iKNOW Centrifugal Pump Repair

Lesson Descriptions

This library consists of six lessons. This library is designed for all levels of maintenance personnel as well as for the multi-craft training needs of process and manufacturing facilities. Participants should be familiar with the basic operation of centrifugal pumps.

Troubleshooting Excessive Leakage

Description: This is the first lesson in the iKNOW™ Centrifugal Pump Repair Library. This lesson introduces the components and operating principles of a typical centrifugal pump. Normal operating conditions for the pump are described and guidelines for troubleshooting excessive leakage are provided.

Prerequisites: Participants should be familiar with the basic operation of centrifugal pumps.

Topics:

  1. Sealing Surfaces
  2. Packing
  3. The Lantern Ring
  4. Mechanical Seals
  5. Troubleshooting the Leak

Objectives:

  • Identify and describe the sealing surfaces on a centrifugal pump
  • Explain the purpose and conditions under which packing would be used
  • Explain the purpose of the lantern ring
  • Explain the purpose and conditions under which a mechanical seal would be used
  • Explain how to determine whether centrifugal pump leakage is excessive
  • Recognize causes and symptoms of excessive leakage
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Troubleshooting Excessive Temperature

Description: This is the second lesson in the iKNOW™ Centrifugal Pump Repair Library. This lesson introduces the components and operating principles of a typical centrifugal pump. Normal operating conditions for the pump are described and guidelines for troubleshooting excessive temperature are provided.

Prerequisites: Completion of the lesson Troubleshooting Excessive Leakage is recommended.

Topics:

  1. Flow through the Pump
  2. Bearings
  3. Operating Temperature
  4. Air Binding

Objectives:

  • Explain the purpose of bearings in a centrifugal pump
  • Explain how normal operating temperature is maintained in a centrifugal pump
  • Recognize causes of symptoms of excessive temperature in a centrifugal pump
  • Discuss causes of symptoms of excessive temperature in a centrifugal pump
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Troubleshooting Loss of Capacity

Description: This is the third lesson in the iKNOW™ Centrifugal Pump Repair Library. This lesson introduces the components and operating principles of a typical centrifugal pump. Normal operating conditions for the pump are described and guidelines for troubleshooting loss of capacity/loss of head are provided.

Prerequisites: Completion of the lesson Troubleshooting Excessive Temperature is recommended.

Topics:

  1. Pressure and Flow Rate
  2. Loss of Capacity and Loss of Head
  3. Cavitation
  4. Worn Components

Objectives:

  • Explain how pressure and flow rate are affected by the system in which a pump operates
  • Recognize and discuss causes of symptoms of loss of capacity/loss of head
  • Explain what occurs during cavitation
  • Explain the causes and symptoms of worn components
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Disassembly

Description: This is the fourth lesson in the iKNOW™ Centrifugal Pump Repair Library. This lesson demonstrates how to disassemble a typical end-suction pump. The locations and functions of pump components are described as well.

Prerequisites: A familiarity with troubleshooting procedures as well as the proper use of hand tools and precision measuring instruments is required.

Topics:

  1. Main Pump Components
  2. Preparation for Disassembly
  3. Disassembly

Objectives:

  • Identify main components of a typical end suction pump
  • Explain the function of the components of a typical end suction pump
  • List and demonstrate the preparation for pump disassembly
  • Disassemble a typical end suction pump
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Inspection

Description: This is the fifth lesson in the iKNOW™ Centrifugal Pump Repair Library. This lesson demonstrates how to inspect a typical end-suction pump. The procedures for measuring and inspecting pump parts, and the steps for checking impeller clearance are described.

Prerequisites: Completion of the lesson Disassembly is required. Familiarity with troubleshooting procedures as well as the proper use of hand tools and precision measuring instruments is required.

Topics:

  1. Bearing Seat Diameter
  2. Shaft Runout
  3. Impeller Inspection

Objectives:

  • Inspect the components of a centrifugal pump
  • Measure the bearing seat on the shaft of a centrifugal pump
  • Measure shaft runout
  • Recognize evidence of cavitation on an impeller
  • Explain the importance noting measurements in a maintenance log
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Reassembly

Description: This is the final lesson in the iKNOW™ Centrifugal Pump Repair Library. This lesson demonstrates how to reassemble a typical end-suction pump. General guidelines for installing a mechanical seal are also provided.

Prerequisites: Completion of the lesson Inspection is required. Familiarity with troubleshooting procedures as well as the proper use of hand tools and precision measuring instruments is required. A familiarity with mechanical seals is recommended.

Topics:

  1. Bearings and Shaft
  2. End Plate
  3. Impeller Installation
  4. Impeller Clearance
  5. Shims
  6. Bearing Cover
  7. Mechanical Seals

Objectives:

  • Reassemble a typical end suction pump
  • Check impeller clearance
  • Calculate the thickness of shims needed to correct impeller clearance
  • Determine the gasket size needed in the bearing end cap
  • Install a mechanical seal
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