Troubleshooting Common Gear Pump Fault
Gear pumps are frequently used in many industrial and manufacturing applications, with the design purpose of transferring oil or other fluids, such as liquids that contain solids. While gear pumps are considered very reliable due to their simplicity, they can experience a variety of faults due to several different causes. In order to efficiently troubleshoot and repair common gear pump faults, it is important to have an understanding of the reasons for failure and the steps necessary to repair them.
Common Causes of Gear Pump Failure
The most common causes of gear pump failure are related to wear and/or contamination. Wear occurs as the pump parts are used constantly over time, resulting in friction and heat that can damage the parts and performance of the pump. Contamination can come from a number of sources, such as dirt, foreign particles, or other fluids that enter the system and cause wear or blocking of the gear pump’s components. Other explanations for gear pump failure can include blocked or malfunctioning relief valves, improperly lubricated pumps, or insufficient suction pressure entering the gear pump’s inlet.
Steps to Troubleshoot Common Gear Pump Faults
In order to troubleshoot and repair gear pump faults, the following steps should be used:
1. Inspect the gear pump for signs of wear or damage.
2. Inspect the valves, gaskets, and mounting points for correct utilization and sealing.
3. Replace or repair any damaged components.
4. Confirm that the fluid supply is free from important contamination and that the fluid is at the correct viscosity and pressure.
5. Check the gear pump’s pressure relief settings for accuracy and adjust as needed.
6. Check for proper lubrication and replace if necessary.
7. Ensure that the gear pump is not operating in a system with negative pressure at the suction side.
8. Clean or replace any filters.
9. Verify that the gear pump is not overfilled.
10. Check that the gear pump is not running too fast or too slow.
Conclusion
Gear pumps are among the most reliable pumps available, but they can still experience a variety of faults due to wear or contamination. In order to efficiently troubleshoot and repair gear pump faults, it is important to first use the steps outlined in this article to check for signs of wear and contamination, then to inspect the valves, gaskets, lubrication, and other components to ensure proper functioning of the pump. Following these steps will help ensure that gear pump faults are quickly identified and repaired, restoring smooth operation of the gear pump.
