Seeking help with boiler feed pump issues
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Dear seniors! Good evening! Here’s the situation: this workshop is equipped with three high-pressure centrifugal pumps for boilers (with a head of 550 meters and a flow rate of 46 cubic meters). Currently, all three pumps lose their stability as soon as the flow rate reaches 20+ and the pressure increases. The frequency has been set to 50 Hz. The pump is located 5 meters directly below the deaerator; the connecting pipes are vertical, and there is nothing other than the inlet valve in between. The water level in the deaerator is maintained at 70%, while the temperature is 90 degrees. What causes this? I hope the expert can answer
To check the operation of the single-pump system, it’s better to look for the cause in the manufacturing process. For such issues, it's better to send a video or a flowchart (partial) to facilitate discussion.
Okay! Bro, I’m going to take over and shoot this in the afternoon
The inlet filter is clogged； The return line from the pump outlet to the deaerator is fully open.
Well, I’ll observe things following this line of thinking
Check whether there is any blockage at the inlet or if the valves are damaged. What material are the pump’s flow-related components made of? I’ve encountered cast iron components from Chongqing Industrial Pumps, and after some time use, the impellers would corrode, perforate, or break. If nothing of the above is an issue, it might be wear and tear on the sealing ring
Thanks, bro! For now, we still agree on the plan: turn on the pump to see what the condition inside is like
Well, if the issue with the pipeline valves is ruled out, it’s probably a problem with the pump itself
Is the recirculation pipeline of the feed pump functioning properly? Are the valves closed tightly, or is there any internal leakage? Address the simplest issues first; if nothing else works, then it will be necessary to disassemble the pump for inspection, otherwise it will be awkward
The pipeline has been inspected; the pump was taken to the maintenance team today. I reflected on the operation conditions during this period: there was one instance where, on several occasions, the pump stopped operating due to excessive flow caused by wastewater discharge; as a result, the electrical maintenance team insisted on reducing the opening of the outlet gate valve, leaving it at around four or five turns. It’s probably this reason at the moment – the sealing ring inside is damaged. I’ll update it once the conclusion is available