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Operation basics:
Best Efficiency Point(BEP), the flow rate where a pump has its highest efficiency, is a key factor to assess whether a pump is being operated properly. Few pumps operate at their exact BEP all of the time, because process variables in a production environment are not 100 percent constant. But a pump that is properly sized for its application will maintain a flow near peak efficiency. Maintaining a flow between 80 percent and 110 percentof BEP is a good range to maximize efficiency and minimize the risk of excessive wear or pump failure.
Pump monitoring and maintenance.
In the ideal world, all pumps would be properly sized to run constantly at their best efficiency points. In the real world of an industrial plant, this is impractical because processes are fluid both literally and figuratively.
Formulations change and productionrates vary, but typically the hundreds if not thousands of pumps supporting process do not change with them.The solution to maintaining reliable pump operations is a robust maintenance program that combines monitoring basic machine health data in addition to pump operating conditions.
There are four areas that should be incorporated in a pump maintenance program.
Pump performance monitoring and pump system analysis.
Vibration monitoring.
Bearing temperature.
Visual inspections.
Individually, each of these is importantindicators; collectively, they provide a complete picture as to the actual condition of the pump.