All pumps and rotating equipment require maintenance. Routine inspections, adjustments, lubrication, and part replacements are necessary if you want to keep your system running well and your equipment lasting longer. Multistage pumps are generally more complex than most standard single-stage pumps. This makes proper maintenance even more critical to ensure system optimization, reduced risk of failures, and extended equipment life cycles. Extended shutdowns lead to lost production and costly repairs.
Here are some maintenance tips for multistage pumps:
- Stick to a schedule.
Following the OEM’s operating manual is a terrific place to start to set up your pump’s maintenance schedule. Know what tasks need to be performed and when to stay ahead of preventative maintenance needs for your equipment.
- Use monitoring technology.
Today’s monitoring technology is more advanced than ever. Sensors can be installed to track performance and measure key data. Inconsistencies in temperatures, pressures, and other critical operating data can be collected instantaneously. When paired with an excellent software system, such as predictive maintenance with AI analytics, you can proactively monitor your equipment. Determine best practices for maintenance, and catch minor issues before they turn into problems that can lead to major failures.
- Focus on optimization.
A proper maintenance plan is key to pump system optimization. If the system isn’t running at optimal efficiency and productivity, it’s important to troubleshoot. Make adjustments and upgrades if necessary. The more you can achieve optimized performance during operation, the more effective your overall maintenance plan will be. Certain maintenance tasks may be required less often, equipment will last longer, and you can minimize costly shutdowns and repairs.
- Perform routine inspections.
Routine equipment inspections and testing are an important part of your multistage pump maintenance plan. Focus on critical failure points like bearings and mechanical seals. Also inspect the balancing device, which is one of the most important components of a multistage pump. Check the clearance between the rotating and stationary parts. Measure the part dimensions at the wearing surfaces. These measurements can help you determine if this crucial multistage pump part needs to be replaced. The clearance between the casing wear ring and the impeller eye is another significant multistage pump inspection task to ensure better operating efficiency.
- Check your alignment.
This is a necessary maintenance inspection step for any piece of rotating equipment, especially multistage pumps that have more complex designs. Check and double-check shaft alignment and driver alignment. Make adjustments as needed. Make alignment checks a critical task in your maintenance calendar. Even the slightest misalignment can hinder the performance of your equipment and lead to excess wear on certain parts, resulting in damage and system failures.
For all your pump management and maintenance needs, DXP Pacific is here to serve you with a full suite of pump maintenance and repair services. From initial system configuration and equipment installation to ongoing service plans, our expert team is dedicated to assisting you in attaining the most out of your multistage pump system. Contact us today to learn more.