Pump Rescue: Keep pits productive with portable-pump preventive maintenance
Written by Kirsten Petersen Stroud
Preventive maintenance is a key component in maximizing a pump’s
lifespan, not to mention cost savings, increased profitability,
increased pump availability, improved productivity and decreased repair
costs. Thus, it makes sense for pump owners and users to implement a
comprehensive service and maintenance program.
To yield maximum profit, equipment must be operated properly. Effective
service and maintenance keeps equipment working at peak efficiency; so
service and maintenance should not be viewed as a strain on income.
Rather, they should be considered a contribution to output. The key to
a good service and maintenance program is preventive maintenance. This
includes adjusting and tuning up equipment and detecting and correcting
small problems before they become major problems.
Scheduled preventive maintenance is typically viewed as oil, fuel and
air filter changes every 200 to 250 operating hours, as recommended by
the manufacturer. While this is necessary, it also provides an
excellent opportunity to perform a general machine audit that includes
inspection of all wear components and to make replacements or
adjustments as needed.
Good equipment maintenance requires that everyone shares the
responsibility. Field operators and mechanics must make sure the
equipment is operated properly and that required maintenance intervals
are performed. The supervisors must ensure that the proper maintenance
schedule and procedures are completed by the mechanics. Finally, the
purchasing or parts department must procure necessary parts, in
advance, to avoid delays and downtime.
Having a manufacturer’s trained service technician perform these tasks
may increase the initial cost of the service when compared to using
on-staff personnel. However, a trained technician will do the job
correctly and also identify components that are susceptible to failure,
which avoids downtime and damage to other parts. This will reduce
repair costs throughout the life of the equipment and result in savings
much more than the initial cost of a service call.
More Specifically, For Aggregates
During visual inspection of the pump, all areas of material buildup
should be noted and removed after the unit is shut down. Look for and
remove dust especially around the alternator, radiator and control
panel. Especially with aggregates, dust can create waterways and
channels affecting electronic and non-electronic components. An air
hose is the most effective tool to remove the dust buildup.
Often with the aggregates market, the substance being pumped has
varying pH levels. These high or low pH levels can cause extra wear on
the pump. Thus, some pump manufacturers offer pumps with special
materials such as bronze or stainless steel or with special coatings to
prevent added wear, depending on the application. Hardened impellers,
wear plates and volute rings can also be helpful to lengthen the life
of the pump.
For pit dewatering, always be sure to use a strainer. This keeps
unwanted foreign materials out of the pump. Some of the most common
pumps used in pit dewatering are high head, high-pressure pumps (such
as the Thompson Pump JSC series). Hydraulic submersible pumps also provide pumping power for common aggregate applications.
Please dispose of used oil in a manner that is compatible with the
environment. We suggest you take used oil in a sealed container to your
local recycling center or service station for reclamation. Do not throw
it in the trash; pour it on the ground, or down a drain as oil can be
harmful to the environment.
Items to Monitor
To perform general maintenance properly, it is important to pay close
attention to the pump while it is running. The following are items to
monitor: heat, pressure, vibration, noise, flow, speed, strain, liquid
level, power consumption, product contamination, leakage and emissions.
Serious items to watch for — cavitation and water hammer — occur
frequently in the aggregates market. To prevent cavitation, run the
pump at the proper speed or provide a larger suction hose to handle the
fluid. Water hammer, which is a spike in discharge pressure and often
the cause of blown seals, can be prevented by starting the pump and
slowly throttling up to recommended max speed. Multiple check valves in
the discharge line can also provide relief to water hammer.
Kirsten Petersen Stroud is the marketing manager for Thompson Pump. For more information, visit www.thompsonpump.com.
More Specifically, For Aggregates
