Listen to your pump
PUMPS
Few people would just drive a car off the lot without taking it for a test drive first. Yet most end users of pumps are quite happy to do just that when purchasing a pump. Pump testing is an essential step in “test driving” your pump before leaving the lot. Evaluating the hydraulic and mechanical performance of a pump before installation is a critical step not only for refurbished, upgraded and re-engineered pumps but also for new pumps. According to Thomas Papadakos, a manager at Hydro, testing applies to all pumps and should be a requirement before installation at any given operation as it delivers insights into equipment reliability and performance not to mention saving on any possible downtime. “Understanding the power and benefit of aftermarket testing can be confusing. Especially without the knowledge of the various testing capabilities available,” he says. “Using the services of an accredited third-party testing facility might initially feel like an added cost but in the long run it saves time, headaches and money.” Papadakos says performance testing can apply for many reasons. “When it comes to new pumps, designs and hydraulic upgrades there is benefit in knowing the equipment that you are installing will meet your performance targets, while all pumps that have been repaired or rebuilt should be tested to ensure they are performing at a premium when going back into operations. Testing should also be done when impellers have been modified or trimmed.” According to Papadakos, there are several benefits to running a certified performance test before the installation of a pump. “Firstly, it verifies the overall pump performance. During the test key characteristics such as the total differential head, the pump input power and the pump efficiency is measured. It also
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Pipes, Pumps and Valves Africa - Jan/Feb 2022
includes a cavitation test, where we determine at which point the pump begins to cavitate, something that is critical to know for the operation of a healthy pump,” he explains. Papadakos says checking the performance allows one to ensure that the conditions required out in the field are met. “Pump input power, for example, is an important measure. There are many services out there that require a pump to operate 24/7 365 days a year. The power that is drawn over a full year can make a huge impact if the pump is not operating at its prime efficiency.” Another important benefit of testing is that it validates the mechanical performance of the pump. “A vibration test, as well as a look at the bearing and casing temperatures, can hold significant benefit by picking up problems sooner rather than later. Ultimately, testing ensures that bad actors are identified quickly. Problems are diagnosed, isolated and fixed through the test in a controlled environment before field installation and before the next failure. It makes for an all-around healthier pump.” He advises pump owners to choose testing facilities that are impartial and accredited. “Choose your test lab based on their design and capabilities. Make sure the facility can meet international standards and have the necessary accreditations in place. “When testing it is important that the facility measure as many variables as possible,” says Papadakos. “Everything is measured with the respective flow. The basic parameters that must be looked at include
