17
Tri-Clover pumps are relatively maintenance free with the exception of sanitizing. Like any piece of
machinery, however, occasional problems can arise. This section provides a means of determining
and correcting most of your pump problems. The motor manufacturer should be contacted for specific
repair instructions on the motor.
The chart below has been prepared on the basis that the pump is properly suited to its application.
Should problems arise where the remedies listed below chart do not cure the situation, pump cavitation
may be the problem. Symptoms of pump cavitation, such as noisy operation, insufficient discharge
and vibration, can result when a pump is not properly applied. If these conditions are present, check
the system and re-evaluate the application. If assistance is required, contact Tri-Clover.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES
PROBLEM
1.
No discharge.
2.
Insufficient
discharge.
3.
Excessive
power
consumption.
4.
Pump is noisy.
5.
Excessive
vibration.
6.
Pump leaks.
PROBABLE CAUSE
a.
Pump speed too low.
b.
Wrong direction of rotation.
c.
Closed valve; obstruction in
discharge piping.
a.
Pump speed too low.
b.
Wrong direction of rotation.
c.
Valve partially closed;
obstruction in discharge piping.
d.
Impeller damaged.
a.
Motor speed too high.
b.
Impeller is binding.
c.
Motor shaft is bent or worn.
a.
Magnetic hum in motor.
b.
Motor bearings are worn.
c.
Foreign matter is rotating with
impeller.
d.
Impeller is binding.
e.
Cavitation
a.
Pump is not leveled properly.
b.
Impeller is damaged.
c.
Piping is not supported.
d.
Cavitation
a.
O-ring seal is worn or
defective.
b.
Carbon seal is worn.
c.
Insufficient compression on
seal assembly.
d.
Damaged inlet or outlet.
e.
Backplate gasket is worn.
f.
Clamp is loose.
REMEDY
a.
Correct wrong or poor electrical
connections.
b.
Reverse a three-phase motor by
switching any two of the three power
leads at the motor controller; reverse a
single phase motor per motor
manufacturer's instructions.
c.
Open gate valve; clear obstruction.
a.
See 1a above.
b.
See 1b above.
c.
See 1c above.
d.
Replace impeller.
a.
Internal motor wiring is incorrect; replace
motor.
b.
Relieve strain on casing replace
defective impeller.
c.
Replace shaft.
a.
Consult motor manufacturer.
b.
Replace bearings.
c.
Remove casing and remove foreign
matter.
d.
See 3b above.
e.
Improper sizing or piping, etc.
a.
Level pump.
b.
Replace impeller.
c.
Support discharge and suction piping.
d.
Improper sizing or piping, etc.
a.
Replace o-ring seal.
b.
Replace carbon seal.
c.
Replace spring.
d.
Replace casing.
e.
Replace gasket.
f.
Tighten clamp.
TROUBLESHOOTING
