by heating the pump and its system liquids.
Use the system and pump charts, tables and references for the particular maintenance pump you are troubleshooting.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit the circulating pump image by YURY MARYUNIN from Fotolia.com water pump image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com preparation tea image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
