Predictive and Preventative
PUMP SYSTEM ANALYSIS
Pump system analysis is often overlooked because it is assumed the system was constructed and operation of the pumps are in accordance with the design specifications. This is often not the case. A proper system analysis begins with a system head curve. System head curves are very difficult to obtain from the end user and, more often than not, are not available. On simple systems, they can be generated in the field but on more complicated systems this can't be done. As has been stated previously, it is imperative to know where the pumps are being operated to perform a correct analysis and this is dependent on the system.
A typical system analysis will include the following information; NPSHA, NPSHR , static head, friction loss through the system, and a complete review of the piping configuration and valving. The process must also be understood because it ultimately dictates how the pumps are being operated. All indicators may show the pump is in distress when the real problem is it is being run at low or high flows which will generate high hydraulic forces inside the pump.
CONCLUSION
A PPM program that incorporates all of the topics discussed will greatly enhance the effectiveness of the program. The more complete understanding the engineer has of the pumping system, the more effective the PPM program becomes.
