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CENTRIFUGAL PUMP BASICS AND

TROUBLESHOOTING (AMPC1))
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CENTRIFUGAL PUMP
BASICS AND
TROUBLESHOOTING

STUDY
GUIDE
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CENTRIFUGAL PUMP BASICS AND
TROUBLESHOOTING (AMPC1))
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NOTE
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS PRACTICE ACTIVITIES SIMILAR
TO THOSE THAT YOU WILL SEE DURING THE PEFORMANCE
EVALUATION. THE EVALUATION INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE AN
ABBREVIATED VERSION OF THIS STUDY GUIDE.
NUMBER:

19-2

ESTIMATED
TIME:
2.5 hrs.

ACTIVITY:

Identify a selected centrifugal pump and explain its

components. Conduct operational checks and
inspections for possible troubleshooting.

NOTE
In this activity, trainees will be given selected types of centrifugal pumps.
Trainees will be asked to identify various types and their main components.
Also, they will be asked to perform operational checks and inspections for
possible troubleshooting of centrifugal pumps.
SAFETY
Safety glasses with side shields will be worn at all times. Trainees will comply
with company guidelines for clothing and additional personal protective
equipment (PPE) that must be worn during the performance evaluation.
Additional, task-specific, PPE items such as full-face shields will be available to
the trainees, and will be worn by the trainees, when the activities create
possible risks or hazards. Those hazards and the PPE items associated with
them will be identified in the written instructions.

Greenville Technical College has used its best effort to ensure that the information contained in these
instructions is correct. However, Greenville Technical College assumes no liability, either expressed
or implied, for injury, illness or any and all other potential liabilities which may occur from the use or
interpretation of any of the information contained in these instructions.
2003 Greenville Technical College
PO Box 5616
Greenville, SC 29606
(864) 250-8058
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
These instructions or any part thereof must not be reproduced in any form without the written
permission Greenville Technical College.
Printed in the United States of America

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TROUBLESHOOTING (AMPC1))
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OBJ. #

OBJECTIVES

AMPC1-1

Select a specific type of centrifugal pump from a collection of pumps, name

it; and explain its main components, with 100% accuracy in the use of stepby-step written procedures.

AMPC1-2

Perform operational checks and inspections to troubleshoot centrifugal

pumps with 100% accuracy in the use of step-by-step written procedures.

On the following pages are written instructions designed to help you demonstrate that you
can properly identify a selected centrifugal pump and explain its main components; perform
operational checks and inspections for possible troubleshooting. These instructions are
based on the performance objectives listed above.
Each individual must perform the stated activity alone when being evaluated.

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WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
CENTRIFUGAL PUMP BASICS AND TROUBLESHOOTING

INSTRUCTIONS TO TRAINEE
To successfully complete or pass this activity, you must correctly
accomplish all steps, with no assistance or intervention from the
evaluators, except for safety concerns. Evaluators will rate you as Pass
or Fail on each of the following steps

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

Ensure that you are wearing all the personal protective equipment (PPE) required
for the environment in which you are working at this time.

Identify the different designs of centrifugal pumps and explain the function of the
main components.
2.1

A double suction closed impeller centrifugal pump normally has the intake
and discharge on the same horizontal plane, and these are located below
the centerline of the pumps shaft on either side of the pump casing. Almost
all pumps of this design has horizontal split casings.
Figure 2.1 shows a double suction, closed impeller centrifugal pump.

2.2

A double suction centrifugal pumps casing is cast with the suction inlet split
into two separate flow paths to divert the fluid flow toward the inlets on each
side of the enclosed casing impeller. The pressurized fluid discharge from
the impeller is diverted toward the volute via the outlet port that is also cast
into the casing of the pump. This discharge outlet is separated from the inlet
ports on the suction side of the pump.
Figure 2.2 shows the inside of a casing of a centrifugal pump.

Volute

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STEP
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STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

2.3

All pumps have drip pans cast into the pump casings under the stuffing box
or mechanical seal areas to collect and divert leakage from the seals to
either a floor drain or, in the case of toxic or radiated fluid leakage, to a
holding tank. To prevent fluid spilling onto the floor and creating a hazard,
the spillage is piped away from the pump area to a suitable disposal point.
Figure 2.3 shows drip pan drain.

Drip Pan or
Slop Drain

2.4

Figure 2.4 shows the main components of a centrifugal pump that is not
normally seen during operation of the pump. However, these components
all play a major role in the efficient function of the pump in the following way:
Figure 2.4 shows the internal parts of a centrifugal pump.

2.4.1

The impeller is a bladed member of the rotating assembly of the

pump that imparts the principal force to the liquid being pumped.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

2.4.2

The casing wearing ring, or rings, is a sacrificial wear down device

that plays a double role in the pumps operation. The wearing ring
acts as a seal between the high-pressure discharge side of the
pump and its low-pressure side. It also acts as prevention against
the casing being damaged by excessive shaft wear down.

2.4.3

The packing gland assembly is designed to provide a barrier

between the pumped fluid and the atmosphere. Packing rings are
wrapped around the shaft and inserted in the cavity provided in the
pump body. A gland follower compresses these packing rings until
a slight trickle of fluid is allowed to leak from the gland for lubrication
and cooling purposes of the packing rings.

2.4.4

A lantern ring is often installed in the mid-section of the packing

gland, or mechanical seal, to permit clean pressurized fluid to seal
and lubricate the packing in the gland, or seal faces of a mechanical
seal. If the fluid being pumped is considered clean, this fluid is
piped to the lantern ring orifice in the pump casing above the midpoint of the stuffing box for cooling and lubrication of the packing.
The lantern ring can also act as a collection point for toxic or
radiated fluid leaking past the inside rings of packing, or mechanical
seal, before piping it off to a safe collection point.

2.4.5

A slinger (sometimes called a flinger) ring is fitted onto the shaft

between the bland stuffing box and the bearing to deflect gland
leakage away from the bearing.

2.4.6

The throat brushing, or shaft sleeve, is a cylindrical piece fitted over

the shaft to protect the shaft through the stuffing box and which may
also serve to locate the impeller on the shaft.

2.4.7

A single suction impeller employs one low-pressure opening

compared to two on a double suction impeller.

2.4.8

A double suction closed impeller has two low pressure inlets and its
vanes are contained by side shrouds which collect and direct the
fluid toward the exit tips of the vanes and into the volute section of
the pump.

2.4.9

An open impeller has partial shrouds, which are relatively small by

comparison to a semi-open impeller.

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STEP
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STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

2.4.10 A semi-open impeller has a full diametrical or full circle back shroud
onto which the open-faced vanes are cast.
Figure 2.5 shows a single suction impeller.

Figure 2.6 shows a double suction closed

impeller.

Figure 2.7 shows an open impeller

Figure 2.8 shows a semi-open impeller

Perform operational checks and inspection of centrifugal pumps.

Figure 3 shows an operator performing operational checks on a centrifugal pump.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

3.1

Talk to the pump operator first when you detect that something is wrong with
the pump. The pump operator is familiar with the operating characteristics.
Figure 3.1 shows a mechanic talking to the pump operator about the pump.

3.2

Ask the operator the following questions:

3.2.1

What is the symptom?

3.2.2

When did the symptom first appear?

3.2.3

Did the symptom occur suddenly or gradually?

3.2.4

What actions were taken to correct the symptom?

3.2.5

Have there been changes in the operating characteristics of the

pump?

NOTE
A complete failure of a part is indicated when the symptom occurred
suddenly. Normal wear and tear of parts causes the symptom to
appear sporadically and gradually.
3.3

Identify the steps taken by the operator to solve the problem. Check to see
whether these steps changed any of the operating characteristics of the
pump.

3.4

Verify that auxiliary components in the system are working properly before
focusing attention on the pump.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

3.5

Assemble the instruments, equipment, manufacturers manual, operating

logbook, and other information about the pump that might be helpful before
inspecting the pump.
NOTE
The specific items needed for troubleshooting vary depending on the
pump and plant procedure.

3.6

Wear all of the personal protective equipment required by your plants safety
procedures such as; eye protection, hardhat, etc.
Figure 3.6 shows the operator wear a hardhat and eye protection.

3.7

Perform routine inspections of the pump while it is operating to determine if

anything unusual is happening which may indicate impending problems.
Pay particular attention to increased smells, vibrations and temperature.

3.8

Periodically check and record the electrical amperage of the motor during
operation as increased amperage is a good indication of additional loading
due to frictional build up due to shaft misalignment or poor lubrication. This
must be reported immediately to supervision.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

3.9

Investigate any noise or vibration by holding sounding devices such as a

mechanics stethoscope, a screwdriver, or piece of piping against your ear.
Depending on the intensity of the symptoms, get a more professional
analysis of the situation by using a vibration analyzer, an infrared camera, or
an ultrasonic detector.
Figure 3.9 shows a mechanic using a stethoscope

3.9.1

3.10

A loud rattling or clanging noise implies that some parts are broken
or other objects are loose inside the casing. A growling or squealing
sound indicates worn or damaged bearings.

Investigate any loud rattling sounds from the pump casing that resemble the
sound of marbles rolling around in a tin can. This is the telltale symptom of
cavitation or recirculation within the pump casing. Cavitation takes place in
the suction, or low-pressure side, whereas recirculation takes place in the
discharge side of the pump. Cavitation takes place when the fluid entering
the pump is at a higher temperature than its saturation pressure or, when the
pressure head is lower than it should be to prevent flash-off taking place. A
restricted suction flow is also responsible for cavitation. Recirculation on the
other hand is created on the discharge side of the pump when a discharge
valve is used for throttling or some other restriction prevents full flow of the
fluid. The resulting backpressure energy is converted into heat energy and
flash-off occurs.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

Figure 3.10 shows cavitation.

NOTE
Cavitation can occur if the suction valve is not open all the way or if
the suction port is blocked, resulting in further reduction of pressure
at the suction eye. Low net positive suction head is also a
contributing factor to cavitation.
3.11

Shut down the pump if necessary if cavitational or recirculation noises are

loud and consistent and report the matter.

3.12

Listen for other sounds of cavitation that include rapid fluctuation in suction
pressure and overheating of the pump casing. This condition must be
reported to the supervisor immediately.

3.13

Look for abnormal readings.

Figure 3.13.1 shows low reading on a
discharge pressure gauge.

Figure 3.13.2 shows an abnormal

reading in suction pressure gauge.

NOTE
When there is an abnormal reading, make sure that the gauge is
functioning properly before assuming the problem is in the pump
rather than in the gauge.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

3.14

Look for abnormal pressure gauge readings in pumps that have forced
lubrication systems installed.
Figure 3.14 shows an abnormal readings on a gauge

Abnormal
Pressure

Normal
Pressure

3.15

Severe leak off is another symptom of abnormal operation.

3.16

Tighten the gland follower to minimize leak off. If that doesnt solve the
problem, then look at the packing.
Figure 3.16 shows too much leakage.

3.17

Verify that the casing flange bolts are properly torqued. Torque these bolts
to the specified torque requirements, or replace the flange gasket completely
to prevent leakage if the bolts are not torqued.
Figure 3.17.1 shows too little leak off.

Figure 3.17.2 shows a gland sealing line.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

If the casing bolts are being tightened

down after an overhaul they should be
incrementally tightened before being
finally torque tightened to the finished
specification. Each individual bolt must
be slackened off before retightening it
to the required torque value when the
casing bolts are just being checked for
tightness using a torque wrench.
When the torque wrench is placed on
the bolt and tightened until the torque
wrench clicks, the operator has just
over torqued the bolt by 20% thus
increasing the stress on that bolt. After
this routine has been applied as a
standard, the bolt will eventually reach
a point where it will shear.
3.18

Look for leakage around the casing flange.

Figure 3.18 shows leakage around the casing.

3.19

Verify that the flange bolts are properly torqued. If not, torque the casing
bolts to the specified torque requirements, or replace the flange gasket to
prevent leakage.

3.20

Check for lubricant leakage if the bearing housing is cracked.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

3.21

Place the back of your hand on the pump casing to detect temperature.
Figure 3.21 shows a mechanic using his hand to detect temperature.

The pump could be very hot or very

cold.
3.22

Whenever possible use a vibration meter to check excessive vibration,

caused by misalignment of the shaft and coupling, bent shaft, damaged
bearings, or worn out rings. The sound that accompanies the vibration
should indicate the type of problem.
Figure 3.22 shows a vibration meter used by an operator or mechanic.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

3.23

Use a pyrometer to check for overheating.

Figure 3.23 shows a contact Pyrometer.

NOTE
Typical points for overheating are the bearings and stuffing box.
Excessive heat in either of these locations usually indicates a
problem with lubrication.
3.24

Check the manufacturers manual for the temperature range specified for
overheating on a particular pump.

3.25

Shut down the pump if the problem cannot be rectified while the pump is still
operating.

3.26

Check for overheating by placing the back of the hand on a stuffing box or
the bearing housing, but do so with great caution to avoid a painful burn!
NOTE
It is important to realize that temperature precedes vibration.

3.27

Shut down and disassemble the pump in case of some internal problems.
Figure 3.27 shows a mechanic shutting down the pump.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

3.28

Follow the electrical and mechanical lockout and tagout procedures to

ensure safety.
Figure 3.28 shows a mechanics lockout and tagout for the pump that is to be
serviced.

3.29

Open the pump casing to gain access to the internal parts of the pump to
look for the possible cause of the trouble.

3.30

Look for cavitational erosion in the impellers eye section.

Figure 3.30 shows cavitational erosion in the impellers eye section.

3.31

Look for damage to the lantern rings. If the rings are worn or damaged,
replace them to restore pumps efficiency.
Figure 3.31 shows a mechanic inspecting the lantern rings.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

3.32

Look at the lantern rings and the gland sealing line to see if they are
clogged. Clean the clogged parts if necessary.

3.33

Look for worn or damaged packing rings if there is excessive leakage out of
the packing gland. Replace the damaged or worn out packing rings.
Figure 3.33 shows a damaged packing ring.

3.34

Damage to the sacrificial sleeve on the shaft would note ridges or grooves
that have been cut into it by inadequate lubrication, or badly installed
packing material, which has become scorched by excessive heat from
friction.
Figure 3.34 shows a damaged sleeve.

3.35

Determine the cause of the damage and rectify it before installing the
repaired or new shaft. If the sacrificial sleeve is worn and grooved, it should
be replaced.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

3.36

Rotate the shaft to look for bearing problems. A bad bearing or a bent shaft
can cause excessive drag.
Figure 3.36 shows a mechanic looking for bearing problems.

3.37

Remove the bearings from the housing and inspect them if the bearing
problem cannot be detected. Replace any damaged bearings.

3.38

Check for impeller problems including clogs of solid material in the pumped
fluid, incorrect mounting, or no rotation because the impeller has worked its
way loose from the shaft.
Figure 3.38 shows a mechanic looking for impeller problem.

3.39

Check for damage at the edge of the impeller vanes due to cavitation.

3.40

Check the impeller for wear where the impeller comes in contact with the
wear rings.
Figure 3.40 shows a worn impeller.

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STEP
#

STEP ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

3.41

Inspect the casing and look for broken parts or severe pitting when the pump
is making a loud rattling noise during operation.
Figure 3.41 shows a mechanic looking for broken parts.

NOTE
The physical damage and pitting that takes place is identical in both
cases, but, cavitational damage occurs in the suction eye of the
impeller and recirculation damage occurs around the exit tips of the
impellers vanes.
3.42

Remove all foreign objects or broken parts from the pump as soon as
possible.
Figure 3.42 shows a mechanic preparing to remove foreign objects.

The assembled pump must now be installed in its operational position with all of the
connections made and prepared for start-up.

When you have completed working through this Study Guide, return it to your Workforce
Administrator.

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