ASK AN EXPERT
The pump industry relies on expertise from a large and varied range of specialists, from experts in particular pump types to those with an intimate understanding of pump reliability; and from researchers who delve into the particulars of pump curves to experts in pump efficiency. To draw upon the wealth of expert knowledge the Australian pump industry has to offer, Pump Industry has established a panel of experts to answer all your pumping questions.
This edition of Ask an Expert will look at a particular challenge all maintenanceintense progressive cavity pump applications face on a regular basis; how can quick, easy and cost-efficient maintenance solutions reduce downtimes to a minimum?
A
ll pump applications that require a stable process and minimal downtimes rely on efficient maintenance of pumping equipment. The larger the pumps are, the more difficult maintenance becomes. Thanks to creative engineers, some easy-maintenance solutions can significantly reduce downtimes and save costs.
Progressive cavity pump maintenance: a blessing and a curse
The optimal duty point of a pump is of utmost importance for the performance of the plant’s operating process. Rotor, stator and mechanical seal can face tremendous forces within the pump. Abrasive or corrosive mediums constantly abrade the surfaces and therefore impact on pump performance. Thus, maintenance is a regularly due process that
unfortunately leads to downtime of either part, or the whole of a plant. Additionally, the task requires allocation of trained staff, the right spare parts, perhaps some special tools, plus dismantling of pipework and sometimes moving the pump out of place. This means maintenance always consumes human and financial resources as well as valuable time. The absence of proper and regular maintenance can lead to catastrophic failures and long downtimes, whereas a thoroughly maintained pump assures smooth plant operation. Simplified maintenance by way of MIP (Maintain-in-Place) pumps has been a feature for some progressive cavity pump manufacturers for more than ten years, but designs have generally been limited to smaller sizes with some limitations on flow rates and pressures.
Typical MIP PCP which has been available now for ten plus years.
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pump industry | Summer 2022 | Issue 38
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