Overexertion of pump impeller?

In summary: Length of the piping from the pump to the manifold? What is the diameter of the pipe?In summary, the pump intermittently vibrates heavily and could be due to overexertion of the impeller.
  • #1
sword
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Does diameter reduction on the pressure side shortly after the pump induces overexertion of the impeller?
This is the setup: suction line: 8" - length: 20' ; high pressure centrifugal pump powered by a engine at approx. 2000 rpm ; pressure line: 6" at a length of 18" directly followed by a manifold of 2x 4". Pump distance after this is approx. 200 m. Pump medium: water.
The experience is that the pump intermittently vibrates heavily. Could this be overexertion of the pump impeller?
 
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  • #2
sword said:
Does diameter reduction on the pressure side shortly after the pump induces overexertion of the impeller?
This is the setup: suction line: 8" - length: 20' ; high pressure centrifugal pump powered by a engine at approx. 2000 rpm ; pressure line: 6" at a length of 18" directly followed by a manifold of 2x 4". Pump distance after this is approx. 200 m. Pump medium: water.
The experience is that the pump intermittently vibrates heavily. Could this be overexertion of the pump impeller?
Moving to mechanical engineering...

I don't know what "overexertion" means in this context, but it doesn't sound right. Do you have flow and pressure readings before and after the pump? Have you checked the pump curve and npsh? My first guess would be that it is cavitating.
 
  • #3
No, there are monitoring appendages on the setup. Since this is a mid scale mining operation, about everything happens very rudimentary. I guessed that since the manifold or in other words the diameter reduction is so close to the pump, the pressure gets to high in that area causing some kind of backward thrust towards the impeller. Does that make any sense?
 
  • #4
sword said:
No, there are monitoring appendages on the setup. Since this is a mid scale mining operation, about everything happens very rudimentary. I guessed that since the manifold or in other words the diameter reduction is so close to the pump, the pressure gets to high in that area causing some kind of backward thrust towards the impeller. Does that make any sense?
Think about this, install a pressure regulator w/gauge on the pressure side, tie it to the engine throttle so that if the pressure reaches a set point the engine throttles back reducing the flow, this should be done for safety reasons anyway. I agree that it sounds like cavitation, if not fixed it will ruin the pump
 
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  • #5
If you give us a sketch of the setup, we may be able to speculate better. What is the height of the pump above the inlet? Pump make/model?
 

Related to Overexertion of pump impeller?

1. What is overexertion of pump impeller?

Overexertion of pump impeller refers to the excessive strain or stress placed on the impeller, which is the rotating component of a pump responsible for moving fluid. This can be caused by factors such as high flow rates, high pressures, or debris in the fluid, and can lead to damage or failure of the impeller.

2. What are the signs of overexertion in a pump impeller?

Some signs of overexertion in a pump impeller include unusual noises or vibrations coming from the pump, decreased flow rate or pressure, and increased energy consumption. In severe cases, the impeller may become damaged or break, leading to a complete pump failure.

3. How does overexertion of pump impeller affect the performance of a pump?

Overexertion of pump impeller can significantly affect the performance of a pump. It can lead to decreased efficiency, increased energy consumption, and reduced flow rate and pressure. In extreme cases, the pump may stop working altogether, causing downtime and potentially costly repairs or replacements.

4. How can overexertion of pump impeller be prevented?

To prevent overexertion of pump impeller, it is essential to properly size the pump for the intended application and to regularly monitor the pump's operating conditions. It is also crucial to properly maintain the pump and its components, such as regularly checking for and removing any debris that may cause strain on the impeller.

5. What should be done if overexertion of pump impeller is suspected?

If overexertion of pump impeller is suspected, it is important to stop the pump and inspect the impeller for any signs of damage or wear. If there is damage, the impeller should be replaced, and the pump should be properly sized or adjusted to prevent future overexertion. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the pump can also help identify and prevent overexertion in the future.

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