Industrial pumps are generally referred to as heavy-duty pumps because they are used to move big volumes of fluid at high pressure. As with other mechanical systems, your rotary gear pumps will eventually fail to work properly at some point, and you need to be aware of the possible causes of and remedies for potential problems.

Problem #1: Pump unable to rotate

If your pump rotation is killed, it could be because the motor is not functioning. Part of the reason behind this might be faulty wiring, which cuts out power supply to the motor. If your pump is unusually quiet when you try to run it, you should start by inspecting the motor along with related electrical components.

Another possible reason behind the inability to rotate is galling. Galling occurs when there is a hard foreign item in the piping, when idled operation is done for a long time or due to wear of parts located inside the pump. Replace all worn out parts and make sure your pump is operated according to manufacturer specifications going forward.

Problem #2: Pump making unusual sounds

If your pump produces strange squealing sounds when it is running, you can be sure something is wrong. The noises could be a sign that your pump is running low on lubricant, causing abrasion when metal parts come into contact with each other. Add a little amount of oil in the seals or joints if the lubricant level is low.

Another likely reason for the abnormal noises is clogging of the suction piping. In this case, you will have to clean the dirt off, so that there can be proper flow in the suction pipes. If an air suction in the suction pipes is behind the noises, check the shaft seal. If it is damaged, you will need to replace it to prevent any further inhalation of air.

Problem #3: Scouring on parts of the pump

A gear pump exposed to abrasive elements will suffer severe scour marks, especially on the surfaces of shaft bearings. Pumps with severe scours get worn prematurely. Any abrasive elements present in the fluid being pumped should be removed before the fluid is allowed to flow through the system.

Also, avoid tightening of screws at connection points because this can also lead to scouring. If the stuffing box overheats due to excessive tightening, you can fix the problem by replacing the shaft bearings and drive gear or by repacking the entire stuffing box assembly.

If you need help with any repairs, you can contact a local pump repair company like Global Rewinds.