A crucial step in hydraulic driven submersible slurry pump's optimal performance and dependability is testing it. From initial inspections to performance evaluations under load, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps that need to be taken to effectively test your pump. If you follow these steps, you can catch problems early and keep your pump working well over time.

Check The Integrity Of The Pump

It is absolutely necessary to conduct a thorough physical examination of your hydraulic driven submersible slurry pump prior to beginning any operational tests.First, visually inspect all external components for signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. Pay special attention to the condition of the impeller seal, shaft seal, and pump casing, as these components are directly related to the performance and life of the pump.

Next, make sure all fasteners and bolts are properly tightened according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Loose connections can cause vibration, leakage, and premature wear of components. Also, carefully inspect seals and gaskets for signs of wear or damage, as these factors can affect the pump's ability to maintain pressure and protect against contamination.

Next, perform a thorough inspection of the impeller for signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. If the impeller is damaged, the efficiency of the pump may be greatly reduced and may even cause imbalance problems. To detect whether the impeller is affected by an obstruction or abnormal resistance (which may indicate internal damage or misalignment), you can try to manually rotate the impeller to verify.

In addition, wires and connections must be secure and free of signs of wear. Ensuring that electrical connections are correct is critical to the safe and efficient operation of the pump. Also, check hydraulic hoses and fittings for wear, kinks, or potential leaks.

Check The Hydraulic System

The condition of your hydraulic driven submersible slurry pump system has a direct impact on the pump's performance and longevity. The hydraulic system is the heart of your pump. Check the reservoir's hydraulic oil level first. The pump manual clearly states that the oil level needs to be maintained correct. Low oil level may cause performance degradation or even damage to hydraulic components.

Next, we need to evaluate the quality of the hydraulic fluid. Ideally, hydraulic oil should be clean and pollution-free. If you notice that the oil has become cloudy, discolored, or contains visible impurities, it may be time to switch to new oil. The health of the hydraulic system may be seriously threatened and the efficiency of the pump may be greatly reduced due to oil contamination.

We must carefully check all hydraulic connections and lines for leaks. Even a small leak, if left untreated for a long time, can cause a significant drop in hydraulic pressure, which in turn affects the working effect of the pump and the surrounding environment. Therefore, we must pay special attention to the joints and around the hoses to see if there is any moisture, dripping water or hydraulic oil accumulation.

In addition, we also need to confirm whether the hydraulic pressure is within the standard range specified by the manufacturer. To this end, we can install pressure gauges at key points in the hydraulic circuit to detect whether the system pressure meets the requirements.Because improper pressure will not only reduce the performance of the pump, but may also cause damage to hydraulic components.

Finally, don’t forget to check the hydraulic filter and replace it if necessary. Clean filters are essential to maintaining the purity of hydraulic fluid and protecting precision components from contamination.

Perform A No-Load Test

The time has come to carry out a no-load test after you have finished the physical inspections and checked that the hydraulic system is in good working order. Without having to pump slurry, this test lets you see how the hydraulic driven submersible slurry pump works fundamentally.

First, make sure the pump is properly mounted and securely suspended in clean water, and fully submerged to avoid damage from dry running.

Next, we are ready to start the hydraulic power unit. Before starting, double-check that all connections are tight and there is no risk of leaks. Then, start the pump gradually and smoothly to avoid sudden start shocks.

During the start-up process, I listened carefully to the running sound of the pump and watched for any unusual sounds, such as grinding, knocking, or excessive vibration. These sounds may indicate bearing problems, component misalignment, or internal damage.

After the pump started, I let it run for a few minutes while closely observing its operating status. I checked the hydraulic system for overheating and any unusual vibrations. The pump should be able to run smoothly and quietly without load.

Through this practical operation, I confirmed the stability of the pump during startup and operation, and the normal operation of the hydraulic system. This laid a solid foundation for subsequent load testing and actual application.

During this test, keep an eye on the hydraulic power unit's amp draw. Internal friction or other issues within the pump or hydraulic system may be the cause of excessive current draw.

Observe the hydraulic driven submersible slurry pump's discharge. You should be able to observe a steady, consistent flow of water even when there is no load. Patterns of irregular flow could indicate issues with the impeller or other internal components.

Perform A Load Test

After successfully completing the no-load test, the next step is to evaluate how the hydraulically driven submersible slurry pump actually performs under load conditions. This test is designed to verify that the pump meets the specific application requirements and meets the design specifications.

For testing, we need to prepare a test setup that is as close to actual operating conditions as possible. This usually means pumping a slurry mixture similar to that used in the actual job. Also, make sure we have the tools we need to measure power consumption, exhaust pressure, and flow rate.

At the beginning of the test, we prime the pump and gradually load it by adjusting the discharge valve or increasing the mud difficulty. During the loading process, we will pay close attention to the performance parameters of the pump.

The flow rates at each operating point are then compared to the performance curves provided by the manufacturer. Under given pressure conditions, the actual flow rate should be close to the specified value. If there is a significant difference, it may mean that the pump is worn, damaged, or has a size mismatch.

We will also continue to monitor the emission pressure throughout the test period. The pump should maintain the required pressure throughout the operating range. If the pressure fluctuates or fails to reach the specified value, there may be a problem with the impeller, wear rings, or hydraulic system.

In addition, during the load test, we also pay special attention to the power consumption of the hydraulic power unit. If the power consumption is too high, it may be caused by an inefficient pump or hydraulic system.

Continually keep an eye out for any unusual noises, vibrations, or rises in temperature during the load test. These could be indications of internal issues that might not be obvious at no load.

If applicable to your operation, test the hydraulic driven submersible slurry pump's performance at various concentrations of slurry and particle sizes. This will help ensure that the pump can handle all possible operating conditions.

Hydraulic Driven Submersible Slurry Pump Manufacturer

A reputable manufacturer that focuses on hydraulic driven submersible slurry pump is Tianjin Kairun. We provide services that can be customized to meet the particular requirements of various applications and industries. Tianjin Kairun welcomes your inquiries if you are looking for a hydraulically driven submersible slurry pump or if you need expert advice on pump selection and testing. You can get in touch with us at catherine@kairunpump.com.

References

1. Grundfos. (2022). Submersible Pump Testing Procedures.

2. KSB. (2021). Hydraulic Performance Testing of Centrifugal Pumps.

3. Sulzer. (2020). Slurry Pump Handbook.