Vacuum pumps are meant to be sturdy and can last decades, but nothing lasts forever, and there’s a point where you’ll have to consider either making repairs to a vacuum pump or replacing it. This can be a difficult decision to make since vacuum pumps don’t come cheap. But vacuum pump malfunctions cannot be ignored, even if they seem minor at first glance. Operating a faulty vacuum pump can lead to overheating, irreversible damage, or worse, so you cannot take issues lightly. Here are some of the signs that your industrial vacuum pump may need a repair or replacement.
Lack of Suction
One of the most obvious and common signs that something is wrong with a vacuum pump is when the suction is not sufficient or inconsistent. Suction issues can get tricky, however, since it could be a sign that there’s something wrong with your whole system.
If you’re facing vacuum irregularities because of carryover from low points in line or separators, then it would be a good idea to inspect the piping first. Suction loss can sometimes be caused by loose or damaged seals which can make the job harder on the vacuum and make it nearly impossible for it to produce any kind of suction in some cases.
If you can establish that the issue is with the pump specifically, then you will have to perform a visual inspection to see if you can notice any leaks and, if you notice any, then you should consult a professional right away.
System leaks can be caused by all sorts of factors like failing drain valves, blown gaskets, poorly packed valves, loose flanges, bad barometric drop legs, broken pipes, etc. Only an expert will be able to tell what the issue is specifically and they will either decide to repair or replace the unit. If you’re looking for a good vacuum pump repair near me, C&B Equipment is a great place to start.
Excessive Vibration
It’s perfectly normal for a vacuum pump to create some level of vibration. The issue is if it’s too intense or happens sporadically.
If your vacuum pump starts making noise all of a sudden and then stops, you shouldn’t assume that everything is fine. This could be a sign that there’s something seriously wrong with your pump and this could lead to a major incident.
There are two main types of vibrations you need to worry about with a vacuum pump. You have continuous vibration issues that are characterized by more intense vibrations than usual over a prolonged period, and you have intermittent vibrations that come and go.
Continuous vibration issues are often caused by things like damaged bearings, misaligned pumps, loose mounting, or v-belt problems. Intermittent issues, on the other hand, could be caused by the pump, but may also be indicative of something wrong with your piping. Either way, you should contact a professional immediately to get to the bottom of the issue.
Too Much Horsepower
One of the most important things to monitor with industrial vacuum pumps is horsepower. A machine that produces excessive horsepower will lead to it wearing out more quickly. Or it may end up damaging material that needs to be transported more delicately.
HP issues are often the result of something going wrong with the V-belts. They may be misaligned or not have the proper tension. Excessive horsepower can also be caused by pump discharge or inlet restrictions. Or there could be an issue with the motor.
Too Noisy
Pumps will wear out over time, and they will often start making noise. But it doesn’t always mean that you have to replace the unit or that the pump is the reason for the noise. In some cases, it may be because the pump is overloaded with water. But in many cases, noise is the sign of parts wearing down like bearings, for instance. Alternatively, it may be a sign that your system is failing.
You shouldn’t panic, however. If you notice strange sounds coming from your machine, then you should first examine it and try to find out where the noise is coming from. You can then start troubleshooting and consider bringing an expert in if you can’t find the issue yourself.
Vacuum pumps play a very central role in most plants and issues with them have to be addressed immediately. If you notice any of the issues in this article, consult an expert team right away and start discussing possible options.
