Hayes Blog

Guide to Preventive Pump System Maintenance

Many applications depend on pumps operating correctly, and, in certain cases, an unreliable pump can even cause catastrophic damage to a pumping system. For example, a pump in a cooling system that breaks down can cause overheating that then leads to system failure, while in systems that pump lubricants, this can result in the seizing of mechanical implements that then ruin equipment. In other cases, failed pumping mechanisms can cause significant loss in productivity, as would be the case in the petrochemical or energy industries.

What are the Different Types of Pump Strainers?

Strainers for pump systems primarily function as filters for the liquids or gases going through the system’s piping. While a seemingly simple assignment, many pump applications depend on properly working strainers. For pumps used in any pipeline operation, sediment that may include sand, dirt, or other detritus can build up within the pipes or elsewhere in the system. Whatever the pumping application, strainers for pumps ensure the whole system runs smoothly. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pump Distributor

There’s a vital role played by those involved in supply chains between manufacturers and end users. When it comes to the sale of pumps, distributors help provide quicker response times, offer value-added services, augment a pump manufacturer’s sales and otherwise aid with the logistics of getting their products to those who need them. Instead, pump distributors should be considered partners, with manufacturers building relationships that enable them to sell more of their products while helping to educate customers about them.

The Difference Between Dry and Wet Seals

For centrifugal compressors that produce natural gas, also known as methane, seals on the machine’s rotating shafts prevent pressurized gas from escaping from the compressor’s casing. A conventional method for sealing the casing utilizes oil under high pressure to act as a barrier to stop gas from escaping. These are known as wet gas seals. Yet, for many situations, companies involved in producing and transmitting natural gas are moving towards using dry seals. Gas seals like these instead use pressurized nitrogen or another similar substance in gaseous form, which reduces both methane emissions and operational expenses.

Should You Replace or Repair Your Industrial Pump?

When something breaks down in any industry, inevitably, there will be a discussion on whether to replace or repair it. This is no different for any industrial equipment, including industrial pumps. Their repair or replacement depends on several variables, which should all be logically considered to determine the best course of action. Even if an engineer or mechanic can fix an industrial pump, economics ultimately must be considered in the equation. Though cost is critical, multiple other factors that play into the final cost also require consideration. 

Pump Shaft Alignment Methods

When a pump shaft breaks or otherwise fails, blame is often placed on the shaft itself, with stakeholders often calling for a stronger shaft. However, this “stronger is better” attitude doesn’t address the problem. It only focuses on the symptom. A stronger shaft may mean fewer failures, but it doesn’t address the root cause. The problem of pump shaft failure often results simply from a shaft’s misalignment with the driver.

Mechanical Seal Leakage Troubleshooting

Mechanical seals have a role in protecting the environment against contamination and making machinery run more efficiently, along with contributing to general health and safety. The key role of mechanical seals is to prevent fluids like water or oil from leaking into the area surrounding a piece of mechanical equipment.

How Mechanical Seals Work in Pump Applications

Mechanical seals form a critical part of any mechanical operation involving fluid movement through rotational shafts, such as in the case of pumps. These seals ensure that the fluid does not leak out of a closed system and contaminants do not enter the system. In pumping applications, mechanical seals are placed at the point of entry or exit of a rotating shaft, preventing the pressurized fluid from escaping the pump housing and withstanding the friction generated from the shaft rotations.

Read on to learn how mechanical seals work and explore some popular use cases of seals in pump applications.

Types of Mechanical Seals for Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are one of the most extensively used pumps in municipal and complex industrial applications. However, a proper sealing arrangement is imperative for these pumps to prevent fluid leakage and protect the pump’s inside from contaminants in the atmosphere. Mechanical seals are preferred for sealing the pump as they require less maintenance and are much more durable than packing seals.

How to Operate Pumps in Parallel

Parallel pumping is a process that uses two or more pumps connected in parallel to control the fluid flow or use an additional pump(s) as an emergency backup. This type of pump configuration is common in wastewater plants and domestic water supply systems, where the flow rate gets distributed across the pumps connected in parallel while the pressure head remains constant.