3 Signs of Malfunctioning In A Liquid Ring Pump
Posted in Uncategorised, on March 17, 2022 By Admin
The liquid ring pump is a rotary displacement pump that has a series of fixed and rotating seals. Mainly composed of a cylindrical rotor and a circular stator, it also has a bevy of tubes and multi-seal rings that aid in its operation. The pump is extensively used in various applications such as sewage treatment, petroleum industry, chemical processes, food processing, mining, and more. However, in spite of its versatility, the pump is prone to different types of malfunctioning.
Three such common problems are discussed below.
Reduced Pump Capacity
A liquid ring pump has an impeller that creates a circular path for fluids to travel in and a ring-shaped seal that creates a seal between the internal and external surfaces of the pump. With time, the seal can be compromised due to various situations such as mechanical damage to the pump, corrosion, or a buildup of waste material on the seal, thereby reducing the pump capacity.
To fix this problem, it is important to first flush the system with a solvent to remove any buildup on the inner surface of the seal.
Excessive Operational Noise
A common issue faced by liquid ring pumps, excessive noise is mainly caused by worn-out O-rings. However, it's possible that the noise may also be coming from the pump's bearing. Basically, when the pump is running, the loose bearings tend to turn abnormally, and this creates unusual vibrations and noise. Replacing the rings and tightening or removing the bearings will effectively solve the problem.
Overheating
Liquid ring pumps can overheat abnormally when a pump head or a pressure control device malfunctions or freezes, causing a buildup of heat. This is a more common occurrence when there is a significant drop in ambient temperature.
This can be avoided by winterizing the pump. This is primarily done by draining all of the oil out of the pump. The oil is typically drained out by placing the pump on a suitable surface, removing the drain plug, and letting the oil drain out. It is recommended that this process be done in a well-ventilated area to avoid any inhalation hazards. The overheating problem will be solved when this process is completed.
Thus, these are the three common problems plaguing liquid ring pumps that can be easily solved by following these troubleshooting tips.
With decades of experience, McRae Engineering Equipment Limited can provide you with the best liquid ring pumps, heat exchangers, ejectors and other engineering solutions. Contact us today to learn more about all our products, services, and everything that we can do for you.
