Analysis of Several Types of Fault and Failure Forms of Jet Pump
Abstract
Jet pumps are widely used in the energy production, construction and manufacturing industries, with their ability to move large volumes of liquid or gas and to operate at high pressures and temperatures. The operation of a jet pump is based on the principle of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. A study has been carried out on several types of fault and failure forms of jet pumps, which have been analysed and a common fault pattern has been identified. Potential causes of failure have been classified and preventive measures recommended.
1. Introduction
Jet pumps are high pressure, high flow pumping devices, used mainly for the transfer of liquids and gases. They are used in many applications where energy production, construction and manufacturing industries and other technological processes are involved. The operation of a jet pump is based on the combination of two physical laws – the law of conservation of energy or the conservation of momentum, and the law of conservation of mass or the conservation of particles. Jet pumps are relatively simple, robust and reliable and are capable of operating at high pressures, with large volumes of liquid or gas.
2. Classification of Fault and Failure Forms
The design of jet pumps is generalized and the range of fault and failure forms can be divided into two main categories: mechanical failure and electrical/electronic problems.
a. Mechanical Failure
Mechanical failure can be attributed to the aging process and occurs due to wear, abrasion and corrosion of components. This can be further divided into:
• Bearing failure: It is the most common cause of mechanical failure and occurs due to lack of lubrication, improper maintenance and inadequate installation.
• Impeller failure: It is an issue which can occur due to lack of lubrication, improper blade design or imbalance of the impeller loading.
• Sealing failure: This is due to improper sealing. It can also occur due to aging of materials or inadequate installation. This leads to leakage of liquid or gas from the pump.
b. Electrical/Electronic Problems
Electrical/electronic failures are caused by power outages, voltage fluctuations and improper wiring. This can be further divided into:
• Overload failure: It occurs when the pump is operating at a higher load than that for which it is designed.
• Short circuit failure: It occurs when the motor is exposed to excessive heat or current flow.
• Inverter failure: It occurs due to prolonged current fluctuations.
• Control failure: It is caused by incorrect programming of the control system or improper installation of components.
3. Common Fault Pattern
Based on the analysis of several types of fault and failure forms of jet pumps, a common fault pattern has been identified. This can be attributed to the aging process and improper maintenance. These factors can lead to failures of bearings, impellers, seals and electrical/electronic components, as discussed previously.
4. Potential Causes of Failure
Potential causes of failure can be classified into two categories, mechanical and electrical/electronic:
MechanicalFailure:
• Wear and tear of bearings due to lack of lubrication or inadequate maintenance.
• Imbalance of the impeller loading due to improper blade design or aging of components.
• Seals not being properly secured or aging of materials.
Electrical/Electronic Failure:
• Power outages or fluctuations in voltage.
• Overload of the pump due to incorrect coding of the control system.
• Current flow or excessive heat exposure leading to motor failure.
5. Preventive Measures
To prevent failure of jet pumps, the following preventive measures should be taken:
• Careful installation of pumps with proper lubrication of all components.
• Regular maintenance and inspection of pumps.
• Proper coding of the control system to ensure correct operation.
• Outdoor pumps should be protected from sunlight and rain.
• Precautions should be taken to ensure that the current fluctuations do not exceed the rated limit of the motor.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, jet pumps are important components of modern industrial processes, and their failure can lead to major consequences. Hence, it is important to identify the common fault pattern and to take preventive measures in order to reduce the probability of failure. A study has been carried out on several types of fault and failure forms of jet pumps and potential causes of failure have been classified and preventive measures recommended.
