Maintenance tips
Maintaining pump reliability through systematic inspection
Effective pump maintenance combines routine observation, systematic inspection, correct servicing and documented maintenance history. These practices help identify developing problems and support reliable pump operation over the working life of the equipment.
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RELIABLE PUMP OPERATION DEPENDS ON CONSISTENT MAINTENANCE
Maintenance is not limited to replacing worn components. Routine observation and systematic inspection are what keep a pump inside its intended operating condition between service intervals.
Changes in temperature, vibration, leakage, lubrication, pressure and performance are usually visible well before a component fails. Identifying those changes early allows them to be investigated and corrected before they develop into more serious operating problems.
Maintenance work carried out on the pump, driver, coupling, bearings and sealing arrangement should follow the requirements of the installation and the operation and instruction manual supplied with the pump.
A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO INDUSTRIAL PUMP MAINTENANCE
Routine Observation
Monitor the pump during operation and identify changes in sound, vibration, leakage, temperature or performance.
Condition Inspection
Inspect the pump, driver, coupling, bearings, sealing arrangement and associated equipment according to the installation requirements.
Lubrication Check
Verify oil or grease condition and level according to the applicable pump requirements.
Sealing & Cooling
Check stuffing boxes, mechanical seals, cooling water and associated arrangements where fitted.
Corrective Maintenance
Investigate abnormal conditions and service or replace components when required.
Record & Follow-Up
Document inspections, maintenance activities and abnormal observations so changes in equipment condition can be tracked.
What to check during pump operation
Sealing, lubrication and bearing condition
Stuffing box & packing
- Slight leakage can occur during normal operation.
- Increased leakage should be investigated.
- Packing should be renewed when required.
- Shaft sleeve condition should be inspected where applicable.
Mechanical seal
- Mechanical seals generally require little routine attention.
- Slight running-in leakage may occur.
- Changes in leakage behaviour should be investigated.
- Follow the pump operation / instruction manual for specific requirements.
Bearings & lubrication
- Check oil level with the pump at rest.
- Use the sight glass where provided.
- Check constant-level oilers where fitted.
- Monitor bearing temperature.
- Refer to the operation / instruction manual for lubricant quantity.
Conditions that affect pump operation and maintenance
Hot liquid service
Pay attention to cooling water requirements for shaft sealing and oil-bath cooling where applicable.
Cooling water
Adjust cooling water flow so that heating of the cooling water does not exceed 15°C.
Thermal conditions
Avoid sudden hot / cold liquid temperature changes where applicable.
Driver
Do not exceed driver nameplate performance.
Liquid level
Maintain the required liquid level above the inlet opening when delivering from a tank.
Pump lubricant specifications
| Manufacturer | Speeds up to 1500 RPM | Speeds over 1500 RPM |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Oil | SERVO SYSTEM 150 | SERVO SYSTEM 68 |
| Hindustan Petroleum | ESSTIC 55, TERRESSCO 56 | ESSTIC 50, TERRESSCO 52 |
| Mobil | MOBIL VACTRA-Heavy Duty, MOBIL D.T.E-Heavy Duty, Vac HLP 49 | VACTRA-Heavy Duty, D.T.E-Heavy Duty, Vac HLP 36 |
| Shell | SHELL VITREA 33, SHELL OIL 33 | SHELL VITREA 31, SHELL OIL 29 |
| Manufacturer | Speeds up to 1500 RPM | Speeds over 1500 RPM |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Oil | SERVOGEM 3 | SERVOGEM 2 |
| Caltex | STARFAK 3 | STARFAK 2 |
| Hindustan Petroleum | NATRA 3 or LITHON 3 | NATRA 2 or LITHON 2 |
For quantity of lubricant refer operation and instruction manual.
When maintenance identifies a problem
From early observation
to corrective action
Changes identified during routine maintenance should be investigated before they develop into more serious operating problems. Where an abnormal condition is identified, move from routine maintenance into structured troubleshooting.
Troubles – Check Chart · Link Pending ConfirmationMonitor the pump during operation and identify changes in sound, vibration, leakage, temperature or performance.
Identify conditions that differ from normal operating behaviour and require further attention.
Investigate the observed condition and determine the likely source before taking corrective action.
Use structured troubleshooting to identify the cause of abnormal pump behaviour.
Correct the identified condition and restore the pump to the required operating condition.
Lifecycle support
Support through the pump lifecycle
Installation
Foundation, alignment and piping practices.
02Commissioning
Pre-start checks, startup and verification.
03Operation
Running the pump within its intended duty.
04Maintenance
Preventive inspection and servicing.
You are here 05Troubleshooting
Diagnosing operating problems and causes.
Technical resources
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FAQ
Industrial Pump Maintenance
Questions Answered
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