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Section U - Troubleshooting Guide
Problem
Symptoms
Cause
Remedy
Pump uses excessive power
Pump is noisy or vibrates
Burning smell coming from back
of pump
Decreased flow.
High power consumption.
High vibration.
Noisy operation
Pump delivers the required flow
and head but power consumption
is high.
High discharge pressure.
Pump delivers the required head,
operates normally.
Discharge pressure will be lower
if head requirement is lower than
anticipated.
Pump will produce the rated flow.
Discharge head may be de-
creased.
Power will be higher.
No discharge pressure.
Pump makes a loud buzzing
noise.
Increased vibration
Flow and head are normal,
Pump or pipes vibrate
Discharge pressure is lower than
normal.
Flow rate is decreased.
Pump is noisy.
Increased vibration.
Discharge pressure may be lower
than normal.
Flow rate may be decreased.
Increased vibration.
Outer magnet installed improp-
erly
Damaged or broken wear ring
Specific Gravity or viscosity
higher than expected.
Flow is higher than expected.
Required head is lower than
rated head.
Clogged thrust balancing pas-
sages in impeller
De-coupled impeller
Piping or pump not properly
anchored
Insufficient NPSH / pump is
cavitating
Partially clogged impeller is un-
balanced
Confirm that the groove on the outer drive lines up
with the edge of the adapter.
Inspect the pump and replace damaged compo-
nents.
Determine liquid viscosity and specific gravity.
Verify the actual power consumption is correct.
Verify flow with instrumentation or batch cycle time
and adjust as needed.
Open pump and clean blockage from groves in be-
tween the impeller and bushings.
Shut off pump. Verify that the motor spins smoothly
by hand. If motor will not spin by hand, open pump
for inspection.
If motor spins by hand, confirm that the impeller
is sized for operating conditions and liquid specific
gravity.
Verify the viscosity of the liquid is not too high.
Impeller or outer magnet may be weakened if over-
heated.
Tighten mounting bolts on pump feet and base
plate.
Confirm that the suction and discharge pipes are
properly supported per Hydraulic Institute recom-
mendations.
Check liquid level in suction tank.
Check suction piping for restrictions, or obstruc-
tions.
Verify vapor pressure and temperature of process
liquid. Pump should be located as close to the
source as possible.
Open pump and clear blockage from impeller.
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