MAINTENANCE
Pump maintenance – ignore it at your peril
Regular pump system maintenance is essential to prevent signifi cant cost and reputational issues. Thomas Marks, general manager at the Association for Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) looks at several issues that poor pump maintenance can lead to and outlines some of the key steps that can be taken to minimise the chance of them emerging.
F
ailing to adequately maintain industrial pumps can lead to various issues that can compromise the safety, effi ciency, and
longevity of the equipment and the wider systems the pumps are part of. One of the most immediate risks is the failure of the pump itself. Worn-out parts, clogged systems, or misalignments can cause a pump to break down, leading to potentially costly unplanned downtime. In addition, further unnecessary costs can be incurred when a poorly maintained pump consumes more energy to deliver the same output.
Inadequate maintenance can also accelerate the wear and tear of pump components, leading
22 December 2023 •
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to more frequent parts replacement and higher maintenance costs. And pumps that are not adequately maintained tend to have a shorter operational lifespan, leading to more frequent pump replacements. Frequent breakdowns, reduced effi ciency, and the need for replacement parts can signifi cantly increase operational costs.
Leakages Worn-out seals or corroded parts can lead to
leakages, resulting in the loss of valuable fl uids, environmental contamination, and safety hazards. Without proper lubrication or cooling, pumps can
overheat, damaging internal components and reducing their lifespan.
Other issues, such as misalignment or imbalance, can cause excessive vibrations, damaging the pump and its supporting infrastructure. While cavitation, which can be a symptom of poor maintenance, can damage a pump’s impeller and other components as vapour bubbles in the pumped liquid collapse, causing destructive shock waves. Of course, without regular cleaning, contaminants can enter the pump, aff ecting the quality of the fl uid being pumped and potentially damaging the pump.
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