Simonds Machinery Co Pump System Installation & Repair

Signs You Need To Repair or Replace Your Sewage Pump

John Fotouhi — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 16:53:48 +0000

Signs You Need A New Pump

Industrial pumps come in all types and designs. With that said, no industrial pump, no matter how well-made it is, is designed to last forever. With continual use, almost every pump will fail or at least run into issues at some point.

The key is to educate yourself and your workers on the warning signs of an impending pump failure. That way, you will all be aware when something is wrong, and you will be able to seek pump repair or replacement early on before there is a chance for any more severe damage to take place.

Sign #1: You’re Dealing With Dirty Water

To start off with, one of the first things to be on the lookout for is dirty water running through your systems.

The whole purpose of having a pump, no matter the exact type, is to regularly filter clean, clear water into your operations. When that isn’t happening and you’re getting dirty, murky water instead, it can take a serious toll on your business operations. Furthermore, it also indicates that something isn’t quite right with your pump.

Your best bet for determining what is causing the problem is to have a professional inspect your pump for you.

Sign #2: Your Pump Won’t Start Or Struggles To Start

Obviously, when your day-to-day operations rely on a working pump, it is a major problem if your pump won’t start. It is also an issue if it struggles or is slow to start.

There are a variety of reasons that this issue could pop up. It could be the result of anything from electrical problems to frayed wires to a blown fuse. It could also be the case that your pump has simply “given out.”

Instead of putting yourself or your workers at risk to try and figure out the problem, have professionals take a closer look.

Sign #3: Your Pump Is Constantly Cycling

Just about every type of industrial pump that you could ever purchase will cycle on and off; that is just how the vast majority of pumps work.

If, however, you find that your pump constantly seems to be cycling, so much so that you can never really determine what stage it is at or if it is doing its job properly, then you definitely have a problem of some sort on your hands.

The issue could be a poorly or improperly adjusted switch, a burnt-out motor, or issues communicating commands to turn on or off. As is the case with all of these problems, the best way to diagnose and properly fix the issue is with professional assistance and advice.

Sign #4: Your Pump Is Making Strange Sounds

Finally, as is the case with any type of machinery, especially one as all-important as a pump, if your pump suddenly starts making odd noises, it is definitely time to get it looked at.

You should especially be mindful of clanging or banging noises, which typically indicate either a problem with the overall mechanics of the pump or with its structure and integrity. However, any sounds that you don’t recognize or are not accustomed to should be cause for concern and action.

As you can see, your industrial pump will typically let you know when there is some kind of issue. It’s up to you, however, to notice the warning signs and to act fast if you do happen to notice one of these issues. Ignoring the problem is only going to make it worse and could lead to lasting damage.

If you’ve been experiencing any of these issues with your pump, contact the friendly experts at Simonds Machinery Company to get the problem taken care of as quickly as possible.

WHY DID YOUR HOME SEWER EJECTOR PUMP FAIL

In the modern, multi-level home, sewer ejector pumps make it possible to move the solid waste from drainage points through the septic lines and to the disposal area, whether it is a private septic tank or public sewer system. If you have a sewage ejector pump, you should get familiar with general maintenance needs and signs that the pump is not working properly.

While most sewage ejector pumps are designed to withstand at least 7 to 10 years of use, with some even lasting much longer, occasionally problems do arise long before the pump has reached the end of its life span. Here is a look at two of the most common reasons for premature sewage ejector pump failure.

Bypassing the Float Switch for Long Periods with Direct Power

Sewage ejector pumps have a float switch much like a sump pump, which means when fluid levels reach a point where the float of the unit rises to a certain level, the pump will automatically activate. Sometimes, the float switch will quit working, so homeowners will take the obvious route of bypassing the float switch by supplying the pump with direct power.

While bypassing the float switch temporarily is fine so you can eliminate waste in the holding vessel, this is not a long-term solution. The continuous power supply causes the pump’s motor to run nonstop. Therefore, the pump will burn out faster than it should if left connected to direct power. Instead, you should troubleshoot the float switch and find out why it’s not functioning.

A few of the most common reasons a float switch will stop working include:

The float gets trapped so it cannot rise as it should
The float gets weighted down by solid matter so it cannot float
The float gets jammed due to debris around the switch housing

In most cases, float switch problems are an easy fix, so it is definitely not worth putting your entire sewage ejector pump in danger because you don’t fix the basic problem.

Ignoring Obstructed Discharge Lines While the Pump Runs Continuously

Clogs inside of septic lines can and do occur, and most of the time, your sewage ejector pump will be able to push the waste through the line by running a little longer. However, if you have a major backup of effluent and the pump is running continuously for a long time, it is best to shut off the pump and call a plumber because you likely have an obstruction in your sewage discharge lines.

Obstructions in a sewage discharge line can pose a threat to the life of your pump if they are so large or dense that the pump can’t push waste through. If you do not catch a clogged line right away, your pump will continue to run, which can cause overheating and motor failure with enough time.

Sewage ejector pumps are outfitted with alarms most of the time that are specifically designed to signal homeowners when the pump is overheating when a backup occurs, or even when the float switch is not functioning. However, it is not uncommon for the ejector pump’s alarm to not be properly hooked up during installation, especially if someone unfamiliar installed the pump.

To avoid putting stress on your ejector pump during discharge line clogs, make sure your alarm is functioning. You should also make an effort to check the pump on occasion for signs of an effluent backup or continuous pumping.

Understanding why sewer ejector pumps fail can help you as the property owner avoid costly problems down the road. If you are having issues with your sewage ejector pump, contact us at Simonds Machinery Company for pump service and repair.

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3 Common Food-Handling Pump Problems

rladmin — Fri, 18 May 2018 16:35:36 +0000

Pumps have become a key part of the food and beverage worlds, where they allow companies to streamline production in unprecedented ways. Many manufacturers simply wouldn’t be able to continue existing without the use of food-handling pumps. Of course, these vital fixtures can create problems if not properly selected and maintained.

Companies who prioritize efficiency have to ensure that their food-handling pumps remain up to the task. If you would like to learn more about avoiding some of the issues that many food-handling pump owners face, read on. This article will outline three common problems associated with food-handling pumps.

1. Poor Sizing

Food-handling pumps aren’t a one-size-fits-all type of processing component — far from it. In order to provide consistent results and a long lifespan, a pump must be properly sized for a particular system. An undersized pump will make things especially difficult since your processing equipment simply won’t be able to meet production demands.

Excessive pump size presents a more serious — and subtle — issue. An oversized pump will run too fast and with an excessive amount of volume. As a result, the pump’s line velocity will end up too high. This causes an increase in power consumption. It also subjects the pump to more wear and tear, increasing the frequency of breakdowns and maintenance needs.

Oversized pumps often end up suffering from internal forms of damage, such as cavitation. Equally damaging may be the effect of oversizing on your product. Excess velocity can cause damage to more sensitive foods. Liquids may suffer from unwanted separation if velocity becomes too high.

For these reasons, a pump must be properly sized to meet the needs of your system. You must also take into consideration the sizing of related components, such as piping and vortex tanks.

2. Insufficient Lubrication

Food-handling pumps, like other types of heavy machinery, require lubrication for proper functioning. Over time, lubricant will naturally degrade and wear away. This can leave the pump vulnerable to overheating and other forms of damage. Unless you add more lubricant, a complete burnout may be just around the corner.

Be aware that food-handling pumps don’t use petroleum-based forms of lubrication — it simply wouldn’t be safe to risk exposing your product to it. Instead, you must use food-grade lubricants. These lubricants meet the same sorts of lubricating guidelines as petroleum-based products, yet are deemed harmless if ingested at levels less than 10 parts per million.

Three different classes of food-grade lubricants exist: H1, H2, and H3. H1 lubricants are suitable for use anywhere that incidental food contact may occur. H2 lubricants, on the other hand, cannot be used in areas where food contact may occur. Finally, H3 lubricants consist of edible oils that form effective means of protection for processing equipment such as trolleys and hooks.

In most cases, H1 lubricant makes the best choice for food-handling pumps, since they may occasionally come into contact with food. H1 has much better lubricating properties than H3 for high-speed or otherwise intensive applications.

3. Seal Leaks

All types of pumps can suffer from seal leaks. In the case of food-handling pumps, seal leaks tend to be especially problematic. Not only will they interrupt the production flow, but they also present a potential safety hazard. A seal leak allows potentially problematic contaminants to enter your system.

Seal leaks naturally occur as time goes on and the seal rubber begins to degrade. Regular maintenance is the most effective way to keep seal leaks from compromising your production line. For more information on how to keep your food-handling pumps in good working order, please don’t hesitate to consult the experts at Simonds Machinery Company.

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4 Pump Problems and How to Prevent Them

rladmin — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 16:46:46 +0000

Although there are thousands of factors that determine how long an industrial pump will last, a pump is a costly investment that should make business sense. However, pumps work under varying pressure levels, temperature, and other variables which can take a toll on them.

It is essential to have a professional technician regularly check your pumping system and perform preventative maintenance before any potential system problems get out of hand. Proper troubleshooting can help identify common hitches and restore the pump to optimal capacity.

Below are common problems that affect industrial pump systems.

1. System Leakages

Leaks in your piping system can negatively affect your pump’s performance. Progressive loosening, wear and tear on mechanical joints, vibrations, and expansions caused by hot air in the system are the leading causes of leaks in pumps. A pump engineer can easily repair pipe leaks by replacing corroded seals or tightening loose joints.

Other than the pipes, pump valves are also susceptible to leaks. A qualified technician will tell you when you need to repair or replace your valves. It is paramount that you only work with an expert when handling valve repairs because excessively tight valves can be hazardous.

2. Pumpage Problems

Pumpage is the liquid flowing through a pump system. Environmental and process factors such as temperature fluctuations can change the liquid’s viscosity, and this may, in turn, affect the pump’s flow and efficiency. Problems resulting from pumpage are sometimes only noticeable when your pump is already slowing down.

Using standard formulas and conversions, a pump engineer will test for variables such as the fluid’s temperature and viscosity and assess whether it is significantly impacting the pump’s performance. A professional will also advise you on what you can do to salvage the situation.

3. Cavitation

Cavitation occurs when bubbles accumulate around a pump’s impeller. The bubbles can form in any liquid in your pump, including water or oil. The bubbles then collapse, causing shock waves inside the flowing fluids and pump, and can destroy the impeller or the pump’s housing.

Installing the wrong pump is the most common cause of cavitation. When a pump operates at a lower pressure or higher temperature levels than it is designed to, cavitation can occur. To prevent this, always consult a professional to assess your needs and recommend the proper pump for the process you are running.

Use impellers made from high tensile materials in your pumping system. Always operate your pumps at the proper pressure and temperature.

A pump technician can verify that your pump is running at the right operating conditions and remedy a potentially problematic situation before the impeller is completely damaged.

4. Pump Curve Operating Below Normal

The pump curve is data comparing a pump’s ability to push liquids or produce flow against the maximum pressure it can deliver, also known as pump head. A pump operating below its standard curve should be a concern. The likely causes for a subpar pump curve operation are a blocked or damaged impeller, a blocked volute, or wear on the rings.

Preventative maintenance ensures that the pump always operates at its standard curve so that the velocity and flow are matching. During a maintenance routine, a technician measures the pump’s flow and the total head and compares these with the pump’s standard curve.

If the pump is operating below its curve, a well-versed technician can diagnose the root cause and recommend solutions to increase system flow and save you an unnecessary replacement.

Leakages, low flow, and other pump problems not only slow down the pump’s efficiency but can also damage other equipment. An experienced engineer will offer solutions to prevent further damage to your pumping system, increase its lifespan, and minimize your operational costs.

Pumps are a capital-intensive investment, and it is, therefore, paramount that you only work with trusted professionals. Contact Simonds Machinery Co. for an initial consultation, expert advice, and professional preventive maintenance, inspection, testing, and pump repair services.

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How Inefficient Pump Operation Lowers Performance and Drives Up Costs

rladmin — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 19:14:09 +0000

Industrial pumps are used to move fluid for different applications and serve as the center of most industrial processes. Because these pieces are so common, plant managers may overlook them as an area to improve productivity.

The truth is, low pump productivity can lead to excess energy use and higher maintenance and repair costs. By maximizing system performance, you’ll reduce the overall costs associated with operating and maintaining your system.

Understanding Best Efficiency Point

The Best Efficiency Point, or BEP, is one of the key indicators of your pump’s performance. BEP refers to the flow rate where your pump operates most efficiently. In general, most pumps stray away from the flow point to some degree. However, you need to make sure that your pump only does so to a small degree.

Monitoring how close your pump is to the flow point is one of the best places to start when monitoring the performance and efficiency of your pump. By monitoring the BEP, you can make adjustments and ensure that your pump operates at the most efficient flow rate to maximize performance and reduce maintenance and repair costs.

If you’re operating too far off BEP you’re not using your pump as efficiently as possible. Operating a pump too far off the BEP over an extended period also causes excessive wear and tear on your system that could lead to pump failure.

Cavitation

Operating the pump too far right of the BEP increases the risk of cavitation, which occurs when bubbles in the liquid burst with force.

Cavitation damages the pump housing and over time can cause your pump to fail because operating your pump too far off BEP causes an imbalance in the forces inside of your system, which wears down your system.

Think of the flow rate of the fluid in your system. If the flow rate is inefficient and vapor bubbles form and violently collapse, the housing inside the pump will clearly take a beating. Now, imagine that your pump is taking that beating continuously over the course of a year and you can see how cavitation causes excess wear and tear on your system that leads to increased maintenance and repair costs.

Excess Vibration

Vibration is another repercussion of operating your pump too far off the BEP, resulting in areas of the shaft that bend, causing poor pump performance. The hydraulic imbalances caused by operating too far off the BEP can cause problems within the impeller when the liquid vaporizes.

The excess vibration can cause liquid to implode with high force, which then sends socks waves throughout the system. Over time, operating consistently in this manner leads to impeller damage, system corrosion and may ultimately cause your pump to fail.

Flow Recirculation

When you operate your pump close to the BEP the fluid inside flows in the much more uniform manner. The further you get away from the BEP, the pressure becomes distorted and your system suffers. When you operate too far off the BEP, the pressure gradient can cause localized flow reversal, a phenomenon known as flow recirculation.

Recirculation can occur at the suction of the impeller, the discharge, or both. The phenomenon of recirculation causes significant instability and reduces the flow rate, which not only puts stress on your system but also leads to pump failure if portions of the impeller break off. When portions of the impeller break off, repair costs are significant.

As the lifeblood of your operation, efficient pump operation should be a top priority. Simonds Machinery Company offers pump maintenance, repair, inspection and testing to maximize your systems performance and overall productivity. Call us today to find out how we can help with your business needs.

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Avoid Breakdowns and Protect Your Investment: Tips for Industrial Pump Maintenance

rladmin — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 16:30:59 +0000

When you’re responsible for overseeing an industrial process, it’s important that you stay aware of all possible threats to your workflow. Malfunctioning equipment can quickly become a serious problem that can cut into your profit margins and threaten your reputation with customers, so staying aware of warning signs and taking preventative actions is absolutely vital.

An industrial pump is likely to perform a task that no other individual piece of equipment can do. If your pump fails, then, it can leave you in the lurch as you struggle to find a solution that will get your process back on track.

It’s often been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and when it comes to maintaining industrial pumps, that’s certainly true. Below, you’ll find some steps you should take to maintain your pumps and guarantee that you never find yourself in an unsustainable maintenance dilemma.

Temperature Control

Most industrial pumps operate under high pressure and involve the use of fluid components that may be vulnerable to increasing temperatures. Whether those increases are the result of excessive friction buildup or even a high ambient temperature in your facility, it’s important to monitor changes and act to keep them under control.

High temperatures can have many effects on an industrial pump, but the most serious is likely to be in its seals. As heat increases, moisture decreases, and vital rubber components degrade. This can threaten your closed system and may leave you vulnerable to a serious rupture.

Make sure that you keep your work floor at the lowest possible temperature that still allows you to control your energy costs and maximize employee comfort. Keep in mind that equipment functioning at high capacity will have a definite thermal effect, and be sure to factor that into your considerations.

Voltage Monitoring

Industrial pumps require a good amount of electricity to function at their highest efficiency, but that can represent a delicate balance. Excess energy may create an unstable situation that could risk a serious mechanical failure, or it may risk damaging electrical controls that govern pump operations and oversee your entire process.

Make sure that your industrial pumps are only plugged into outlets that provide the right amount of voltage as prescribed by the manufacturer. On an industrial floor running high-capacity machinery, it might be difficult to keep track of individual components. It’s important that you don’t allow yourself to be swamped by that difficulty.

Electrical surges may be difficult to detect since they typically affect the internal workings of your pumps. Since there may not be any obvious warning signs, it’s important that you continue to rely on preemption and avoid problems through careful planning.

Filter Cleaning

Sometimes, flow problems in your industrial pumps can be caused by old-fashioned dirt and grime. Most pumps have filtration systems that serve to purify water running through the system and remove any irritants and additives that may have infiltrated during the process. Keeping these filters clean and clear will help guarantee that you don’t deal with any sluggish operations.

In many cases, your pump will have a built-in observation window or valve that will allow for easy monitoring of your filter without stopping the pump and disassembling the apparatus. You should be sure to make checking your filter part of your regular oversight duties.

Simonds Machinery Company can provide the service and repair solutions you desire to keep your process running smoothly and efficiently. By following these suggestions, you can quickly diagnose problems and point the repair professionals to your exact spot of concern.

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