Industrial grade pumps are remarkably durable and highly effective machines, but they’ll only continue to serve you well if you look after them. Like anything mechanical, things can break down. This is normal and to be expected, and most components can be replaced quickly and easily. When your pumps are operating at optimal capacity, you can easily detect faults and have them seen to before they turn into a major issue.
Some of the most common things to check for include:
1. Temperature – Higher than normal operating temperature can damage seals
2. Voltage – Unstable voltage can cause premature failure
3. Filters – Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent dirt and sludge build up
4. Air Leaks – Pipes need to be airtight, make sure all seals are intact and use a vacuum gage to identify any leaks.
Because pumps are used to provide essential services, any downtime can be disastrous for your operation whether it be a mine or food processing plant. At Tru Flo, we want our customers to enjoy reliable service from their pumps. To help protect your investment and keep your business running smoothly, we’ve prepared a blog post highlighting maintenance best practice to help you get the most from your system.
Predictive VS Preventative Maintenance
These are the two main factors you will need to consider once you have an industrial pump system up and running. Keep in mind the following:
• Predictive – Predictive maintenance is all about picking up on wear and tear issues before they get out of hand. This can be done by carrying out regular inspections and testing of your equipment. By identifying signs of deterioration early, you will reduce the risk of running into costly and time-consuming repairs later down the track.
• Preventative – No mechanical system is immune to wear and tear, but the service life can be extended by following some simple guidelines. Preventative maintenance requires you to follow the operation guidelines and make sure that serviceable parts are replaced according to manufacturer recommendations. You should always ensure that there is a reliable source of lubrication, adjustments are made to ensure optimal flow and that contaminants are cleared on a regular basis.
The Importance of Professional Installation and Advice
Every site has different requirements, so you should never blind buy an industrial pump. By consulting with us, we can steer you towards the right sized pump for the job. If you purchase an incorrectly sized pump, you will experience drastic fluctuations in flow rates due to pressure imbalance. This will make your pump more likely to fail prematurely, and you’ll end up having to spend more money on a new system.
We want your experience to be as seamless as possible, so simply let us know a few key requirements and we will make a professional recommendation for a system to suit your needs and budget. We can also put you in touch with a professional installer who can ensure optimal results. It is critical that all pump systems are installed on a foundation of flat, solid concrete. This helps to absorb vibration and minimise wear and tear. Finally, care should be taken when making connections. If too much force is applied, your system will be out of alignment which will negatively affect efficiency.
Your average installer is unlikely to be aware of the specific requirements of our pumps, and the finished result will not live up to expectations. If you want to avoid costly maintenance issues down the track, leave the installation to the experts.
Keep Records and Set Maintenance Reminders
As a site manager, it’s a good idea to delegate maintenance roles to your team members. Every time they carry out an inspection, any anomalies should be recorded within a handbook for future reference. If anyone has specialized knowledge in pump operations, you might like to delegate the role of maintenance manager to them.
It is also a good idea to keep a few common components on hand, so that they can be replaced immediately. Be wary of cheap Chinese parts – you should always opt for authentic, high quality parts if you want your system to last.
With a clearly defined maintenance plan in place, you can keep your pump functioning well all year round and reduce downtime, stress and unnecessary expenditure.
Contact Tru Flo Pumps Today
If you would like any further advice on pump maintenance or have any enquiries about our product range, please contact our team today. We are more than happy to share our knowledge and get you up to speed on how to get the most out of your system.