Pumps are widely used in chemical enterprises and are prone to various malfunctions during operation. Therefore, it is necessary to have planned inspections, repairs, and maintenance to prevent problems before they occur. The following are the top ten common types of pump malfunctions and their corresponding solutions.
1. Water ring pump
scope of work
The water ring pump relies on changes in the pump chamber volume to achieve suction, compression, and exhaust, therefore it belongs to the variable volume vacuum pump. The gas compression in the water ring pump is isothermal, so flammable and explosive gases can be extracted. Due to the absence of exhaust valves and friction surfaces, dust laden gases, condensable gases, and gas water mixtures can be extracted.
Common faults and solutions of water ring pumps
1. Motor overheating
Possible reasons: Overloading of the motor due to excessive water supply; Motor phase loss; Exhaust hole blockage; The impeller drags other components.
Exclusion method: Reduce the water supply to the normal range (refer to the pump's instruction manual for liquid supply); Check if the wiring is secure; Check the exhaust port; Open the pump cover to adjust the clearance between the impeller and other components.
2. Insufficient vacuum pump degree
Possible reasons: Insufficient motor power supply leading to insufficient speed; Insufficient water supply; The gap between the impeller and the distribution plate is too large; Mechanical seal damage leads to water and air leakage; Excessive wear of the impeller; The circulating water cannot be discharged.
Exclusion method: Check if the power supply voltage is within the rated voltage range of the motor; Increase the water supply (must be controlled within the correct range, otherwise it will cause the motor to overload and heat up); Reduce the gap between the impeller and the distribution plate (usually between 0.15-0.20mm); Replace the mechanical seal; Replace the impeller; Check the pipeline of the water outlet.
3. Unable to start or started with loud noise
Possible reasons: Insufficient power supply voltage of the motor; Motor phase loss operation; Long term disuse of the pump leads to rusting; Inhaling debris into the pump; Impeller drag distribution plate.
Exclusion method: Check if the power supply voltage is too low; Check if the motor wiring is secure; If the pump is not used for a long time and causes rust, you can add some rust remover or manually remove the rust by opening the pump cover; Open the pump cover to remove debris; Adjust the distance between the impeller and the distribution plate.
4. The working fluid temperature is too high
If the temperature of the working fluid is too high, the circulating water will vaporize and convert from liquid to vapor. If the gas in the pump chamber is not discharged in time, the gas pumped by the water ring vacuum pump will collide with the gas in the pump chamber, and the vapor will not be discharged, resulting in low vacuum or insufficient pumping volume.
Handling method:
1. Circulating water should not be used, and tap water should be directly connected to the inlet of the water ring vacuum pump;
2. Install a tube heat exchanger or condenser at the inlet of the water ring vacuum pump to reduce the temperature of the gas.