When a vacuum pump is fully operational, it provides optimum value and function. However, just like every other type of equipment, you need to carry out regular maintenance, or a part may break down and will need repair. It is important to allow an expert to work on your industrial vacuum pump. But there are some things that you need to know to help you diagnose and rectify the fault before hiring an expert.
When you buy the equipment, the company will offer training services. They will teach you or your maintenance workers how to carry out different levels of repairs. And a good way to avoid potential challenges is to buy from a company that will offer both installation, aftercare, and repair services.
You also need to ensure that they have a track record of success in the industry. That will guarantee you no worries when it comes to proper setup as you will have a reliable source.
Now, when the pump breaks down, you will typically want to reduce labor and production losses.
Several industries use pumps; therefore, repair services are important as well as services that provide replacement pumps. When your pump repair takes a long time to evaluate and complete, rental pumps are a viable option.
The performance of your pump is dependent on a number of factors. They include temperature, leakage rate, suction load, and process parameters.
If the system is checked periodically, there is a high chance that you will discover the fault before it graduates into a bigger problem. But if you can’t diagnose the problem, there are companies that offer vacuum pump repair and services that you can contact.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting an Industrial Vacuum Pump
The following are common problems and what you can do to fix them:
1. High Horsepower
When the pump’s horsepower is running really high, it may be due to the following:
- an improper or misaligned tension in the V-belt
- restriction around either the discharge or the inlet
- the equipment may be overloaded with liquid
- the machine could be operating at a higher speed than what the manufacturer recommended
If any of the above-stated causes is figured out, you can make the required changes in order to fix the problem.
2. Leakage
Observe the equipment to see if there is a leakage. If this is the case, find out where the leakage is coming from. You can check the gland packing site or mechanical seal and the gasket. Depending on what you discover, ensure that the bolts on the equipment are evenly tight.
If the gasket is leaking, you have to replace the O-ring or the gasket. If the leakage is occurring around the plug, use a Loctite to replace it. However, if you can’t handle the leakage, you have to contact a professional for assistance.
You may want to read this article on replacing a vacuum pump seal.
3. Excessive Noise
When the equipment starts making so much noise, it could mean that something is trapped inside. It could also be because of a failure in the bearing or water overload.
Depending on your discovery, you would have to remove whatever is trapped within, have the bearings replaced, or reduce the volume of water. The bearings may have outlived their operational lifespan.
4. Problems with the Vacuum
There are several issues with related causes when it comes to the vacuum. For instance, when the equipment has a vacuum surge, there may be carryover in the separators which could be an issue.
But this could also be due to low points around the line where water accumulates, which could cause air pockets. Another common problem with the vacuum is a restriction or obstruction in its inlet piping.
To resolve this, you have to ensure that nothing is stuck in the line or obstructing the vacuum’s inlet screen.
You can also check if there is leakage around the suction piping. This could be due to excess temperature in the liquid or inadequate flow within the pump.
Industrial Vacuum Pump Maintenance Tips
If you want your vacuum pump to last for a longer time, you have to maintain it. All machines are bound to require some form of repairs during their operational life. But there are things that can result in regular break down of your machine, thereby, increasing your business’ downtimes.
Below are maintenance tips to reduce your industrial vacuum pump repair, down moments, and elongate its lifespan.
1. Regular Change of Oil
Your equipment can fail due to contaminated oil and it needs the oil to keep pumping. It is the oil that lubricates the machine’s components. It also collects contaminants and moisture from the evacuation unit.
Thus, when the oil has a high concentration of moisture and contaminants, it will not be able to collect more.
This could reduce the efficiency of the pump.
When you need to replace the oil, drain the old one entirely. Allow the pump to run for some minutes before adding the new oil. This will ensure that the old oil goes away completely.
Now, if the machine is operational 24/7, you need to replace the oil at least within 3 to 4 months of use.
2. Keep the Temperature in Check
A vacuum pump needs to be kept in a place that has enough ventilation and the appropriate temperature to enable it to function optimally. Inadequate ventilation or extreme heat can result in the overheating of vital components during operation. As a result, the efficiency of the pump may reduce, or it could stop working.
Thus, the machine should not be kept in a hot environment or close to another machine that dissipates a lot of heat. You also need to ensure that the place has enough ventilation for the proper circulation of air.
3. Take Care of the Intake Port
The intake port sucks air within an enclosure to form a vacuum. It is created in such a way that it can suck any object in front of it, whether that is your intention or not. As a result, if you are not careful, it can absorb solids and liquids when it is running.
These solids and liquids may damage some of the pump’s components or cause a premature failure. Also, they can cause oxidation, which can corrode and degrade the pump’s components. But you can stop this from happening by making sure that the place where the intake port is placed remains free of solids and liquids.
You can find more maintenance tips here: https://www.vacuumscienceworld.com/vacuum-pump-maintenance
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed how to identify and repair common problems in your industrial vacuum pump. However, when you have a complicated issue, it will be best to hire a professional. That way, you will prevent more damage from occurring because of improper repair.
Finally, ensure you utilize the maintenance tips that we have shared, so your machine can last you for a longer time.