How Do You Maintain a Submersible Vertical Turbine Pump?
There are many advantages to using a submersible vertical turbine pump in manufacturing, construction, and industrial applications. Besides submersible, turbine pumps come in deep well, canned, and wet pit configurations. A vertical pump is highly functional, but they need to be maintained to keep them functioning at an optimal level. Here are a few things to consider when facing repairs and maintenance issues.
Submersible Vertical Turbine Pump Overview
Unlike other models, submersible pumps are designed to work while immersed in water. These pumps are usually positioned underneath the ground to excavate water and bring it to the surface for various uses. Most turbine pumps have a shrouded impeller and receive the water at the device’s center. Diffusion rings direct the discharge along with the series of impellers. The diffusion ring alters the impeller discharge into the pressure head. All of these components work together to process the water and bring it to the surface.
Submersible Vertical Turbine Pump Maintenance
A submersible vertical turbine pump is manufactured to handle a great deal of pressure, but it must be maintained regularly to perform effectively. A proper maintenance inspection should include routine maintenance, routine examinations, three-month inspections, and annual inspections. You can shorten the amount of time between assessments if the pump is not performing optimally, the pump fluid is corrosive, or you are operating in a high-stress environment.
During routine maintenance checks, you should assess the mechanical seal and the packing seal for any tears or imperfections. You should also check the oil in the pump bearings to make sure it is not dried out. There are several tasks you should perform during routine maintenance checks to ensure the device is functioning correctly:
- Assess the oil level through the inspection window on the bearing frame
• Check for unusual sounds
• Check all pump components for leaks
• Examine the vibration
You should perform more extensive maintenance checks every three months. During these checks, examine the pump’s foundation to ensure the hold-down bolts are correctly fitted. Also, check the pump’s casing and packing, particularly if the device has been left idle for a few days. Change the oil filter every three months or more frequently if the device is used daily.
Annual Vertical Turbine Pump Inspections
You need to perform a more extensive inspection of your vertical turbine pump on an annual basis. During these yearly maintenance checks, you need to inspect the pump’s capacity, pressure, and power. You may need to perform these more thorough checks every six months if the device works in conditions that may contaminate any part of the pump.
If you are not satisfied with the pump’s performance during the yearly inspection, you should completely disassemble the device to examine each component’s functionality. You may need to replace damaged parts.
Common Submersible Vertical Turbine Pump Repairs
Several repairs are common for a vertical pump, especially ones that operate in high-stress industries. You will likely need to complete the following maintenance tasks every few years:
- Replace line shaft bearings
• Replace damaged shafting
• Clean submerged components to remove corrosion
• Apply corrosion-resistant coatings to all device surfaces
• Repair damaged impellers
Corrosion is often the primary concern when it comes to vertical turbine pump maintenance. The components submerged in water should be removed as usually as possible to apply a corrosion-resistant coating. If the device is not maintained to prevent corrosion, a total overhaul may be necessary after only a few years. Making frequent repairs can be very expensive, taking money away from your business.
Primary Vertical Pump Repair Concerns
Although a vertical turbine pump performs high-stress tasks, they are not technically sophisticated. Pumps are designed to withstand high-pressure situations, and pump mechanics must be maintained to ensure optimum performance. The primary repair concerns include:
- Dimensional reliability of device components
• Shafting straightness and dependability
• Clearance level for bowl and column bearings
• Impeller balancing
• Corrosion resistance of device coating
To address any of these concerns, most vertical pumps can be disassembled and reassembled relatively easily. It is not necessary to relocate the pump to perform repairs. Because pumps are large and cumbersome, it is best to perform maintenance checks and repairs at the location site.
Work With Zone Industries
If your submersible vertical turbine pump is not performing optimally, you need to get it repaired right away. Business owners that operate in the construction industry understand that work comes to a standstill when tools malfunction. Don’t wait any longer; get your business up and running. Zone Industries has the technical expertise to repair a vertical turbine pump quickly and efficiently. We can repair individual components or complete a total device overhaul. Contact us today to get your pumps functioning at an optimal level.
How Do You Maintain a Submersible Vertical Turbine Pump? | Zone Industries