Hello everyone, we are currently encountering an issue with excessive axial and radial float in a two-stage multistage pump. This pump features a single suction and discharge design, with a cylindrical roller bearing at the drive end (DE) and an angular contact ball bearing at the non-drive end (NDE). Upon conducting spectrum analysis due to high vibration levels, we discovered looseness and misalignment in the pump. It was determined that the pump's alignment was beyond acceptable limits, with radial and axial floats measuring 0.38mm and 0.50mm respectively. Upon further inspection, the NDE bearings were found to be loose on the shaft and the NDE bearing housing showed significant wear marks. We are seeking insights into the possible reasons for the increased radial and axial floats. Your valuable input would be greatly appreciated. Best regards, Jatan.
Who do you suspect in this case? Feel free to share your thoughts for the process of elimination.
Improper positioning of the thrust bearing can cause a high axial float, while a loose bearing on the shaft can lead to high radial float. It is important to ensure the correct spacer thickness is used for the thrust bearing to properly locate the rotor. It is recommended to check how long the pump has been in operation and if the issue has been present since installation. Additionally, inspect if the inner race was tightly fitted on the shaft during installation and if the shaft material has worn out over time. These factors could contribute to the vibration issues being experienced.
Within the liquid end of Jatan pumps, the internal components are exposed to hydraulic forces created by the chaotic movement of the liquid. This leads to vibrations in the pump's rotating parts, including the shaft, bearings, and bearing housings. Over time, these forces can result in various damages. Every pump has a limited lifespan, with its initial condition playing a crucial role in determining longevity. The operating conditions also significantly impact the pump's performance. Excessive clearances are often signs of underlying issues like misalignment. It is essential to assess the entire system for optimal functioning. See you later!
Are you running the pump at the optimal point on the performance curve? Operating the pump away from the Best Efficiency Point (BEP) can lead to increased radial thrust, resulting in gradual bearing failure and shaft fatigue. It is important to check if the pump has balancing pistons to prevent loss of balancing and unbalanced thrust, which can ultimately lead to thrust bearing failure. These issues can result in higher radial and axial float, impacting overall pump performance. Make sure to regularly inspect these components to prevent potential issues. Remember that proper maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs down the line. Keep your pump running smoothly with Vibmaster.
Have you looked for signs of fretting corrosion on the outer race of the bearing, Jatan?
Hi Jatan, based on your description, it seems like there could be a few areas causing the excessive axial and radial float. Firstly, the looseness of the NDE bearings could be a primary contributor - potentially from prolonged operation or inadequate maintenance. Make sure that these bearings are properly fitted onto the shaft. Secondly, the significant wear marks on the NDE bearing housing hints at possible abrasion or even corrosion - maybe the material used isn't suitable for the working conditions or it could indicate improper installation. Try replacing the material or reviewing your installation process. Lastly, the fact that you've found alignment issues generally points to instability, possibly due to installation on uneven surfaces or under high operating loads. Always check the pump base and foundation for stability. Hope these suggestions help!
Hi Jatan, it sounds like you're dealing with a tricky issue here. From what you've described, the misalignment and looseness problems seem to be strongly linked to the worn-out NDE bearing housing and the loose NDE bearings. Over time, bearing housings can wear out due to factors such as inadequate lubrication, peripheral loading, and contamination. This could compromise the stability of the bearings and consequently, increase the axial and radial floats. Rather than solely relying on routine spectrum analysis, it's also important that a comprehensive maintenance regime is in place, inclusive of regular visual inspections and lubrication checks. For immediate remediation, I'd recommend replacing both the bearings and the bearing housing. For the long term, consider investing in predictive maintenance practices to identify such issues early on. Let us know how it goes. All the best!
Hi Jatan, it seems you're dealing with various interrelated problems here. Given that your non-drive end bearing was loose and the housing showed significant wear, it's likely that both are contributing to your excessive axial and radial float. Wear on the housing may have compromised the gripping ability, allowing the bearing to move. This movement can potentially result in misalignment leading to excessive vibration. Regular maintenance or replacement of components showing wear is crucial to prevent such issues. Also, considering the fact that the pump's alignment is currently beyond acceptable limits, I'd suggest aligning the pump again after replacing the worn-out parts. Hope this helps!
Hi Jatan! It sounds like you’re dealing with a tricky situation. The excessive float you're seeing could be attributed to a few factors. The looseness in the NDE bearings you mentioned is a primary concern, as it not only affects alignment but can also lead to further wear over time. Additionally, the wear marks on the bearing housing might indicate poor lubrication or contamination, which can exacerbate the problem. It might be worth reviewing the installation process and maintenance practices, as improper fitting or lack of regular inspections could lead to issues like this. Maybe consider recalibrating or replacing the bearings to address the misalignment and prevent future recurrence. Good luck with the repairs!
✅ Work Order Management
✅ Asset Tracking
✅ Preventive Maintenance
✅ Inspection Report
We have received your information. We will share Schedule Demo details on your Mail Id.
Answer: - The excessive axial and radial float in the pump could be attributed to factors such as misalignment, looseness in bearings, worn bearing housing, or operating conditions beyond acceptable limits.
Answer: - Excessive axial and radial float can lead to increased vibration levels, reduced efficiency, premature wear of components, and potential damage to bearings and seals in the pump.
Answer: - Operating a pump with significant axial and radial floats can result in decreased reliability, increased maintenance frequency, higher energy consumption, and ultimately, pump failure if the issue is not addressed promptly.
Answer: - To address the issue, it is crucial to correct misalignment, tighten loose bearings, replace worn components, and ensure that the pump is operating within acceptable limits for axial and radial floats. Regular maintenance and monitoring can also help prevent such issues in the future.
Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have transformed their maintenance processes.
Sign up today and start optimizing your workflow.