Excessive vibration in mining and industrial pumps is a leading cause of equipment failure. Understanding the root causes of pump vibration and implementing effective solutions is essential for maintaining reliable performance. This article explores the common reasons pumps vibrate, how to diagnose the issue, and the best strategies to minimise vibration.
Advanced monitoring systems help track vibration levels and detect abnormalities in real time. Common methods include:
One of the primary causes of pump vibration is misalignment of shafts and couplings. When the pump and motor shafts are not properly aligned, excessive forces are placed on bearings and seals, leading to premature wear and increased vibration. This issue typically arises from improper installation, thermal expansion, or deteriorating couplings.
Solution: Using laser alignment tools during installation and conducting periodic alignment checks can help maintain optimal performance and prevent premature failure. At Allied Pumps, we can perform all these tests to ensure that your shafts and coupling are properly aligned.
Pump cavitation is another major contributor to pump vibration and occurs when liquid pressure drops below its vapour pressure, forming bubbles that collapse violently. This results in shock waves that create noise, vibration, and long-term damage to impellers and casings. Moreover, Inadequate Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) exacerbates cavitation-related vibration. This is often caused by high suction lift, clogged filters, or undersized suction lines.
Solution: Operators should make necessary adjustments, such as optimizing pipe diameters, maintaining clean suction filters, and avoiding excessive suction lift. Our expert technicians at Allied Pumps can make sure all these changes are implemented.
Worn or unbalanced impellers also contribute to excessive vibration. Over time, impellers can suffer from wear, corrosion, or the accumulation of debris, leading to imbalance and uneven flow distribution. This results in unnecessary strain on the pump and surrounding components.
Solution: Regular inspections and balancing impellers can help mitigate pump vibration and extend the equipment’s life. Allied Pumps can provide all these services on request.
If a pump is not securely mounted on a stable base, movement and flexing can occur, amplifying vibration and increasing mechanical stress. An inadequate foundation, insufficient bolting, or improper grouting can all contribute to this instability.
Solution: Ensuring a properly secured pump base and using vibration isolation techniques where necessary can significantly reduce excessive movement. If you need help with this, Allied Pumps can provide on-site assistance.
Bearings play a critical role in smooth pump operation, but over time, they can degrade due to excessive load, misalignment, or insufficient lubrication. This can lead to overheating, unusual noises, and excessive axial or radial movement.
Solution: Regular lubrication schedules and routine bearing inspections are essential to maintaining optimal performance and preventing breakdowns. At Allied Pumps, we offer both in-house and on-site pump maintenance.
Finally, resonance from piping and structural factors can amplify vibration levels beyond acceptable limits. Poorly supported piping or external structural forces can transfer energy into the pump system, creating unnecessary strain.
Solution: This issue can be mitigated by using flexible couplings, ensuring proper pipe support, and implementing vibration dampeners to isolate the pump from external forces. If required, all these solutions can be implemented by Allied Pumps’ technicians in-house or on-site.
Online monitoring systems provide a real-time, data-driven approach to detecting and preventing pump issues. Some advanced versions also integrate with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, providing seamless automation and real-time decision-making capabilities. At Allied Pumps, we have developed our very own NODEM remote monitoring system with could-based SCADA.
In some cases, upgrading to more robust pump designs suited to the specific application can be the best long-term solution. Not all pumps are built for the same operating conditions, and using a pump that is not designed to handle high-pressure or abrasive fluids can lead to chronic vibration issues. Selecting pumps with reinforced casings, advanced bearing systems, or specialised impeller designs can significantly improve reliability and reduce excessive movement. Browse all the mining and industrial pumps we offer at Allied Pumps.
In addition to supplying top-tier pumping solutions, we also provide in-house pump repairs at our Canning Vale, Kalgoorlie, and Darwin facilities. Allied Pumps’ experienced technicians can diagnose and restore pumps to optimal performance to keep your operations running smoothly. Contact us to get your pumps repaired or view our In-House Pump Repairs brochure for more details.
Contact us to learn about how we can help you with your pump needs.
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