Signs Indicating it's Time to Replace Vacuum Pumps
Introduction
Vacuum pumps and pump systems are one of the broadly used equipment in industrial process plants. These diligent machines are designed to work hard and last for years, but unfortunately, it does not mean that they will last forever. After hours of hard work, these industrial vacuum machines will need to be replaced.
You sometimes might not know how to determine whether the parts need repair, rebuild, or an entire replacement. Unfortunately, any unanticipated malfunction can bring the whole process to a standstill and incur a great loss. Luckily a few ways can tell you or indicate to you that your industrial vacuum pump needs replacement.
Following are the signs indicating that it is time to replace your industrial vacuum pump.
Vacuum Pumps Unable to Produce Enough Suction (Drop In Vacuum)
Problems related to loss of suction power are difficult to analyze. Whenever a vacuum pump does not produce much suction, it indicates that there is an issue either with the entire system or one that relates to the pump.
If you are facing vacuum surges that are caused by carryover from separators or low points in line, which collects water that burps over periodically in the pump, then it is better to track the issue for the piping problem in the inlet line.
Again if you are experiencing suction loss, then during this issue, you should inspect the various system seals. An inadequate seal will create the air to make its way into the system. The pumps will be facing difficulty producing a consistent vacuum.
If you find that the issue of reduced vacuum is directly related to the pump, then you need to check the system leaks. The system leaks include open drain valves that are failing, blown gaskets, poorly packed valves, loose flanges, broken pipes, inadequate barometric drop legs, etc. In this case, repair or replacement of pumps is required.
Vacuum Pumps Producing too Many Vibrations
The vacuum pumps must operate at a consistent speed and noise level. Sporadic increases in vibrations and noise levels are indications that your vacuum pumps need to be serviced, repaired, or replaced before a disaster happens. Vibrations are classified into two categories – intermittent and continuous.
Intermittent Vibrations
If you determine intermittent vibrations in your pump, then you need to check the low pockets in inlet piping, where the liquid gets accumulated and cause the flow to be irregular through the pump. Loose piping separators can also be one of the sources of vibrations. Hence if your pump is vibrating intermittently, then it might be the sign that the parts are failing in the motor, and it is time to replace or repair them.
Continuous Vibration
If you are facing continuous chronic vibrations from the vacuum pump, it can indicate any of the following reasons:
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Coupling or V-belt alignment and tensioning issue
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Loose pump mounting and alignment
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Wear and tear of bearings
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Dry bearing or failed bearings
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Failure of gear of gear-driven units
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Discharge piping is operating in a flooded condition.
Continuous chronic vibration requires professional examination before repairing or replacing the vacuum pump.
Vacuum Pumps Producing too Much Horsepower
When talking about industrial vacuum pumps, horsepower is one of the essential things to be observed. In case your pump is not built to withstand excess power or the material that is pumping needs to be transported at a lower speed, then you can say that the vacuum pump producing too much horsepower can lead to additional problems within your system.
Another issue with pumps producing excess horsepower can be the belts in your system. If the V- belts are improperly tensioned or misaligned, they can produce high horsepower. Also, excessive horsepower can be produced by restrictions at the pump inlet or pump discharge.
Moreover, there can be an issue with the motor itself, or the speed at which it is running might be above the required level.
Vacuum Pump Producing too Much Noise
Generally, the vacuum pumps are used to perform heavy jobs in industrial as well as medical industries. As the parts wear down over time, these pumps get pretty noisy. Noisy pumps can also be the reason for foreign objects stuck into the pump.
Another reason can be a pump excessively overloaded with water leading to groaning and hydraulic noise. A noisy pump also means that the bearings have worn out and need to be replaced. Lastly, excessive pump noise can be a sign of complete system failure.
Thus if your pump is making too much noise, you first need to locate the place from where the noise is coming and then start the troubleshooting process.
Conclusion
From the above signs, you will be able to judge whether your pumps require a repair or replacement. If you adopt a step-by-step procedure for troubleshooting vacuum pumps, then it can help to locate the problem quickly and hence finding the appropriate solution. If you are experiencing any of the above issues with your industrial pump or system, you can contact HIS Pumps and Systems Pvt Ltd.
HIS Pumps and Systems Pvt Ltd will help to get your system back up and running and keep it operational for a longer time if any issues regarding repair, rebuild, or replacement is there.
