SCHOOL OF MARITIME STUDIES Form no : 08/02
Date : 15/02/2012
VELS UNIVERSITY Issue no : 02/12
THALAMBUR Rev. no : 00
CHECKS TO BE DONE WHILE OVERHAULING A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP
AIM:
To check and inspect the given centrifugal pump.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
1. To take the necessary permission from the chief engineer.
2. Isolate the power source of the pump motor and remove the fuses.
3. Do not start placard to be placed both locally and near breaker.
4. Supply wiring to motor to be disconnected.
5. Insulation resistance to be checked for motor connections.
6. Isolate the suction and delivery connections and drain water in the casing.
Note: work to be performed on vertical centrifugal pump involves the removal of the coupling bolts of
motor suspending and isolating the same.
INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR PUMP AND MOTOR:
CHECKS ON PUMP
1. Impeller, pump shaft and internal volute/casing can now be inspected for erosion, pitting and wear.
2. If required rectify pitting or erosion in the impeller and casing with two – part alloy epoxy putty.
3. Check shaft for bending, twisting and trueness.
4. Put shaft on lathe and check for trueness.
5. Check shaft bearings, ball and roller bearings, fitted outside pump on shaft or may be line bearing which is
fitted inside pump.
6. Check condition of shaft sleeve for any excessive grooving.
7. If gland packing is provided, check condition of gland packing as well as lantern ring.
8. Check condition of impeller i.e. wear down of impeller.
9. Check impeller vanes, it may be broken, causing unbalance, vibration and noise.
10. Check condition of wear rings also clearance between wear ring and casing (eye of impeller). It should not
be more than manual readings.
11. Check eye of impeller and vanes for clogging due to foreign particle.
12. Checks to be done on key and keyways.
13. Check impeller fitting on shaft.
14. Condition of volute casing and diffuser.
SCHOOL OF MARITIME STUDIES Form no : 08/02
Date : 15/02/2012
VELS UNIVERSITY Issue no : 02/12
THALAMBUR Rev. no : 00
Replacement of parts to be done which are detoriated. Most commonly replaced parts
i) Shaft sleeve.
ii) Replace ball bearing or sleeve bearing
iii) If shaft is bend then replace it.
CHECKS ON DRIVE MOTOR
1. Grip motor drive shaft /coupling firmly and check for excess axial and longitudinal movement. Rotate
shaft at speed by hand, allowing it to run to a stop whilst listening for excess noise from bearings. Any
doubt on either counts, the bearings should be replaced.
2. Meggar check motor windings to ensure no dampness is present and windings are in good condition. Any
suspect readings indicate a full motor strip to check condition of rotor and stator.
3. If these checks are satisfactory, grease bearings as required. Some bearings are now sealed for life and will
not require greasing.
CHECKS AFTER ASSEMBLY
1. Clearance between wear ring and eye of impeller.
2. While assembling make sure impeller nut is properly tightened (not upside down) and locked.
3. Make sure impeller is put in right direction.
4. While fitting cover of casing make sure shaft is easily turning by hand.
5. Joint between casing to be provided with paper joint and sealing compound.
6. Size and quality of gland packing.
7. Sealing water pipe for gland cooling should be clear.
8. Condition of coupling and coupling bushes.
9. Alignment of pump and motor shafting.
10. Check mechanical seal , check casing for water leakage.
11. Direction of rotation of pump to be checked.
OPERATING PARAMETERS TO BE CHECKED
i) H/P curve and H/Q curve are operation parameter.
ii) Prime pump
Start pump with discharge valve fully shut.
Check discharge pressure gauge , pressure should correspond to manual pressure given.
At that time check ampere drawn and compare it with test result.
SCHOOL OF MARITIME STUDIES Form no : 08/02
Date : 15/02/2012
VELS UNIVERSITY Issue no : 02/12
THALAMBUR Rev. no : 00
Open discharge valve slowly. Therefore ‘H’ drops and discharge ‘Q’ will increase and will cause the
increase in ampere ‘A’ drawn.
iii) Enter date of overhaul and parts renewed in the pump maintenance record card.
PROCEDURE TO START THE PUMP FOR CHECKING
1. Unlock and remove chains from inlet/outlet valve wheels and open both valves full.
2. Open air cock and expel air from line and pump while checking for any leaks
3. Turn the shaft coupling and ensure shaft is free to rotate.
4. Reconnect motor.
5. Remove danger notices from pump power supplies and reinstate breakers.
6. Start and record current drawn by the motor under starting and running conditions.
7. Check and record the discharge pressure.
RESULT:
Thus the vertical centrifugal pump was inspected and checked.
