Troubleshooting Guide

Drawing & Photos

Asset Family
CENTRIFUGAL PROCESS PUMPS
Applicable Asset(s) Running & Control Parameters

Static Discharge Head (hd)

Static Suction Head (hs)
R342;R344;R765;R877;R98

Pressure [bar]
Impeler DN
Imp. RPM

d[Kg/m3]
Q[m3/h]

°C
Set Value

Failure Modes (Symptoms)

D. Insufficient Discharge Pressure E. Short Bearing Life

C. Intermittent Operation F. Short Mechanical Seal Life

B. Insufficient Capacity G. Vibration and Noise

A. No liquid delivery H. Power Demand Execessive

Type Possible Causes Nr. A B C D E F G H Possible Solutions

# Check NPSHa ( Net Positive Suction Head Available ) / NPSHr (Net Positive
Pump is cavitating Suction Head Required ) Margin ;
1 2 1 1 9 1
(Symptom for liquid vaporizing in suction system - Horizontal Pumps) # If pump is above liquid level,raise liquid level closer to pump ;
Suction Problems

# If liquid Is above pump, Increase liquid level elevation ;

# Fill Pump & Suction Piping.Complete with liquid;

# Eliminate high points in suctions;
Pump not primed (air in system) 2 1 2 #Remove all non-condensibles (Air from Pump, piping and valves);
# Eliminate High piping;
# Check for faulty foot valve or check valve.

# Check for gas/air ingress through suction system/piping;

Non-Condensibles in Liquid 3 4 2 3 1
# Install gas separation chamber.
Supply Tank Empty 4 3 # Refill supply tank
Obstruction In lines or pump housing 5 9 7 7 # Inspect and clean
Strainer Partially Clogged 6 3 # Inspect and clean
Pump Impeller Clogged 7 8 8 5 # Check for damage and clean
Hydraulic System

Suction or/& Discharging Valve(s) Closed 8 9 # Check Down & Open Valves
# Heat up Liquid to reduce viscosity;
# Increase the size of discharging piping to reduce pressure loss (if possible);
Viscosity too High 9 7 5 4
# Use larger driver or change type of pump;
# Slow pump down
Specific Gavity to High 10 2 # Check design specific gravity
# Increase system resistance to obtain design flow;
Total System Head Lower than Design Head of Pump 11 4 11
# Check design parameters such as impeller size , etc..

# Decrease system resistance to obtain design flow;

Total System Head Higher than Design Head of Pump 12 6 5 4 10 2
# Check design parameters such as impeller size , etc..

Unsuitable Pumps in Parallel Operation 13 7 6 6 # Check design parameters

Improper Mechanical Seal 14 1 # Check mechanical seal selection
Speed to High 15 1 # Check Motor voltage - slow down driver
Speed to Low 16 4 4 2 # Drive problems. Consulting drive parameters
Worng direction of rotation 17 5 3 6 # Check rotation with arrow on casing if existent- Reverse polarity on motor
Impeller installed backward (Bouble suction imp.) 18 10 12 # Inspect & correct
Misalignment 19 1 2 4 7 # Chec angular & Parallel Alignment between pump & driver
Mechanical System

# Check for misalignement

Casing disorted from execissive pipe strain 20 2 3 5 # Check pump for wear between casing and rotating elements;
# Analyze piping loads.
Inadequate grouting of base 21 6 # Check grouting & regrout if required.
# Check deflection (should not execeed 0.002"). Replace shaft & bearings if
Bent Shaft 22 3 4 7 8
necessary
Internal Wear 23 8 9 # Check impeller clearances
# Inspect part for deflects - Repair or Replace.Use bearing troubleshooting
Mechanical Deflects Worn, Rusted, Defective Bearings 24 5 8 10 guide ;
# Check lubrication procedures.
Unbalance - Driver 25 5 7 9 # Run Driver disconnected from pump unit-perform vibration analysis.
Unbalance - Pump 26 4 6 3 # Investigate natural frequency
Electric Motor Problems 27 6 8 10 11 # Consult Electric Motor Troubleshooting Guide
Note(s):
For vibration & short bearing life related causes , refer to special sections on bearing failure troubleshooting guide & vibration diagnostics