Pump

A pump is a device used to move fluids, such as liquids or slurries.

A pump displaces a volume by physical or mechanical action. Pumps fall into five major groups: direct
lift, displacement, velocity,buoyancy and gravity pumps.[1] Their names describe the method for moving a
fluid.

By far the majority of pump installations are of the velocity head type. In these devices, the pressure
rise is achieved by giving the fluid a movement. At the exit of the machine, this movement is
translated into a pressure increase. The other major type of pump is called positive displacement.
These devices are designed to increase the pressure of the liquid while essentially trying to compress
the volume. A categorization of pump types has been given by Krutzsch (1986), and an adaptation of
this is shown below.

I. Velocity head

A. Centrifugal

1. Axial flow (single or multistage)

2. Radial flow (single or double suction)

3. Mixed flow (single or double suction)

4. Peripheral (single or multistage)

B. Special Effect

1. Gas lift

2. Jet

3. Hydraulic ram

4. Electromagnetic

II. Positive displacement

A. Reciprocating

1. Piston, plunger

i. Direct acting (simplex or duplex)

ii. Power (single or double acting, simplex, duplex, triplex, multiplex)

2. Diaphragm (mechanically or fluid driven, simplex or multiplex)

B. Rotary

1. Single rotor (vane, piston, screw, flexible member, peristaltic)

2. Multiple rotor (gear, lobe, screw, circumferential piston)

Centrifugal and Other Velocity Head Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are used in more industrial applications than any other kind of pump. This is
primarily because these pumps offer low initial and upkeep costs. Traditionally, pumps of this type
have been limited to low-pressure-head applications, but modern pump designs have overcome this
problem unless very high pressures are required. Some of the other good characteristics of these types
of devices include smooth (nonpulsating) flow and the ability to tolerate nonflow conditions. The
most important parts of the centrifugal pump are the impeller and volute. An impeller can take on
many forms, ranging from essentially a spinning disk to designs with elaborate vanes. The latter is
usual. Impeller design tends to be somewhat unique to each manufacturer, as well as finding a variety
of designs for a variety of applications. An example of an impeller is shown in Figure 1. This device
imparts a radial velocity to the fluid that has entered the pump perpendicular to the impeller. The
volute (there may be one or more) performs the function of slowing the fluid and increasing the
pressure.

FIGURE.1 : A schematic of a centrifugal pump is shown. The liquid enters perpendicular to the
figure, and a radial velocity is imparted by clockwise spin of the impeller.

Specifications
Pumps are commonly rated by horsepower, flow rate, outlet pressure in feet (or metres) of head, inlet suction in
suction feet (or metres) of head. The head can be simplified as the number of feet or metres the pump can raise
or lower a column of water at atmospheric pressure.
From an initial design point of view, engineers often use a quantity termed the specific speed to identify the
most suitable pump type for a particular combination of flow rate and head.

Pumping power
The power imparted into a fluid will increase the energy of the fluid per unit volume. Thus the power
relationship is between the conversion of the mechanical energy of the pump mechanism and the fluid elements
within the pump. In general, this is governed by a series of simultaneous differential equations, known as
the Navier-Stokes equations. However a more simple equation relating only the different energies in the fluid,
known as Bernoulli's equation can be used. Hence the work, W, done by or on a pump is given by:

where ΔP is the change in total pressure between the inlet and outlet (in Pa), and the fluid flowrate is given in
m^3/s. The total pressure may have gravitational, static pressure and kinetic energy components; i.e. energy is
distributed between change in the fluid's gravitational potential energy (going up or down hill), change in
velocity, or change in static pressure. η is the pump efficiency, and may be given by the manufacturer's
information, such as in the form of a pump curve, and is typically derived from either fluid dynamics simulation
(i.e. solutions to the Navier-stokes for the particular pump geometry), or by testing. The efficiency of the pump
will depend upon the pump's configuration and operating conditions (such as rotational speed, fluid density and
viscosity etc).

For a typical "pumping" configuration, the work is imparted on the fluid, and is thus positive. For the fluid
imparting the work on the pump (i.e. a turbine), the work is negative.e power required to drive the pump is
determined by dividing the output power by the pump efficiency. Furthermore, this definition encompasses
pumps with no moving parts, such as a siphon.
The following codes are applicable to pumps:

ISO 9906, Rotodynamic pumps — Hydraulic performance acceptance tests — Grades 1 and 2

ISO 11342, Mechanical Vibration — Methods and criteria for the mechanical balancing of flexible rotors

ISO 21049:, Pumps — Shaft sealing systems for centrifugal and rotary pumps

AGMA 9000, Flexible couplings — Potential unbalance classification

HI 1.3, Centrifugal pumps — Horizontal baseplate design 7)

HI 1.6, Centrifugal pump test

HI 2.6, Vertical pump test

API 610 - Centrifugal pumps for petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries

API 674 - Positive Displacement Pump-Reciprocating

OISD RP123 Inspection of Bearings, Couplings and Belts

OISD RP 124 Predictive Maintenance Practices

OISD RP 125 Inspection and Maintenance of Mechanical Seals

OISD RP 126 Specific Maintenance Practices (Rotating Equipment)

OISD 127 History Recording(Rotating Equipment)

INSPECTION OF PUMPS

This standard covers the minimum requirements for inspection, maintenance, commissioning and
testing procedures for the following Rotary Equipment used in the Oil Industry:

i) Centrifugal Pumps (Horizontal/Vertical, Both ends supported/overhanging type, Single/Multi

stage and Submersible type)

ii) Positive Displacement Pumps (reciprocating Pumps, Gear Pumps, Screw Pumps and Dosing
Pumps).

 PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

The condition of centrifugal pump can be assessed by measurement of vibration and shock pulse
levels of antifriction bearings. The frequency of measurement shall depend on the criticality of the
equipment. OISD RP 124 (Predictive Maintenance Practices) shall be referred for predictive
maintenance of centrifugal pumps.

 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION SCHEDULE FOR CENTRIFUGAL

PUMPS

Centrifugal Pumps are classified in the following groups for preparation of preventive maintenance
inspection schedule :

i) Horizontal Centrifugal Pumps (both ends supported)

ii) Horizontal Centrifugal Pumps (overhanging type)
iii) Vertical Centrifugal Pumps
iv) Submersible Pumps

Check list on Inspection items for each type of pumps shall be as per the schedule given below.

4.1 HORIZONTAL CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS (BOTH ENDS SUPPORTED)

All the following items shall be checked/recorded after the specified period :
4.1.1 After 1000 running hours or 3 months whichever earlier

i) Bearing lubricant (for water contamination and sediments)

ii) Oil ring for performance
iii) Deflector for looseness
iv) Constant level oiler for leakage
v) Mechanical seal for leakage
vi) Seal flushing/quenching system (of Mechanical Seal) for clogging and chocking.
vii) Gland for leakage Note 3
viii) Cooling water flow in both the bearing housings
ix) Condition of bearing by sound and temperature (in running condition)
x) Performance of all measuring instruments (Pressure/Temperature gauges and Flow Meters)
xi) Coupling Guard
xii) Electric Motor load current
xiii) Axial position indicator (in case of multistage pump)
xiv) Dowel pins (in position or not; wherever provided)

4.1.2 After 4000 running hours or 1 year whichever earlier

i) Repeat all checks per 4.1.1.

ii) Flushing of bearing with lube oil and refilling of oil to required level, whether carried out or not
iii) Flushing of cooling water lines and strainers, whether carried out or not (to ensure proper flow of
cooling water.
iv) Foundation, foundation bolts and supports
v) Replacement of old packing with new ones and condition of gland follower, lantern ring and
sleeves (in case of gland packing)
vi) Condition of coupling, coupling bolts, nuts, spring washers and their confirmity to uniform size.
Change grease in half coupling in case of gear type.

4.1.3 After 8000 hours or 2 years whichever earlier

i) Repeat all checks per 4.1.2.

ii) Condition of outboard bearing, lock nut and lock washer (in case lock washer found damaged
and lock nut loose, shaft axial play shall be checked)

iii) Following items of Journal bearings :

a) Clearance of I/B and O/B bearings

b) High spot (High Spots shall be scrapped)
 c) Condition of thrust bearing, lock nut and lock washer (in case lock washer found damaged
and lock nut loose, shaft axial play shall be checked).

iv) OISD RP 123 shall be referred for inspection of bearings. (Replace the bearings if necessary)

v) Pump float (adjust if necessary)

vi) Oil filter for cleanliness if journal bearings are hydrodynamic

vii) Condition of mechanical seals (OISD RP 125, “Inspection and Maintenance of Mechanical
seals” shall be referred)

viii) Alignment (Misalignment shall not be more than 0.05 mm)

ix) Painting of equipment, whether carried out or not

Notes:

i) After completing the checks listed above the pump shall be started and the following shall be
checked during the trial run (the trial run duration shall be half to one hour for electric driven
and 3 to 4 hours for diesel driven) :

a) Discharge pressure
b) Suction pressure
c) Liquid flow (if possible)
d) Condition of Mechanical Seal/Gland Packing
e) Electric Motor load current at discharge valve shutoff and open condition
f) Condition of bearing by sound and temperature
g) Any leakage
h) Vibration and shock pulse reading as per OISD 124

ii) Pumps in hot service shall not be rotated unless it is gradually heated up to a temperature close to
that of the working fluid.

4.1.4 After 16000 hours or 4 years whichever earlier

Complete overhauling of the pump shall be carried out.

This shall include part-wise inspection as per item 4.5 and all checks specified for 8000 hours.
 4.2 HORIZONTAL CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS (OVERHANGING TYPE)

All the following items shall be checked/recorded after the specified period :

4.2.1 After 1000 hours or 3 months whichever earlier

i) Oil in bearing housing for water contamination and sediment (Replace oil if necessary)
ii) Oil ring for proper working
iii) Constant level oiler for proper working
iv) Gland packing (for leakage)
v) Condition of Mechanical Seal (OISD RP 125, “Inspection and Maintenance of Mechanical
Seals” shall be referred for replacement)
vi) Cooling water flow
vii) Condition of coupling guard
viii) Condition of bearing by sound and temperature
ix) Electric Motor load current (at discharge valve shutoff and open condition)
x) Performance of all measuring instruments (Pressure/Temperature gauges and flow meters)
xi) Greasing of bearing; if bearings are grease lubricated Note 3

4.2.2 After 4000 hours or 1 year whichever earlier

i) Repeat all checks per 4.2.1.

ii) Flushing of cooling water lines and cleaning of Strainers, whether carried out or not (to ensure
proper flow of cooling water)
iii) Condition of coupling (in decoupled condition)
iv) Coupling end support for any abnormality
v) Foundation, foundation bolts and supports.
vi) Alignment (Realign, if necessary)
vii) Performance of all measuring instruments and recording of readings
viii) Suction line strainer for cleanliness

4.2.3 After 8000 hours or 2 years whichever earlier

Complete overhauling of the pump shall be carried out. This shall include part-wise inspection as per
item 4.5 and all checks per item 4.2.2.

Notes:

i) After completing the checks listed above the pump shall be started and the following shall be
checked during the trial run (the trial run duration shall be half to one hour for electric driven and
3 to 4 hours for diesel driven):
 a) Discharge pressure
b) Suction pressure
c) Liquid flow (if possible)
d) Condition of Mechanical Seal/Gland Packing
e) Electric Motor load current at discharge valve shutoff and open condition
f) Condition of bearing by sound and temperature
g) Any Leakage
h) Vibration and shock pulse reading as per OISD 124
ii) Pumps in hot service shall not be rotated unless it is gradually heated up to a temperature close to
that of the working fluid.

4.3 SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS (WET MOTOR TYPE AND DRY MOTOR TYPE)

The following items shall be checked/ recorded:

4.3.1 After every 250 hours or fortnightly whichever earlier

i) Ensure optimum liquid level to avoid dry run wherever auto cut in/cut out not provided
ii) Motor load current
iii) Pump discharge pressure
iv) Any abnormal sound and vibration of connected piping

4.3.2 After every 8000 hrs. or 2 years whichever earlier (For saline service, this interval may
be reduced as required)

Complete overhauling of the pump shall be carried out. This shall include part-wise inspection as per
item 4.5.

4.4 VERTICAL CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

All the following items shall be checked/recorded after the specified period:

4.4.1 After 1000 hours or 3 months whichever earlier

i) Oil in bearing housing for water contamination and sediment (Replace oil if necessary)
ii) Constant level oiler for proper working
iii) Gland packing (for leakage)
iv) Condition of Mechanical Seal (OISD RP 125, “Inspection and Maintenance of Mechanical
seals” shall be referred for replacement)
v) Cooling water flow
 vi) Condition of coupling guard
vii) Condition of bearing by sound and temperature
viii) Electric Motor load current (at discharge valve shutoff and open condition)
ix) Performance of all measuring instruments (Pressure/Temperature gauges and flow meters)

4.4.2 After 4000 hours or 1 year whichever earlier:

i) Repeat all checks per 4.2.1.

ii) Flushing of cooling water lines and cleaning of Strainers, whether carried out or not (to proper
flow of cooling water)
iii) Condition of coupling (in decoupled condition)
iv) Foundation, foundation bolts and supports
v) Alignment (Realign, if necessary)
vi) Performance of all measuring instruments and recording of readings
vii) Suction line strainer for cleanliness

4.4.3 After every 24000 hours or 4 years whichever earlier :

Complete overhauling shall be carried out.

During overhauling, part-wise, inspection as per item 4.5 and checks specified for 4000 hours shall be
carried out.

4.5 PARTWISE INSPECTION DURING COMPLETE OVERHAUL OF CENTRIFUGAL

PUMPS

Part-wise inspection shall be carried out during complete overhaul.

For the purpose of part-wise inspection the parts of centrifugal pump are classified into
following two categories:

i) Stationary parts

ii) Rotating parts

4.5.1 STATIONARY PARTS

i) Casing, Volute and Stuffing Box

 a) casing and volute shall be inspected for cavitation, erosion or corrosion.
b) Stuffing box walls shall be checked for corrosion, ovality and other damages including
descaling in waterways.
c) Gasketing surface of Mechanical Seal flange shall be inspected for pitting and
unevenness.
d) Casing wear ring seat shall be inspected. It should be complete round, smooth and free
from corrosion/irregularities.
e) Volute, diffuser blades shall be inspected for wear/damage.

ii) Gland follower/Mechanical Seal flange

a) Flange face shall be inspected for wear due to corrosion and erosion
b) The following clearances shall be measured
- Stuffing box inside dia and follower outside dia.
- Shaft/sleeve outside dia and follower inside dia

iii) Bearing Housing

a) Bearing seats shall be inspected for trueness within prescribed limit.

b) Oil lifter rings shall be inspected for wear and ovality
c) Water jacket shall be descaled/cleaned and hydrotested.
d) Oil seal seat and deflector ring groove shall be inspected
e) Fittings of make up oil bottle shall be checked.
f) Constant level oiler shall be checked for performance.
g) Axial thrust bearing seat shall be inspected for ovality
h) Magnetic drain plug shall be inspected. Ordinary drain plug shall be replaced with
magnetic drain plug.
iv) Casing wear ring/Case separating rings/Impeller separating rings

a) Rings shall be inspected for wear and damage and dimension shall be verified.
b) Locking arrangement shall be checked.

v) Throat bush, Balancing bush and Balancing sleeve

a) Bush sleeve shall be inspected for wear and damage.

b) OD and ID shall be measured
c) Locking arrangement shall be checked

vi) Lantern Ring

 a) OD and ID shall be measured
b) Groove/hole for cooling media shall be checked
c) Lantern ring shall be inspected for wear, damage, corrosion and surface smoothness.

vii) Cooling system/Steam snuffing system/Gland sealing line

a) General condition of small bore lines and balancing lines (after sealing lines) shall be
checked.
b) Condition of all pipe fittings shall be checked.
c) Piping shall be checked for proper flow.

viii) Bolt/Nut/Washer

All bolts/nuts/washers shall be inspected for wear, pitting and damage.

ix) Coupling Guard

a) Coupling guard shall be inspected for damage/corrosion

b) Coupling guard-locking system shall be checked.

x) Flow bypass system

Flow bypass arrangement system shall be checked.

xi) Protection devices

Protection devices for high casing temperature, high vibration, high bearing temperature etc.
shall be checked. For overload relays, standard 137 “Inspection of Electrical Equipment”
shall be followed.

4.5.2 Rotating Parts

i) Impeller

a) Impeller vanes shall be checked for clogging.

 b) Impeller shall be checked for cracks in vanes, outer plates and hub
c) Impeller shall be inspected for pitting, corrosion, erosion and sign of cavitation
d) Overall diameter shall be measured.
e) Bore diameter and key groove shall be checked.
f) Impeller wearing seat shall be inspected and the diameter shall be measured.
g) Balancing holes shall be checked.
h) Impeller shall be balanced before assembly.
i) In case of new Impeller, direction of vanes and material of construction shall be checked.

ii) Shaft

a) Shaft shall be checked for burr, ridge and crack

b) Dimension at the following positions of the shaft shall be measured
– at bearing seat

– at impeller seat

– at sleeve seat

– at coupling seat

c) Groove tolerance and threads shall be checked

d) Shaft trueness shall be checked. The shaft run out shall not be more than 0.05 mm.

iii) Impeller Wear Ring

Checks of 4.5.1 iv) shall be done.

iv) Impeller Lock Nut

a) Threads shall be checked for damage.

b) Locking surface shall be checked for smoothness.
c) Hexagonal section of the nut shall be checked for any burr/deformation.

v) Key

a) Material of construction shall be checked for new

b) Dimensions shall be checked with respect to keyway groove dimensions

vi) Shaft Sleeve and Spacer Sleeve

 a) Material of construction shall be verified in case of new/replacement
b) ID/OD shall be measured and checked with mating parts.
c) Gasketing seats shall be checked
d) ‘O’ ring groove (if provided) shall be checked.
e) Ensure tightness of sleeves

viii) Balancing Drum

a) Material of construction shall be verified in case of new/replacement

b) OD/ID shall be measured.
c) Gasketing seats shall be inspected.

ix) Deflector

a) Deflector shall be checked for crack, erosion and corrosion.

b) Bore dia and step dia (which fits in bearing housing) shall be measured.
c) Locking screw/threads in the deflector plate shall be checked.

ix) Oil Ring and other system of oil lifting.

The oil ring and other system of oil lifting shall be checked for wear/crack, ovality and
squareness.

x) Rotor assembly

Dynamic balancing of the rotor assembly shall be checked provided in case.

– pump was running with high vibration prior to overhauling.

– components of the rotor have been replaced.
– wear observed on components of the rotor.
If imbalance is observed in rotor assembly, then dynamic balancing of individual component
shall be checked.

xi) Bearing and Coupling

OISD RP 123 “Inspection and Bearing, Couplings and Belts” shall be referred.

xii) Mechanical Seal

 OISD RP 125 “Inspection and Maintenance of Mechanical Seals” shall be referred.

4.6 COMMISSIONING AND TESTING PROCEDURES FOR CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

The following procedures shall be followed for commissioning and testing of overhauled and
newly installed pumps:

4.6.1 Overhauled Pumps

i) Pre Starting procedures

a) Pump and Prime mover alignment shall be checked in uncoupled condition

b) Suction/discharge pipings shall be checked to ensure no strain coming on the pump
c) Direction of rotation of prime mover shall be checked
d) All piping connections shall be checked
e) Ensure all instruments are calibrated
f) Foundation bolts shall be tightened and alignment rechecked.
g) Pump shall be coupled to the prime mover
h) Ensure replacement of lubricants/ lubricating oil (after flushing as necessary).
i) Coupling guard shall be fixed.
j) Suction strainer shall be checked for correct size.
k) Pump shall be primed by gradually opening the suction valve (In case of hot pump-cooling
water, seal oil and steam quenching shall be kept open while heating the pump).
l) Leaks from joints/fittings (after the pump attaining suction pressure) shall be attended.
m) After completing all the above checks and the pump housing attaining temperature close to
that of the fluid, the motor shall be rotated to ensure free rotation.
n) Alignment shall be rechecked after the pump has been heated up by the suction fluid.
o) Ensure that the discharge valve is fully closed and suction is fully opened.

ii) Start up Procedures

After completing the pre-starting procedure the pump is ready for start up. The start up
procedures given below shall be followed.

a) Clearance for energising the Motor (in case of electrical drive) shall be obtained.
b) The pump shall be started & the discharge valve opened gradually.

iii) Post Start Checks

The following shall be checked/observed:

a) All instruments shall be checked and readings observed at regular intervals, and the
performance of equipment compared with manufacturer’s data.
b) Vibration readings shall be checked for abnormality (if any) and corrective action shall be
taken as necessary. Signature for critical Pumps shall be checked.
c) Temperature rise, and abnormal sound (if any) for bearings shall be checked.

4.6.2 Newly Installed Pumps

i) Pre Starting Procedures

a) Equipment

Pump shall be thoroughly cleaned.

b) Piping

Assembly of all piping shall be checked to ensure that they are as per the design
drawing. Piping shall be thoroughly flushed to remove rust preventive/foreign material.

c) Support

Relevant pipe supports shall be checked to ensure that they are as per design drawing.

d) Alignment

Alignment of pump and prime mover shall be carried out. OISD RP 126, “Specific
Maintenance Practices” shall be referred.

e) Bearing

Bearings shall be lubricated with correct lubricant wherever applicable.

 f) Prime Mover

The prime mover shall be prepared for operation as manufacturer’s instruction. In case
of Electric Drive correct direction of rotation shall be ensured in decoupled condition.
Insulation value of motor and cable shall be checked and recorded.

g) Packing/Mechanical Seal

For gland packing and mechanical seal, cooling and flushing shall be ensured.
Mechanical Seals (if applicable) shall be installed as per manufacturer’s
recommendations.

h) Heating up before Startup

Pumps on high temperature service shall be heated up gradually to an even temperature

before putting on service.

i) Balancing drum leakage

For pumps equipped with balancing drums, any valve in the line shall be locked open for
ensuring leakage return to pump suction or to the vessel.

j) High temperature pump operation

The following precautions shall be ensured:

– The required suction head.

– Sufficient flow to prevent flashing of liquid passing through the pump.
– Sudden change of temperature shall be avoided to prevent thermal shocks to the
pump.
– The lubrication of bearings and stuffing box to prevent damage.
k) After the above checks, procedures per 4.6.1 shall be followed.

ii) Start up Procedures

The procedures as given below shall be followed for start up.

 a) The free rotation of the pump shall be checked.
b) Ensure all instruments are installed as per P&I diagram.
c) Ensure that strainer is provided in the suction line.
d) Discharge valve shall be closed (if not already closed).
e) On pumps having externally sealed stuffing boxes, the injection line valves shall be opened
and sealing fluid allowed to flow to the seal cages.
f) Pump shall be properly primed.
g) Prime mover shall be started as per prescribed recommendation.

iii) Post Start Checks

a) All instrument readings shall be checked and recorded periodically.

b) Vibration readings shall be checked and signature shall be taken as necessary.
c) Stuffing box packing shall be checked for overheating.
d) Temperature rise, vibration and any abnormal sound from bearings shall be checked.
e) Cooling water flow shall be checked frequently.
f) Suction and discharge pressure shall be monitored to ensure proper operating condition.
g) Alignment shall be rechecked within 100 hours of operation.

5.0 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION SCHEDULE FOR POSITIVE

DISPLACEMENT PUMPS

Positive displacement pumps are classified in the following groups for preparation of preventive
maintenance inspection schedule:

i) Reciprocating Pumps/plunger pump

ii) Gear Pumps/Screw Pumps

Checklist on inspection items for each type of pumps shall be as per the following schedules:

5.1 RECIPROCATING / PLUNGER / DIAPHRAGM PUMPS

All the following items shall be checked/recorded after the specified period.

5.1.1 After 1000 Hours

i) Crank case oil condition for contamination

ii) Gear Box oil condition for contamination
iii) Gland for leakage Note 3
iv) Coupling guard condition (shall be rectified if necessary)
v) Motor and Gear box bearings by sound and temperature (in running condition)
vi) Relief valves for passing
vii) Lubricating oil pump and non return valve (for steam driven pump only)

5.1.2 After 4000 Hours

i) Crank case oil replacement (crankcase shall be flushed before oil replacement)
ii) Gear box oil replacement (gear box shall be flushed before oil replacement).
iii) Condition of piston/plunger and liner for wear
iv) Lubricating oil strainer and pipings
v) Bearing and Gear of Gear box for any damage
vi) Coupling guard condition
vii) Working of safety relief valve
viii) Ensure replacement of gland
packing
ix) Alignment
x) Suction and discharge valve, valve seat etc.
xi) Stroke adjusting mechanism (shall be serviced if necessary)
xii) Lubrication for the steam driven side (in case of stream driven pump)
xiii) Foundation, foundation bolts and supports

Note : The pump shall be started after completing the checks listed i to xii above and the
following shall be checked :

a) Vibration and temperature of bearing of Gearbox and Motor

b) Gland for leakage (shall be adjusted if necessary)
c) Pump performance

5.1.3 After 8000 Hours

Complete overhauling of the pump shall be carried out. This shall include part-wise inspection as per
item 5.3 and all checks specified for 4000 Hours.

5.2 GEAR PUMPS/SCREW PUMPS

For Gear Pumps/Screw Pumps/ Dosing Pumps, the inspection schedule shall be fixed
depending on the specific nature of application and manufacturer’s recommendation.

5.2.1 Inspection items of Gear Pumps

The following shall be checked/ recorded:

i) Gear Casing

a) Clearance between gear and casing.

b) End clearance between gears and end covers
c) Backlash

ii) Bush/Bearing

a) Clearance between gear shaft and bush.

b) Bearing as per OISD 123

iii) Seal

a) Condition of Seal
b) Replacement of elastomer

5.2.2 Inspection Items of Screw Pumps

The following shall be checked/ recorded:

i) Screw/Casing

a) Clearance between screw and casing

b) Axial clearance between screw and end cover.

ii) Bearing

OISD RP 123, Inspection and Maintenance of Rotating Equipment ‘Components’ shall be

referred.

iii) Seal

a) Condition of seal

b) Replacement of elastomer
5.3 PARTWISE INSPECTION DURING COMPLETE OVERHAUL OF
RECIPROCATING PUMPS

Part-wise inspection shall be carried out during complete overhaul.

For the purpose of part-wise inspection, reciprocating pump parts are divided into the following
two groups :

i) Liquid end parts

ii) Power end parts

The liquid end performs the suction and discharge functions of the pump for the liquid handled
whereas the power end provides the power for the pump.

5.3.1 Liquid end parts

i) Cylinder Liner

The cylinder liner shall be checked for wear, ovality and scratches. The base/ovality shall
be measured, recorded and maintained within prescribed limits.

In case of replaceable liners, the liner wear plate shall be removed, checked and replaced if
necessary Note 3. The gasket shall be replaced every time when it is removed.

ii) Piston/Plunger

Piston or plunger shall be checked for wear, ovality and scoring marks. In the case of
piston with piston rings the wear on piston ring grooves shall be checked. The piston
and piston ring grooves shall be brought back to acceptable tolerances.

iii) Plunger Packing Set

 The packing shall be replaced. The lantern ring and spacer ring shall be checked for wear and
corrosion.

iv) Gland Packing

Gland packing should be replaced.

v) Suction and Discharge Valve

The suction and discharge valve shall be inspected for :

a) Wear/Corrosion

b) Clearance of valve guide

c) Condition of seating face

d) Spring or dead weight for wear, crack and corrosion.

vi) Piston Rod

Piston rod shall be checked for straightness and wear.

vii) Throttle Bush

The clearance between throttle bush and the shaft shall be measured and the bush shall be
replaced if the clearance is found more than prescribed.

5.3.2 Power End Parts (steam driven)

i) Cylinder

The cylinder shall be checked for wear, ovality and scoring. The bore & ovality shall be
measured, recorded and maintained within prescribed limits.
ii) Piston

The piston shall be checked for wear, ovality and scoring. Piston ring grooves shall be
checked for wear.

iii) Piston Ring

Piston ring shall be checked for wear, tension and gap. Piston ring width shall be checked.

iv) Piston Rod

Piston rod shall be checked for straightness and wear/scoring.

v) Throat Bush

The clearance between throttle bush and the shaft shall be measured.

vi) Slide Valves

These shall be checked for wear.

5.3.3 Power end parts (motor/engine driven)/Gearbox

The following shall be checked :

a) Worm shaft for trueness. Note 3

 b) Backlash/gear clearances
c) Blue matching of gear teeth for uniform contact.
d) Condition of crankshaft with bearings and bearing clearance. Note 3
e) Condition of connecting rod with bearings.
f) Cross head and cross head pin clearance: Cross head bearing condition and bearing
clearance. Note 3
g) Pinion shaft or sprocket shaft and bearing clearance
h) Condition of drive/driven sprocket and chain
i) Condition of pump sheave or coupling.

5.3.4 Diaphragm

a) shall be checked for condition and elongation

b) shall be replaced if dimensions don’t match with original values.
c) lube oil sump shall be flushed and oil replaced.

5.4 COMMISSIONING AND TESTING PROCEDURES FOR RECIPROCATING

PUMPS.

The following activities shall be performed when a new reciprocating pump or when a pump which is
idle for a long period of time or a pump after overhauling is started.

i) Pre Starting Procedures

a) Pump and strainer shall be cleaned

b) Pump along with suction discharge line shall be flushed.
c) Ensure cross head, plunger are free of rust and clean.
d) Ensure freeness and direction of rotation of pump.
e) Ensure proper lubricant in crank case. In case of multiplex pump each crank case shall be
checked.
f) Ensure installation of Relief Valve and Pressure Gauge in discharge line.
g) Ensure replacement of hardened any dry synthetic rubber packing.
h) For pump with stuffing box lubrication, the volume of oil in lubricating tank shall be
checked. Lubricating pressure should not be raised higher than necessary.

ii) Starting Procedures

a) Suction valve shall be opened and the liquid is allowed to flow and no pressure is put on
the discharge side. In case of liquid end with jacket, liquid shall be allowed to pass after
the liquid end has reached a set temperature.
b) b) When starting for first time or after a long shutdown, stroke shall be set at ‘O’ before
switching on the electric power source. Pump shall be run unloaded with stroke at
‘O’ for a few minutes.
 c) Stroke length shall be raised gradually and pump is allowed to run for a while until 100%
stroke length is attained. During this interval, check that no abnormal sound/abnormal
vibrations have developed and the stroke adjusting handle is working smoothly.
d) Pressure shall be raised gradually until complete load is attained. In case the pressure
cannot be applied on the process side, the back pressure valve can be used to load. The
pressure should be raised by watching the pressure gauge but at first the set pressure of
the back pressure valve should be at 0.
e) Ammeter shall be checked to ensure that there is no overload.
f) Gland shall be checked for leakage and overheating (shall be adjusted as necessary)
g) On ensuring mechanical soundness, volume check should be made under actual operating
conditions.

6.0 Deleted Note 3

7.0 DOCUMENTATION

Documentation and record keeping form an integral part of total Inspection Management System. The
various inspection records on all areas shall be maintained in standard formats designed specifically
for the individual requirements. Running hours and record for preventive breakdown maintenance
should be maintained in chronological order. Note 3

8.0 REFERENCES

a) API 610 Centrifugal Pumps for General Refinery Services

b) API 674 Positive Displacement Pump-Reciprocating

c) OISD RP123 Inspection of Bearings, Couplings and Belts

d) OISD RP 124 Predictive Maintenance Practices

e) OISD RP 125 Inspection and Maintenance of Mechanical Seals

f) OISD RP 126 Specific Maintenance Practices (Rotating Equipment)

g) OISD 127 History Recording (Rotating Equipment)