14 Maintenance Basics – Tube
The general cause of most tube failures is a lack of routine
maintenance.
A tube failure is indicated by a leak or a lack of
output. A diamond pattern (where the tube presses against
the pump head housing) indicates excessive back pressure,
which could be caused by calcium blockage, clogged duckbill, or
system pressure in excess of pump tube rating. An oval pattern
indicates worn rollers and/or the tube reaching the end of its
service life. Tubes can rupture without either pattern apparent.
The tube can rupture or break.
A
rupture
normally occurs
at the point between the discharge tube fitting and the area
where the roller leaves the tube. A
break
or rip occurs just
past the suction fitting. The tube is the workhorse of the
pump. It is perishable and eventually has to be changed.
Roller
Tube
Tube Failure
Definition
