How to maintain turbine pumps

Inspect for leaks around seals, column pipe joints, and discharge heads.
Monitor vibration and noise: Excessive vibration often indicates imbalance, bearing wear, or misalignment.
Check bearing temperatures: Elevated temperatures can signal inadequate lubrication or bearing degradation.
Observe pressure and flow readings: Sudden deviations from normal operating curves can reveal impeller wear, clogging, or suction issues.

Record discharge pressure, flow rate, and motor load routinely.
Compare against the pump’s design curve to identify early signs of efficiency loss.
Use vibration analysis or condition-monitoring tools to detect developing mechanical faults.

Line shaft bearings in deep-well turbine pumps are usually water- or oil-lubricated.
- Maintain clean, adequate lubricant supply to prevent metal-to-metal contact.
- For oil-lubricated units, check oil levels and condition regularly; replace degraded oil promptly.
Ensure thrust bearings in the discharge head are properly greased and aligned with the motor shaft.
Avoid contamination—fine particles or water ingress can severely shorten bearing life.

Misalignment between the driver (motor or engine) and the pump shaft causes vibration, bearing stress, and seal wear.
After installation, thermal cycling, or major maintenance, always check and re-align shafts using precision tools.
Inspect couplings for wear, cracks, and correct key placement. Replace flexible elements as recommended.

Periodically inspect impellers for erosion, corrosion, and buildup of solids or scaling.
Maintain proper impeller clearances to preserve hydraulic efficiency.
Check the bowl wear rings and replace if clearances exceed manufacturer limits.
In abrasive or sandy service, use hardened materials and schedule more frequent inspections.

Inspect column bearings and shaft sleeves for scoring or wear.
Ensure each shaft section is straight, properly coupled, and balanced.
Replace worn shaft sleeves to prevent bearing damage and leakage along the column.

If the pump uses packing glands, adjust them to allow a minimal, controlled leak for lubrication.
Replace packing when leakage increases beyond normal or when grooves appear on the shaft sleeve.
For mechanical seals, inspect faces for scoring or cracks and verify correct spring compression.
Always use compatible seal materials for the pumped fluid and temperature.

Keep suction strainers or intake screens clean to maintain unrestricted flow.
Periodically check for air leaks or vortex formation at the suction bell; these can cause cavitation.
Confirm that discharge valves, check valves, and piping supports are tight and free of vibration.

Follow a preventive maintenance schedule rather than waiting for failure.
During major overhauls:
- Disassemble, clean, and inspect all rotating and stationary parts.
- Replace bearings, seals, and wear rings.
- Check shaft straightness and impeller balance.
- Verify casing and bowl alignment before reassembly.
Record all measurements and clearances for future comparison.