I am interested in learning about the most commonly used maintenance strategies for "in tank" and "pot mounted" pumps. Vibration probes often do not function properly in these cold environments, making it difficult to diagnose mechanical failures unless significant performance issues like flow, power, or pressure arise. Are scheduled overhauls or preventative maintenance practices utilized by anyone? Comments from users of LPG, LNG, NH3, and Ethylene pumps would be greatly appreciated.
Do you mean submersible pumps? Have they been installed in duplicate at 100% capacity each? What is the procedure for switching between pumps?
These submerged pumps are lubricated and come with 2 sets of 100% spares. Each spare pump undergoes monthly testing to ensure reliability and performance.
It is crucial to optimize the pump switching policy for maximum efficiency. Key considerations include the size and cost of the pumps, as well as the materials used in their construction. It is also important to understand the operating parameters, such as flow rate, temperature, and pressure. Additionally, having access to the operating history can help determine the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of the pumps.
Hello Raj, Canned LPG/LNG pumps are known for their reliable performance over extended periods when the initial assembly and installation are done correctly. Despite their design making it challenging to assess their condition easily, there are ways to ensure their operational efficiency. The thick insulation of about 6 inches or more minimizes vibrations and noise, making it difficult to measure indirectly. These pumps are housed in a clean, controlled internal environment shielded from external factors, contributing to their longevity. When operated within the specified parameters, these pumps can run without failures for 25000-50000 hours or more. To maintain their reliability, I recommend: 1. Minimizing intrusive maintenance 2. Consulting the vendor's engineer for any related work 3. Implementing duty-standby cycling 4. Utilizing motor current signature analysis for monitoring. Regarding LNG tank pumps, there may be concerns with electric cables getting entangled in suspension cables in certain designs. It's advisable to consult the vendor on their design performance in various settings. Vendors are often open to sharing insights and best practices from other customers, allowing for performance comparisons and optimization. V.Narayan.
It appears to be a proactive maintenance approach resembling run-to-failure or breakdown maintenance, commonly employed for small to medium-sized submersible or sump pumps. Yet, the implementation of a motor current signature analysis (MCSA) presents a challenge. Should this task be carried out by Electrical or Mechanical engineers, considering the electric motor being a primary component?
In our operations, we employ a mix of scheduled overhauls and predictive maintenance for our Ethylene pumps. We found it significantly minimizes downtime and performance issues, as we can address minor problems before they escalate. Scheduled overhauls are great for tackling wear and tear issues, while predictive maintenance presents an opportunity for proactive problem-solving, especially given the erratic performance of vibration probes in cold environments. We also invest heavily in training our maintenance team, which has been a game-changer in swift hands-on troubleshooting and repair. Would love to hear what others are doing, particularly those who manage LNG pumps.
From my experience with LPG pumps, implementing a comprehensive predictive maintenance strategy has been a game-changer. Given the inadequate performance of vibration probes, as you've noted, we've shifted towards using thermal imaging and infrared analysis. This approach excels in the cold environments that give vibration probes trouble, and can identify mechanical issues before significant performance drop-offs occur. In terms of preventive maintenance, we operate on a tight schedule that includes regular visual inspections, lubricant analysis, and overhauls timed with the estimated life span of critical components. It may seem excessive, but in the long run, it has proven to be cost-effective and efficient for us.
I've worked with various pumps in cold environments, and I completely understand the challenges you’re facing with vibration probes. In my experience, scheduled overhauls are often the most effective strategy, especially for in-tank and pot-mounted pumps. Regular inspections can help catch issues before they escalate, like changes in power consumption or flow rates. Additionally, I've found that incorporating thermal imaging and pressure monitoring can be helpful in diagnosing underlying problems that vibration analysis misses. Users in the LPG and LNG sectors I've spoken to often rely on a blend of predictive maintenance and strict adherence to operational parameters to mitigate risks. It’s all about finding what works best for your specific setup!
I've worked with various pump systems, including those for LNG and NH3, and I totally understand the challenges posed by cold environments. For in-tank and pot-mounted pumps, I've found that regular thermal imaging can be a game changer; it helps identify hotspots that signal potential failures without relying solely on vibration analysis, which can be tricky in those conditions. Scheduled overhauls based on operating hours and regular condition monitoring have been effective preventive strategies in my experience. Additionally, keeping an open line of communication with pump manufacturers about best practices tailored to extreme cold can provide insights that aren't always obvious. It would be great to hear what others have tried, especially regarding specific techniques that have been successful.
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Answer: 1. What are the commonly used maintenance strategies for "in tank" and "pot mounted" pumps in the hydrocarbon industry? - Answer: Commonly used maintenance strategies include scheduled overhauls and preventative maintenance practices to ensure the proper functioning of pumps in cold environments where vibration probes may not function effectively. 2. How do industry professionals diagnose mechanical failures in submerged pumps when vibration probes are not reliable in cold environments? - Answer: In cases where vibration probes may not be effective, industry professionals rely on monitoring significant performance indicators such as flow, power, or pressure to detect mechanical failures in submerged pumps. 3. Are scheduled overhauls or preventative maintenance practices commonly utilized for LPG, LNG, NH3, and Ethylene pumps? - Answer: Yes, scheduled overhauls and preventative maintenance practices are commonly employed by users of LPG, LNG, NH3, and Ethylene pumps to ensure the reliability and efficiency of submerged pumps in the hydrocarbon industry.
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