Chemical Processing - February 2008 - (Page 28)

Pump Performance clock monitoring of pumps regardless of location. Such technology can collect data continuously or at a predetermined frequency from permanently installed sensors and then send ndings to a host computer for analysis. Involving the operator Operators can play a pivotal part in proactive maintenance strategies and boosting pump uptime — by serving as the “eyes and ears” in a plant to detect equipment faults early. Under Operator Driven Reliability (ODR), the operators perform basic maintenance activities above and beyond their classic duties (Figure 3). ODR enlists operators to observe and record the overall health of pumps by checking for leaks, listening for noises, monitoring temperature, lubrication and vibration, and taking responsibility to identify any abnormal equipment conditions — and, in some cases, to respond with the appropriate corrective actions. Hand-held technology allows operators to translate early detection of developing problems into prompt corrective action. Operators can monitor: Bearings. Detecting faults in a bearing’s outer ring, inner ring, rolling elements and cages also can suggest potential problems elsewhere in a pump system. >> Operator driven reliability Figure 3. Operators can serve as a plant’s eyes and ears to detect developing problems. www.cashco com Innovative Solutions Universal Control V alve When quality counts choose Cashco. For 85 years, the industry has turned to Cashco for precision control solutions. The Ranger QCT is a universal control valve. It offers versatility, adaptability and ease of maintenance in almost any application. The Ranger is designed for use in steam, chemical, gas and cryogenic liquid applications. solutions for virtually any project. surpassed only by the service and support. Centers with factory-trained specialists. Don’t wait any longer to partner with the industry’s leader in process control. Call us today at 785-472-4461 for immediate assistance and technical support. vapor control SyStemS Valve Concepts, Inc. SyStemS temS Lubrication. Spotting under- or over-lubrication within pump bearings can lead to a more-effective lubrication program. Shaft. Checking pump shafts can uncover imbalance, misalignment, bending, rub, excessive thrust and looseness. Seal integrity. Watching for leaks and inspecting lubricant cleanliness can provide an indication of the condition of pump seals. Foundation. Inspecting pump foundations and bases can warn of looseness caused by loose or corroded hardware, deteriorated grouting, base-plate straightness, and pump housing soft- and sprung-foot conditions. Vane blade pass. It’s important to look for conditions such as wear, blade/vane failure and looseness of shaft t, as well as contamination and obstructions due to foreign debris within the process. Impeller clearance. Proper settings are key for optimum performance and represent a good indicator of pump impeller and wear ring conditions. Cavitation and ow turbulence. Such problems can impact performance and overall pump health over time. Temperatures. Monitoring should include bearings, lubrication, sump and the pump housing. Process parameters. Shaft speed, head pressure, discharge pressure, differential pressure, vacuum, suction, ow, reservoir levels, valve positions and product consistency all deserve attention. Coupling operator oversight and effective proactive maintenance with proper pump bearings, lubrication and seals can contribute to smoother flowing operations, better performance and service life and, ultimately, optimum uptime. CP David R. Mikalonis is sales manager, pump industry, for SKF Industrial Division, SKF USA Inc., Kulpsville, Pa. E-mail him at david.r.mikalonis@skf.com. www.chemicalprocessing.com Cashco, Inc. • P .O. Box 6 • Ellsworth, KS 67439-0006 Ph. (785) 472-4461 • Fax: (785) 472-3539 www.cashco.com 28 • February 2008 http://www.cashco.com http://www.cashco.com http://www.chemicalprocessing.com

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Chemical Processing - February 2008 Contents From the Editor ChemicalProcessing.com Field Notes In Process Energy Saver Compliance Advisor Nanoparticle Safety Raises Questions Take the Pressure Off Vacuum Systems Achieve Optimum Centrifugal Pump Performance Rethink Batch-Manufacturing Alarm Systems Dr. Gooddata Orlando Plant Pioneers HMI Migration Strategy Process Puzzler Plant InSites Equipment & Services Ad Index Product Spotlight/Classifieds End Point

Chemical Processing - February 2008

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