Reliability is so important when it comes to pump systems. You want your pump equipment to be dependable and perform reliably for many years. When this happens, you are able to increase productivity while decreasing downtime.
Here are 10 tips from DXP Pacific you can follow to make your pump system more reliable:
- Select the Proper Pump
We say this a lot because it is extremely critical. There are many different types of pumps on the market. Each is designed for specific purposes and not all pumps are great for all applications. Understand your process materials. Calculate desired flow rates, heads, pressures and operating temperatures. Select and configure a pump system that will be best for your specific application and production goals. - Install the Pump System Properly
Now that you have the right pump for the job, you need to install it properly. It should have a solid foundation and base plate that is perfectly dialed in with all components being appropriately leveled and aligned. If everything is not in ideal alignment and the pump isn’t installed securely, you will eventually experience problems that could damage the equipment and hinder productivity. - Utilize the Right Drive System
Understand the differences between variable frequency drives (VFDs) and other drive systems. Make sure you have a motor that will give you the right balance of performance and energy or fuel efficiency. A VFD may make sense in certain applications where the speed of operation needs to be adjusted and varied throughout the day. Some operations may require a constant drive or metering system, depending on the application. - Develop a Good Maintenance Program
Just as your car requires preventative maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations, any pump system needs proper maintenance throughout its lifetime. Develop a rigorous and consistent maintenance schedule to check key components (bearings, seals, etc.) and maintain lubrication and various operating systems. This will keep the pump equipment running well and minimize the risk of costly breakdowns. - Don’t Push It Too Hard
If you push a pump beyond its capabilities, it will eventually come back to bite you. Some pumps can handle more abuse than others, but all are machines that have their limits. Operate it safely and within the recommended tolerances to avoid disasters. Otherwise, you’ll end up having to replace or repair your pump system way more often than you should need to. - Have Replacement Parts on Hand
Don’t wait until something breaks or wears out to order the replacement part. This costs time, and we all know time is money. Have certain replacement parts always in stock so that you can replace them as needed. We’re talking about mechanical seals, bearings, lubrication, gaskets, nuts, bolts and any other components that commonly wear out or fail. - Monitor and Measure
One of the best ways to ensure that your pump system is always working efficiently is to constantly monitor it and measure key performance indicators on a routine basis. Over time, you can catch problems before they happen and make adjustments as needed to keep the equipment dialed in at all times. Use technology to your advantage for monitoring, but also train your staff to look for things that a computer might not catch until it’s too late. - Training
Equipping your crew with the right skills is extremely important. Safely and effectively operating a pump system takes specialized knowhow. Training should incorporate pump safety techniques, how to monitor and measure performance, maintenance procedures and general operating principals to keep the pump running its best at all times. - Planning
Everything from your pump selection process to installation, training, monitoring and maintenance should be planned out carefully. Keep your entire team on the same page and know all that your pump system will need long before it is needed. When you follow your plan, you will get more reliable performance. - Get Professional Help
Working with a pump specialist like DXP Pacific can offer you many unique advantages that you won’t have by going it on your own. We handle every aspect of pump design and maintenance for our clients, including pump selection, custom design, fabrication and configuration, installation, maintenance, repair and training. With a pump partner on your side, you will get more out of your pump system and keep it reliable throughout its operating lifetime.
For the best in professional pump services, contact DXP Pacific today to learn more.