FOLLOWER PUMPS are a crucial part of any industrial or commercial system. Performing maintenance on these units can help prevent serious issues.
Identifying the proper time and frequency for pump maintenance is important. It’s also a good idea to make note of leaks, unusual sounds and vibrations, as well as any strange odors.
Check for Leaks
Leaks in vacuum pumps can be a major issue if left unnoticed. They can rapidly degrade other components and reduce your output. The best way to catch leaks is to conduct regular inspections ปั้มไลค์.
During your inspections, look for signs of excessive leaking from packing glands and overheated bearings. In addition, inspect the pump for clogged drain lines.
To avoid leaks, use oil that meets OE specifications. This can help prevent premature wear on the camshaft and high-pressure fuel pump follower. Check with your engine oil supplier to determine if your oil meets OE standards, and be sure to use an oil with a black anti-wear coating.
If you suspect that your camshaft or pump follower is worn through, run a solvent test. Solvent tests are easy to perform and can help you detect leaks that may be causing a problem in your system.
A solvent test uses alcohol or acetone to spray the vacuum component of the pump, which changes how it responds to the hose pressure. If this change indicates a leak, you can then check the vacuum gauge to see whether it is still working properly.
Another test that can identify leaks is the helium sniffer test. A helium leak detector is similar to a leak test but instead uses helium to detect leaks in the pump.
The helium leak detector can be used to pinpoint small leaks that are difficult to locate using other testing methods. These leaks will be detected as a slight rise in helium concentration in the airstream flowing into the pump.
While helium leak detectors are more expensive and challenging to maintain than other leak detection methods, they can be an excellent way to find small leaks in your pump.
Before replacing a follower, make sure the new one is the correct size and that it fits properly in the pump bore. If it is not, you will need to drill a hole in the pump bore and then install the new follower. Be sure to use assembly lube on the new follower’s face and circumference, to prevent surface galling and “dry start” issues that can happen when the engine first starts.
Clean the Shaft
Using a clean oil or a lubricating solution, wipe the shaft and the inside of the stuffing box thoroughly. Examine the shaft sleeve for wear and scoring, as well. If any damage is found, replace it with a new one.
If the stuffing box has a lantern ring, make sure it, as installed, is slightly behind the lubricant inlet so it will move under the inlet as follower pressure applied. This prevents air from getting into the inlet, which is a potential cause of pump overheating.
When a follower plate is used to pump highly viscous material, it is critical that the amount of material pumped matches that of the material being lifted. This is achieved by controlling the follower plate. The plate has a soft seal lip on the outside, and when lowered into the material, it closes tight to the wall of the barrel.
This helps to prevent air from entering the inlet, which is a common problem with centrifugal pumps. This can lead to overheating, pumping problems and possibly a breakdown.
A good way to prevent this is to check the follower plate at least once a year. If the black anti-wear coating has been worn through, it’s time for a replacement.
Next, inspect the camshaft lobe and the pump rod for damage. If the camshaft lobe has been galled or if it is severely worn through, then it may be time to replace the camshaft and pump rod.
Finally, examine the valve stem for ease of turning with a wrench. If the valve stem is hard to turn, it may be a sign that it’s too tight or that it’s not properly seated in the valve body. If the valve stem is easy to turn, it’s likely that it’s a good fit.
If you don’t feel any resistance when wrenching the valve stem, then the valve stem is not too tight and you can leave it alone for now. But if the valve stem has heavy resistance, then you will need to turn it back and forth with a wrench until you can adjust it easily.
Check the Bearings
Inspecting the bearings of your FOLLOWER PUMPS is a necessary part of routine maintenance. It can prevent catastrophic failure from occurring and help ensure long-term performance of the machine.
During a normal inspection, the operator will look at the outer ring of the bearing to determine if it is properly lubricated and fit clean. If any problems are found, these should be corrected and documented.
If it is determined that the lubrication is not sufficient, then the bearing should be repacked. This may be an expensive and time consuming task, but it is vital to the life of your equipment.
The operator should also check the packing gland to see if it has been tightened enough. If it is not, then the bearing may be damaged.
There are several types of bearings available, depending on their applications. Some are more resistant to vibration than others. Generally, they are rated for specific loads and speeds.
Needle roller bearings can handle heavy radial or axial loads, and can cope with misalignment or sudden shocks. For applications requiring more extreme load capacities, spherical roller bearings are an excellent option.
For smaller and less frequent applications, needle roller bushings are a good choice. They reduce friction within the application, and are often used for smaller pumps.
Spherical roller bearings are another good choice for reducing vibration and improving balance. They have a self-aligning ability and are suitable for lower speed machines.
If you are concerned about noise, PTFE bushings are an excellent solution. They can be reinforced with metal to manage high loads and are easy to join.
Plastic bushings are another popular choice, with low costs and easy to manufacture. However, they can become cracked and misaligned under high loads, which can affect the mating parts and increase the friction.
Bronze bushings are another excellent choice for bushings, as they are highly durable and do not corrode. However, they can be difficult to assemble and require plenty of lubrication.
The lubrication of a bearing depends on the type and quality of the grease. Oil-lubricated bearings operate with a thin film of grease on the bearing and shaft surfaces. Grease-lubricated bearings are less likely to wear and can have a longer service life than dry lubricated designs.
Check the Seals
A pump’s seal is a crucial component for ensuring proper operation. A leaky seal can cause fluid, gas or air to enter the system, which could damage internal components and pose a health risk.
There are several types of pump seals to choose from, including mechanical seals and braided compression packing. Both seals can provide adequate protection for a variety of applications, but they also have their limitations.
Mechanical seals are the most common type of pump seal used today. These seals rely on two precisely machined seal faces to slide together in the sealing gap during operation. The seal faces are surrounded by a liquid, which lubricates the seal and prevents friction.
Some mechanical seals have a lot of potential for problems during their life, especially when operating in harsh conditions. For example, they can be susceptible to dry running, a condition where the face film becomes damaged and eventually fails.
Additionally, mechanical seals can become contaminated with process liquids. This can result in a loss of efficiency and lead to costly repairs.
For these reasons, it’s important to choose the right seal type for your application. It’s also important to choose the proper maintenance procedures for your seals.
To check your pump’s seals, start by making sure that all the parts are in good condition. Inspect the wear rings, ring seals, and the gland follower to make sure that they’re not missing or damaged.
If necessary, replace the wear rings and ring seals. You can also buy replacement seals, such as a cartridge seal or a magnetic seal, to make your job easier.
After you’ve made the necessary repairs, be sure to flush the stuffing box and tighten the gland nuts finger-tight before restarting the pump. This can help you ensure that the seals are properly repacked and will give your pump the best performance possible.
In addition to checking your pumps’ seals, you should also take the time to learn about different types of pump seals. The seals you choose for your pump can have a big impact on its efficiency and the overall cost of maintaining it.