Scheduling pump and motor maintence

May 10, 2019 2:21 pm

Here are different ways on how to easily maintain pumps and keep the downtime to minimum

Regular pump maintenance is fairly simple and can keep your pump downtime to a minimum.

Pump end maintenance
These maintenance events can also be beneficial to other system components. Here, are simple procedural tasks associated with the care of the pump end:
• Ensure pump meets required performance and is operating smoothly and quietly
• Listen for any abnormal noises / vibrations
• Check for leaks, particularly at the shaft seal
• Check flow and pressure
• Remove and clean all system strainers or filters
• Lubricate according to manufacturer’s specifications using the proper lubricant
• Check for loose bolts / nuts and fittings
• Open the air vent to remove any trapped air

Motor maintenance
Getting the best possible overall efficiency out of your pump makes sound financial sense, and routine motor maintenance is critical to that end. The following check list provides the most basic tasks associated with motor maintenance:
• Clear dust and dirt from the motor
• Check winding resistances, voltage, amp draw and phase imbalance
• Grease bearings according to manufacturer’s instructions; use only the suggested lubricant; do not over grease or mix grease types
• Check for corrosion and condensation
• Check for excessive heat/noise/vibration

If excessive heat from the motor is observed, check the motor’s amp draw and line voltage. High heat in a motor can also be caused by a lack of cooling. Ensure that ambient conditions around the
pump are within the manufacturer’s specifications and that the cooling fan blades are intact and operating properly.

Routine scheduling of preventive maintenance
Scheduling maintenance events at regular intervals which best accommodate conditions and time of operation can assure optimum pump performance and avoid unplanned downtime throughout the life of the pump. The event should be well-planned in advance so that when the activity is to take place, all the resources including tools, spare parts and / or service kits are readily available. It’s also a good practice to ensure that tools and spare parts are checked and verified that they operate correctly prior to beginning the event. The goal of a scheduled maintenance event is to perform the task scrupulously, correctly, and efficiently, with minimal downtime.

Following the event, documentation is critical to meaningful record keeping, as the tracking of the maintenance event provides useful performance-related information and can provide diagnostic clues pertinent to troubleshooting and adjusting for the pump’s best performance. This documentation also provides a good starting point for the next routine maintenance event.

Finally, detailed procedures outlining the related tasks specific to the pump should be reviewed prior to the event. The following discussion highlights basic maintenance tasks that should be included in preventive maintenance procedures.

Article by:
Grundfos Pumps India Pvt. Ltd.