Amperage drop on washer pump 3

[gerg13]

First off I am new and barley educated, so bear with me. I have a washer(for engine blocks, heads and so fourth)that I have been charged with maintaining. The washer was just installed when I arrived. It has a duplex pump system, 1 50hp, and a 20hp booster. The first three pm checks showed booster amps at 22ish (24.1, sf 1.25),last one 14-16. Manufactuer states that a loss of amps is due to blocked nozzle, or clogged suction. Suction good, 5/20 nozzles blocked. I deblocked them and now amps at 11-13. All thoughts are appriceated.

 

[thewellguy]

Sounds like you still have a blockage somewhere. The other possibility that comes to mind is that there is a problem with the impellor. If the impellor is damaged and not pumping as much water that could account for a drop in amps.

 

[Artisi]

Are you pumping water only or water with additives and where is the supply coming from?

 

[gerg13]

I am pumping H20 with a powdered SaHCl additive (200lbs per 300gal). The resivior is internal, and operated at 180-200 degrees.

 

[JRLAKE]

Has air entrainment been ruled out?

 

[Artisi]

Same thoughts, possible air entrainment or vapourisation if the liquor is at 200f.

 

[gerg13]

Air entertainment should not occur being that the intake is at the bottom of the resivior.

 

[JRLAKE]

I can think of four ways:

1) If you have a suction lift and a bad seal, you can suck air through the seal.

2) Vortexing in the reservoir.

3) Air entrainment in the reservoir due to poorly placed return lines.

4) Broken suction line.

But with the temperature I am leaning towards Artisi's suggestion. I know someone mentioned impeller but is this definitely a centrifugal pump and not a piston pump?

 

[gerg13]

definitely center.