CASE STUDY - Troubleshooting a Leaking Pump with Unknown Chemical Treatment

Introduction
Pumps are essential equipment in various industries that move fluids from one place to another. However, a leaking pump can lead to costly downtime, product loss, and even safety hazards. In this blog, we will discuss a case study of a leaking pump with unknown chemical treatment and explore the possible causes and solutions.

Findings & Observations: During routine maintenance, a technician discovered that the pump was leaking due to a faulty mechanical seal. Several possible causes were identified, including:

1. Misalignment, cavitation, chemical corrosion, or foreign objects entering the seal stuffing box chamber.

2. The impeller and back casing had pinholes and signs of corrosion caused by chemical corrosion, and the impeller had cavitation damage.

3. The pump bearing malfunctioned due to the mechanical seal leaking, allowing water to enter the bearing and causing it to fail. The pump shaft was also damaged due to the unbalanced impeller caused by chemical corrosion or cavitation.

Possible Solutions and Conclusion: To resolve the issue, the following actions were taken:

1. Replacement of the mechanical seal, shaft, bearing, impeller, and back casing.

2. Evaluation of the pump material to ensure compatibility with the chemical used. Verification of the inlet and outlet pressure/flow rate to prevent cavitation.

After implementing the solutions, the pump was no longer leaking, and the risk of further damage or safety hazards was minimized.

Conclusion
Regular maintenance and troubleshooting of pumps are essential to ensure their smooth operation and prevent downtime and safety hazards. By identifying the root cause of the problem and taking appropriate actions, pump issues can be resolved promptly and efficiently, minimizing the impact on operations.