One of the most popular types of pumps used both domestically and in industrial settings, are Centrifugal pumps. They come in various designs and at high velocity and pressure; they all work in a similar manner. Unanticipated accidents may occur when using such pumps, and to avoid them, as well as avoid damage to a pump, the following are some safety tips that should be followed.
- Read and Follow Instruction Manual.
Before you installing the pump, always ensure you read the instruction manual that comes with the package. Check for the recommended specifications for pump components in the manual before making adjustments, operating, or performing any maintenance on it or its related equipment.
- Avoid Overheating.
Overheating not only damages the internal components but also could cause accidents in the form of severe burns and injuries to anyone servicing the pump. To avoid overheating, always leave the suction and discharge line open during operations.
In a case where overheating occurs, stop the pump immediately and allow it time to cool down. You can then vent the pump at the drain plug, slowly and cautiously, before restarting and also allowing an overheated pump to cool to air temperature before removing the cover plate, gauge port plug, or fill port cap.
- Watch-out for Worn-out Components.
Checking for worn-out components and replacing them immediately is a sure way of avoiding catastrophic damage to your pump. A good example is when the pumps bearing is worn out, the shaft loosens and begins to wobble causing it to become noisy and eventually overheat. One should also check for worn suction line fittings and pipe plugs, and ensure there are no impurities and solids such as sand that may cause scratches and rapid wear of seal faces.
- Check for Air Leaks.
Using a vacuum gauge, always make sure the suction line is airtight by regularly checking for air leaks. Worn-out suction line fittings and pipe plugs tend to have air leaks. This can cause the pump to lose its static lift.
Usually, when shut down, a centrifugal pump’s vacuum gauge reading will display the vertical distance from the product level to the gauge tap and if the suction pipe is not airtight, atmospheric pressure will find its way in. This will cause vacuum fall-off after shutting down. The vacuum gauge will show a reading error or a fluctuation in readings, which is an indication of wear and tear that needs replacement.
Also Read:5 tips on water pump maintenance
- Check for Blockage.
When the rubber lining in a suction hose separates or pulls away from its fabric, partial blocking of the suction line can occur. This may lead to a blockage of the suction flow which may cause the pump to develop a high vacuum and a low discharge pressure. Watch out for this suction hose problem by checking the vacuum gauge readings during operations. Be on the lookout for readings that are higher than normal.
- Routine Maintenance.
Carry out routine maintenance to check the pump’s engine or motor is getting the necessary power to operate efficiently, and checking whether it needs tuning or servicing, is better than waiting till tear and wear occurs. Maintenance of all the pump’s components is also very important.
A maintenance check should be performed preferably every six months, or more often depending on the usage. Inspection and cleaning should be done frequently to keep off the accumulation of debris which may cause clogging of the strainer, and obstruct the flow through the strainer.
- Perform a Shut-off Test.
A shut-off test is done by starting the pump and allowing it to achieve full flow before slowly closing the discharge valve and recording the discharge as well as the suction gauge reading. This test inspects the components and measures the internal wear of the centrifugal pump.
- Check Discharge Lines.
It is important to always check the operating condition of your discharge line. The older the discharge lines, the more prone they are to rust, internally.
- Be Cautious.
Be cautious to avoid accidents. Always ensure all the guards and shields of the pump are in place before starting operation and when the pump is in operation, approach it with utmost caution.
- Pump and liquid proximity.
Making the centrifugal pump accessible, and as close as safely possible to the liquid being pumped, is by locating them closer but not within three feet of other equipment. Ensure the pump is stable during operation.
- Use the Pump for Its purpose only.
Pumps are designed for different uses and each has its role or purpose never use a centrifugal pump to pump liquid that it’s not designed to pump. For instance, flammable and corrosive liquids should not be pumped using water-pumps.
- Experienced Personnel Only.
Only skilled and experienced and authorized persons should operate a centrifugal pump. Also, do not remove warning tags or labels from the machinery. Loose clothing around the machinery should be avoided and appropriate safety gear must be provided.
