Troubleshooting Pump

A. Centrifugal Pump
A centrifugal pump is a mechanical device designed to move a fluid by means
of the transfer of rotational energy from one or more driven rotors, called
impellers.  Fluid enters the rapidly rotating impeller along its axis and is cast
out by centrifugal force along its circumference through the impeller’s vane
tips.  The action of the impeller increases the fluid’s velocity and pressure and
also directs it towards the pump outlet.  The pump casing is specially
designed to constrict the fluid from the pump inlet, direct it into the impeller
and then slow and control the fluid before discharge.
Problem Possible Cause Remedy
  Air in Pump or Suction   Ensure Pump and  
  Pipework Pipework are Completely
  Filled with Liquid. Pump
  can not prime with air in  
  suction line.
  Suction Lift Too High Check Inlet for  
  obstruction. If there is not
  an obstruction calculate
  friction losses. If   static lift
  is too high the liquid in the
Zero Flow after   Startup suction tank must be
raised or pump   lowered
Insufficient   Manometric Actual head with   friction
Head losses is higher than pump
design. Calculate head and
friction   losses in
discharge. Check all valves
are open. To correct
increase pipe   diameter, or
increase impeller diameter,
motor power or pump.
Operation is Reversed Check motor direction   of
rotation is in the direction
of arrow on pump casing
Speed Incorrect Check supply voltage and  
frequency. Motor may also
have open phase
Impeller, strainer or   check Clean impeller, valve   and
valve clogged strainer
  Air ingress through   shaft Check suction pipework  
  seal, suction piping, for leaks, including all
  suction port. Pump lifts joints and fittings. Check
  liquid with air. shaft seal and if  
  necessary, increase
  pressure of sealing liquid.
  Check depth of suction  
Flow Decreases or None pipework or valve in liquid
at All and deepen if
required. Check inlet tank
for vortexing.
Air pocket in suction   pipe Check angle of suction  
line and ensure there is no
possibility for an air pocket
and if so ensure   air
eliminator valves are fitted
Increase of Manometric   Check valves are fully  
Head open and there are no
obstructions in discharge
pipe
Impeller, strainer or   check Clean impeller, valve   and
valve clogged strainer
  Pump operating at   lower The actual head is   lower
  manometric head than originally specified.
  Reduce impeller size to
  diameter advised by  
  supplier or utilise an
  inverter to reduce pump
  speed
Driver Overloaded Speed too high Decrease pump   rotational
speed or trim impeller to
required size
Mechanical Friction   inside Check pump rotor for   any
pump obstruction or deflection
Packing wound too   tight Loosen nuts on packing  
gland
Coupling Alignment Check coupling rubber  
and realign pump and
coupling
Density or viscosity   of the Increase motor size
liquid pumped is higher
than originally advised
Motor Defects Check for motor   defects.
May not be ventilated
correctly and be in a poor
location
  Poor Coupling   Alignment Check coupling rubber  
  and realign pump and
  coupling
  Bearing Covers too   tight Check and loosen if  
  necessary, bearing cover
Bearings   Overheating Pumped flow is less   than Increase flow. If  
minimum safe continuous necessary, use by-pass
flow recirculating valve or line
Too much grease Remove excess grease
 Insufficient lubrication   or Check the amount of  
lubricating oil / grease dirty oil/grease. Clean the
or contaminated bearings, bearing housing
and lubricate
  Partially clogged   impeller Clean Impeller
  Worn or defective   Replace impeller
  impeller
Vibration Poor Coupling   Alignment Check coupling rubber  
and realign pump and
coupling
Oblique Shaft Check shaft and   replace if
required
Unbalanced parts Check and rebalance  
parts if required
  Air in liquid Suction pipe needs to   be
  submerged to ensure
  vortexes are not created
  on the surface of the liquid.
   
  Check liquid level in  
  suction pipe or increase
Noise level high depth of suction pipe.
Pump working in   NPSH is too low. Check  
cavitation area liquid level in suction tank,
check suction losses.
Check valve in suction  
line and ensure fully open.
Increase suction head by
lowering pump.
Pump operating outside   Check duty point
of duty range

Signs and Effects of Pump Leakage

Not all pump leakage can be easily identified by puddles of oil or liquid on the floor
beneath it. Leaks within your pumps can occur both internally and externally, which
means you need to be vigilant to prevent and identify these leaks in time before
lasting damage is done to your pump.
Signs that your pump is experiencing internal leakage can include increased
temperatures, increased noise, system speed reductions and a decreased overall
capacity or output.
If your pump is displaying oil mist, oil marks on the ground, or oil dripping from the
pump this will likely stem from an external leak.

Primary Causes of Pump Leakage

As outlined before not all leaks will be distinguishable by a puddle of fluid on the floor
or any other visible signs and signals. The actual cause of your systems leakage can
lead to many factors, one of the most common being the overall wear of your pump,
which can be due to age or exposure to various elements. Another issue could be
the actual design of your system. If it's been designed poorly or has any
manufacturing defects it can result in leakage and overall system failure.
Poor repair, maintenance, or rebuilt workings on your pump system can also trigger
leakage, affecting the whole system and its equipment.

DAMAGE OR WEAR TO SEAL

The seal on your pump should always be sealed with materials around the shaft. It's
perfectly normal for these seals, no matter the material, to wear down due to the
friction created between the shaft and seal throughout its use. If your pump has a
sealant material that is less likely to wear down throughout this heavy contact it will
mean that the life of that seal will be extended.
The biggest challenge is to know exactly when the seal has worn completely down.
You don’t want to pay for unnecessary maintenance or replace the sealant too early
when you can still get a good few hours of operation on it. By monitoring the drain
flow of your pump, you can minimise the risk of sudden failure and have more control
of the time between repairs and maintenance. You can also monitor the seal’s
condition manually (with a bucket and stopwatch) or with a digital flow meter.

DRY RUNNING
Your pump seal will need fluids to lubricate the material and compartments around it.
If there’s not enough lubrication or fluid within the system, it will produce a dry
system that will create more friction and heat. If left untreated the seal can burn or
melt and become damaged, which will cause a leakage due to the high pressure
within the system. Even a few seconds of dry running can cause heat cracks or
blisters, which leads to a leaking pump shaft seal.

SHOCKS AND VIBRATION

If your pump is running with a large number and force of shocks or vibrations it can
lead to an unaligned system and a higher chance of leaks. By working past the
pump's best point of efficiency it can reduce the seal's lifetime. If your pump has to
deal with heavy-duty conditions, make sure your seal can handle above-average
axial and radial play

PRESSURE DROPS OR SPIKES

If your pump experiences frequent pressure drops or spikes its lifetime and durability
will be shortened. This sudden change in operating conditions can lead to an
increased risk of leaking. If your pump uses rubber lip seals, there will still be an
increased risk but it won't be as significant as other types of seals.

B. PISTON AND PLUNGER PUMP TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

A Piston pumps operation is typically quiet as it is one of the most efficient
pump types being up to 85-90% efficient. They often require a pulsation
dampener due to the reciprocating motion. The first check when any pump
stops working is to understand if anything has changed recently possibly
contributing to the pump stoppage.

If nothing has changed recently then it would be prudent to work through our
troubleshooting guide below to try and determine the reason for failure.

Problem Possible Cause Remedy

  Worn Nozzle Check nozzle for wear. Do

  not adjust regulating valve
as can lead to pump
  damage.
  Air Leak Check suction and
discharge pipework for
  leaks. Use   bonding
  sealant for connections
where possible
 
Pressure Gauge Gauge could be worn, or
  have particle ingress.

  Relief Valve / Regulator Check settings cover

Issue system performance. If
  system is   outside of the
range the valves will not
  function correctly.
  Check for ingress of solids.
  Check internal parts and
 
piston stems. Reset
  Primary valve and relief
valve.
Low Pressure
Seats or Valves Worn Replace as required

Suction Filter Clogged Clear Suction Strainer

Insufficient NPSH Suction pressure is

Available incorrect meaning pump is
cavitating. Ensure all
valves are open, check
liquid temperature. To
correct   increase fluid in
tank, check for air ingress,
remove unnecessary
bends,   increase pipe
diameter, install feed
pump.

Flexible hose is
recommended to be 3”-6”
before pump   inlet.

Leakage Check pipework

connections

Belt Check belt teeth, belt

tension and belt type

  Knocking Sound Worn bearings or loose

  connecting rods. Service
drive   end as soon as
  possible.
  Suction Sound NPSH requirements not
being met.
    Ensure all valves are
Noisy Pump open, check liquid
temperature. To correct
increase   fluid in tank,
check for air ingress,
remove unnecessary
bends, increase pipe  
diameter, reduce fluid
temperature, install feed
pump.

Screeching Sound Belt slippage. Check belt

tension & belt wear.

  Worn Crankcase Oil Seals Replace more frequently

when bearings and
  crankshaft   oil seals are
replaced
Oil Leak
Worn Crankshaft Oil Seals Oil contaminated. Ensure
seals are replaced with  
bearing replacement

Bearing Wear Bearings can be worn by

crankcase oil. Seal and
packing   wear results in
liquid travelling along
plunger rod allowing oil
and water   mix. Replace
bearing as soon as oil leak
noticed.

Plunger or Piston Wear Replace plunger and

pistons. Increase
frequency of seal   service
to reduce plunger or piston
wear

Drain Plug / Oil Gauge Check tightness. Ensure O

Leaking rings are replaced on drain
plug and oil gauge

  Insufficient NPSH Suction pressure is

Available incorrect meaning pump is
  cavitating. Ensure all
  valves are open, check
liquid temperature. To
  correct   increase fluid in
tank, check for air ingress,
  remove unnecessary
bends,   increase pipe
 
diameter, reduce fluid
  temperature, install feed
pump.
 
Flexible hose is
  recommended 3-6” at
pump inlet.
 
Inlet or Discharge Valves Check liquid viscosity,
  worn / sticking lubricity and presence of  
particles. Seal flushing
Pulsation may be required in
between operations.

NPSH requirements not

being met. Check PH of
liquid is   between 5-9.

Discharge Pipework Ensure flexible hose is on

the inlet of the pump and  
pulsation dampener fitted
on discharge of the pump.

  Scored Plungers Check for Chemical wear,

hard water, and abrasive  
  particles. Increase service
intervals as high wear to lo
  and high pressure   seals
can cause male adapter to
 
come into contact with
  plunger.

  Scored Cylinders or Cups worn causing

Sleeves damage to cylinders and
  sleeve.   Increase service
interval of cups and
  replace cylinders and
sleeves
   
 
 
Sleeves and rods must
 
always be smooth
 otherwise they   will
prematurely wear any
seals.

  Cups and seals should be

replaced when a drop in
pressure is noticed

Inlet pressure too High Maximum inlet pressure for

piston pumps is 40psi
(2.75   bar) and plunger
pumps is 60-70psi (4-
4.8bar). K Style pumps can
accept   higher inlet
pressures.

High Fluid Temperature Check liquid is in line with

pump handling capability.  
Fluid heating may occur
from prolonged operation
in bypass mode.

Pump Dry Running Check Fluid level and that

  NPSHR is being met.
Check   inlet pipework, and
  filters for blockage, long
  suction lines, and presence
of   air ingress
 
Seals Installed Incorrectly Seals will not hold
  pressure if installed
incorrectly.
 
 
 
Keep V Groove on spring
  side or packings towards
liquid   or high pressure
  side.
   
Seals or Cups NBR or FPM cups
assembly must be towards
liquid or high   pressure
side.

  Spraying / Air Protect pump from direct

Condensation spray with ventilated  
  enclosure if necessary.
Contaminated oil will
  damage bearings and
other   components within
  the drive.
 
    Change oil every 3
months or after 500 hours.
 

  Worn Seals or V Packings This can allow fluid to

travel along plunger rod  
Water in Crankcase leading to scoring of oil
seal allowing the water and
oil to mix.
 
  Increase service intervals

  Worn Seals or V Packings Seals worn and require

replacing.
 

    Symptom is low pressure.

Can be caused by
  chemical incompatibility,
excessive   pressure and
 
temperatures
 
Worn Sleeves or Cylinders Increase frequency of
  replacement and ensure O
ring on piston   do not
  allow water ingress which
can cause further damage
 
Worn Adaptor Split   manifold designs of
  pumps have adapters
within the pumps. Check O
  rings when   servicing
  seals and valves and
replace as required.
 
Damaged Plunger Can be caused by Thermal
  Shock, Chemicals or
abrasives.   Worn packings
  can allow the male adaptor
to travel along plunger
  causing   damage to it.
Examine plunger when
  installing seals and replace
if needed
 

  Manifold Wear / Damage Check chemical

compatibility of fluid and
any cleaning   fluids used.
 Operation with worn seals
and o rings can accelerate
manifold   wear. Erosion
can be limited by
freshwater flushing
between pump use.

Manifolds can be damaged

by over pressure which
may be   caused by high
inlet pressure, relief valve
or regulating valve failure
or   blockage within pump.
 
 
 
Ensure an external relief
 
valve is installed in the  
Water Leak system with internal relief
valve and regulating valve.
 
 
  If pump is to be stored for
long periods, ensure pump
is drained and filled   with
50% water and glycol mix

C. SELF PRIMING PUMP

Self-priming pumps are a specific type of liquid pump designed to have
the required liquid inside the cavity or pump body necessary to start the
pumping process. This offers the potential for increased operating
efficiencies in process plants where pumps are used for a variety of repeated
yet intermittent operations.
ADVANTAGES OF SELF-PRIMING CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
 Can handle a variety of liquids
 Work well with slurries, corrosive liquids, and suspended solids
 When compared to submersible-type pumps, self-priming centrifugal pumps will
continue to pump liquids even after the pump is no longer submerged in a liquid tank
or vessel
 Ideal for frequent and intermittent pumping operations, as the steps involving pump
priming on start-up are eliminated
DISADVANTAGES OF SELF-PRIMING CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
 Can't operate without the presence of the initial priming liquid in the pump’s reservoir
 Due to the need for a liquid reservoir, this type of centrifugal pump can be larger than
a standard model, which may cause issues in applications where space is limited
 Need to be as close as possible to production lines to avoid depletion of the pump’s
liquid reservoir during self-priming operations
 Problem Possible Cause Remedy
   Casing is Empty or level Fill pump with Fluid
  of fluid is insufficient
  Liquid temperature in Add additional fluid, as liquid
  casing overheated has recirculated within pump
  head for   too long
  Air Ingress Check all pump seals, shaft
  clearance, suction pipework for
  possible  air entry points
  Pressurised Delivery Line Ensure air can escape from
  delivery line
  Low Speed Ensure pump speed is correct
Pump not Priming and any inverter settings are
correct.   Check data against
performance curve
Impeller worn / broken Check impeller condition
Volute worn Check volute / casing for wear
and that the leading edge
(cutwater) is   intact.
Volute/casing should be
replaced with impeller to
maintain efficiency
Strainer blocked Check any suction strainers for
blockage
Suction lift requirements Check suction pipework friction
Excessive losses and vertical lift
Suction / Discharge lines Clear all blockages, check all
blocked filters and valves
  Pump not primed See above section
  Backpressure too high Required pressure is beyond
  capability of pump. Evaluate
  system   specification & design
Zero fluid delivery against supplied pump.
Friction losses Check friction losses of all
components
Impeller Clogged Clear impeller and clean
Suction / Discharge lines Clear all blockages, check all
blocked filters and valves
Flow Rate Insufficient Air Ingress Check all pump seals, shaft
clearance, suction pipework for
possible air entry points. Check
inlet tank for vortex formations.
Impeller worn / broken Check impeller condition
Suction Line Diameter Suction line diameter too small,
viscosity of fluid higher than  
expected, level of fluid in inlet
tank too low
Pump Pressure Liquid Viscosity Liquid viscosity is higher than
Insufficient expected
   Rotational Speed Check Rotation speed is in line
  with design, it could be too high
  Cavitation Head is too low, or delivery
  pressure requirements too high
  Liquid Density Liquid Density is higher than
High Absorbed Power expected
Misalignment Check alignment of pump,
coupling and check coupling
rubber
Internal Friction Friction between the pump
rotating and non-rotating parts
Particles within pump Check fluid and pump for signs
of particle ingress. Check inlet  
filters are sized correctly
  Pump delivery too low Check NPSHR is being met.
  Place pressure gauges on
  discharge and   compound
  gauges on suction
Vibration Pump or pipework not Check Pump is correctly fixed
fixed to baseplate, and pipework is
not loose
Cavitation Check NPSHR meets NPSHA
Particles within pump Check fluid and pump for signs
of particle ingress. Check inlet  
filters are sized correctly
  Mechanical Breakdown Check shaft, coupling, motor,
  pulleys belts and gearboxes for
Pump Jams damage
Particles within pump Check fluid and pump for signs
of particle ingress. Check inlet
filters are sized correctly
  Lubrication Ensure bearings are lubricated
  in accordance with procedure
Short Bearing Life Cavitation Check NPSHR meets NPSHA
Particles within bearings Replace bearings
Bearings Rusty Replace bearings
  Particles within pump Check fluid and pump for signs
  of particle ingress. Check inlet  
Mechanical Seal filters are sized correctly
Leakage Cavitation Check NPSHR meets NPSHA
Seal overheats Low Fluid level in pump. Check
system and operating
procedure. Fluid   is
recirculating for too long

Rotary pump
Rotary Pumps Applications:
 Gear Pumps handle more viscous fluids
 Sliding Vane Pump suits both viscous and non-viscous fluids
 Sliding Vane Pumps cannot handle dirty or gritty liquids
 Vane Pumps are ideal for low-viscosity and non-lubricating liquids
 Sliding Vane Pumps are used for vacuum services
 Lobe Pumps are used in food and beverage processing
 Lobe Pumps can handle both low and high viscosity fluids

D. Gear Pump Troubleshooting

A gear pump is a type of positive displacement (PD) pump.  It moves a fluid
by repeatedly enclosing a fixed volume using interlocking cogs or gears,
transferring it mechanically using a cyclic pumping action.  It delivers a
smooth pulse-free flow proportional to the rotational speed of its gears.
Gear pumps are commonly used for pumping high viscosity fluids such as oil,
paints, resins or foodstuffs. They are preferred in any application where
accurate dosing or high pressure output is required. The output of a gear
pump is not greatly affected by pressure so they also tend to be preferred in
any situation where the supply is irregular.
Problem Possible Cause Remedy
  Direction of Rotation Check direction of rotation is in
  line with arrow on casing and  
  nameplate
  Air pocket in suction line Ensure suction line filled with
  fluid, pipework slopes upwards,
Motor Operational but no   kinks in suction line and
No Fluid Delivery pipework is as straight as
possible.
Relief Valve Failure Clean Relief Valve. Check
pressure setting. Recalibrate
Check Valve Jammed Clean check valve. Check
operation
Air Ingress through Seal Check seals for air ingress, all
pipework, and connected
gaskets.   Check pump O
Rings. Replace pump seal if
necessary.
  Relief Valve Opening or Check relief valve settings.
  Jammed Recalibrate. Check and clean
  as a plug   may have formed or
  solid entered jamming open.
  Air Ingress Check seals for air ingress, all
  pipework, and connected
  gaskets. Check   pump O
  Rings. Replace pump seal if
Insufficient Capacity necessary.
Low NPSH Shorten and enlarge suction
line diameter. Deepen suction
pipe,   increase tank contents,
 reduce pump speed and check
fluid viscosity against   pump
design
Pump Worn Check internal gear spacing.
Replace lobes
Check Valve Jammed Clean check valve. Check
operation
  Pump Cavitating Increase pipework diameter.
  Reduce suction head. Check
  fluid   viscosity. Clean filters.
  Reduce pump speed. Increase
Pump Noisy fluid level in tank.
Gear / Rotor Damage Check gears and replace if
necessary
Misalignment Realign Pump. Check coupling
and rubber
Vibration in safety valve Increase pressure setting or
replace

E. Screw pump
A screw pump is a type of positive displacement pump that uses two or more
screws that intermesh to pressurize fluids and move them in a system. The
screws take in fluid then push it out from the other side while increasing its
pressure.

A screw pump when working correctly operates quietly, with little vibration or
pulsation. If you are starting to notice issues such as a reduction of flow rate,
pressure, increased vibration, or leakage an inspection is necessary. Pumps
should be inspected according to their hours of operation and ideally every 6
months. A pump cannot be considered as a standalone item and must be
considered as part of system. This means troubleshooting can take some time
involving checking system components, control panel settings and potentially
a full strip down of the pump.

Problem Possible Cause Remedy

  System restriction Check system including all

vales on suction and  
  discharge. Check fluid
levels in tank, and that
  any non-return valves are
functioning as intended
 

  Pump Priming Ensure all air has been

vented from pump and
  that

  Low Pump Speed Check motor speed, and

 ensure motor is not
overloaded.   If belt driven
ensure belt is taught,
without slippage. If
operated via VFD   ensure
pump is operating at
correct speed on panel.

Reverse Rotation Check motor direction of

rotation is in line with
arrow   on nameplate and
motor

Blockage Check suction and

discharge pipes. Remove
blockage

Screws Worn Replace screws. Ensure

idler and driving screws
are   replaced as set and
not individually

Liquid Change Check viscosity of fluid is

  as per pump design.
  Check   if fuel has been
switched to one of low
  lubricity such as Low
Sulphur Fuel   Oil (LSFO)
 
Bypass Valve Operation Check bypass valve
  operating pressure, check
spring and   maintenance
  history as may require
replacing
 
NPSH not met Insufficient suction
 
pressure. Reduce pump
Low Capacity or loss of speed,   increase level in
flow suction tank, check fluid
viscosity, check
temperature of   fluid is
not close to vapor
pressure, deepen suction
pipe.

  System Blockage Check suction pipework

for blockage, check valves
  are   operational in both
suction and discharge.
 
Air Ingress Check pipework
 connections for wear and
air ingress.

Viscosity too High Check viscosity is in line

with pump design.
Increase   motor size,
increase pump size, heat
fluid, reduce pump speed.
 
Suction Strainer Blocked Check inlet filter and clean
  or replace

  Reverse Rotation Check motor direction of

rotation is in line with
    arrow   on nameplate and
motor
Loss of Suction
  NPSH not met Insufficient suction
pressure. Reduce pump
    speed,   increase level in
suction tank, check fluid
  viscosity, check
temperature of   fluid is
 
not close to vapor
  pressure, deepen suction
pipe.
 
 
 
Air Ingress Check pipework
  connections for wear and
  air ingress
 
Screws Worn Replace screws. Ensure
  idler and driving screws
  are   replaced as set and
  not individually
   
Low Discharge
System Blockage Check suction pipework
Pressure
for blockage, check valves
  are   operational in both
suction and discharge.

Suction Strainer Blocked Check inlet filter and clean

or replace
 
 
 Bypass Valve Operation Check bypass valve
operating pressure, check
  spring and   maintenance
history as may require
replacing

  Misalignment Check coupling alignment

  Pump loose on base plate Check pump fixings

  System Blockage Check suction pipework

for blockage, check valves
    are   operational in both
suction and discharge.
 
 
 
Air Ingress Check pipework
 
connections for wear and
  air ingress
 

  Suction Strainer Blocked Check inlet filter and clean

or replace
   

Noise or Vibration Relief Valve Relief valve is opening

and closing rapidly. Check
relief valve set pressure
and increase

Pump parts contact Check pump bearings,

shaft wear, casing
condition and   seal.
Replace as required

Solid ingress Check screws for solid

ingress or particles
located   within pump
above specified size

  Fluid Check fluid for particles,

check inlet filter, check  
  history of fluid, if LSFO
check for low lubricity.
 
Water Some Screw pumps are
  not designed for water or
  glycols   of specific
concentrations. Speak
with a technical sales
 engineer to check   pump
selection and chemical
compatibility

Misalignment Check coupling alignment

   

NPSH not met Insufficient suction

  pressure. Reduce pump
  speed,   increase level in
  suction tank, check fluid
viscosity, check
  temperature of   fluid is
not close to vapor
Excessive Pump Wear pressure, deepen suction
pipe.

  Fluid Viscosity Check viscosity is in line

with pump design.
  Increase   motor size,
increase pump size, heat
  fluid, reduce pump speed.
  Suction Strainer Blocked Check inlet filter and clean
  or replace
 
 
Pump parts contact Check pump bearings,
High Absorbed Power shaft wear, casing
  condition and   seal.
Replace as required

Pump Speed Check pump speed is in

line with design

Air Ingress Check pipework

connections for wear and
  air ingress

F. VANE PUMP
A vane pump uses a rotating cylinder with slots (or rotors) housing a series of
vanes that rotate inside the cavity. The rotor is offset in a casing bore, so that
when rotated, the vanes slide in and out. This creates expanding and
contracting volumes that move liquid through the pump
Problem Possible Cause Remedy
  Pump Dry Running Check fluid level in inlet tank,
  pump protection, suction line
  and   operating parameters
   Valves Worn Check inlet valves are fully
  opening
  Inlet Valve partially closed Check inlet valves are fully
  or closed opening
  Pump Drawing Air Check all pipe connections for
  Air ingress
Pump Does not draw Filter Blocked Clean / Replace filter
fluid (Prime) Suction Restrictions Reduce pump speed, replace
pump, increase tank size, move
pump closer   to tank
Steam Blockage Ensure fluid is free from Water,
install condensate traps, check
for   excess vapor entry
Low Pump Speed Check pump speed on inverter
settings and against original  
specification
Relief Valve Partially Check relief valve pressure
Open, Seized or worn setting, and operation is inline
with   design and seating
correctly
  Low Pump Speed Check pump speed on inverter
  settings and against original  
  specification
  Restricted Suction Check fluid level in suction tank,
  suction line, valves in pipework
  Pump Wear Check Vanes for wear.
  Restricted Discharge Check discharge pipework is
Reduced Flow & fully open, free from blockage
Pressure and valves   are all operational
Relief Valve Operation Check relief valve pressure
setting, and operation is inline
with   design and seating
correctly
Vane Installation Ensure Vanes are installed
correctly and facing the correct
way
Direction of Rotation Check Direction of Rotation
  Low Inlet Pressure Check fluid level in inlet tank,
  pump protection, suction line
  and   operating parameters
  High Pump Speed Check pump operational
  parameters in line with design.
Noisy Pump Pump Distance from Fluid Move pump closer to source
Source
Blocked Outlet Remove blockages and check
valves are fully operational
Pump Loose Ensure Pump is fastened to
baseplate
Pump Worn Replace worn or damaged
 bearings, vanes. Check Shaft
for misalignment   and ensure
motor bearings are serviced /
replaced
Pipes not fit correctly Ensure pipes fitted with relevant
accessories (brackets) where  
required
Valve Failure Check valves in system
Relief Valve Setting Check relief valve pressure
setting, and operation is inline
with   design and seating
correctly
Vane Damage Check Vanes for sign of wear
and Damage
  Solid Entry Check for presence of solids in
  pump
Damaged Vanes Relief Valve Failure Check relief valve pressure
setting, and operation is inline
with   design and seating
correctly
Water Hammer Ensure valves are not being
closed too quickly on discharge
and that   pump speed reduces
rather than being abruptly
stopped
Misalignment Check alignment of pump and
baseplate
Excessive Wear Check Vane maintenance
procedure and frequency
Solid Accumulation If pumping matter which
solidifies within pumps, enforce
cleaning /   maintenance regime
  O Ring Failure O Ring Failure from life, product
  being abrasive or incompatible
Leakage with   O Ring Material. Check
Fluid, O Ring Material and
presence of particles.
Shaft Wear / Damage Shaft could be worn and
undersized for mechanical seal
and require   replacing.
Over lubrication Bearings could be excessively
lubricated
Cavitation Check inlet pressure
Particle Ingress Check faces of Mechanical Seal
for cracks, notches, scratches,
pitting   or dirt ingress