Tests to be done on a Pump Before Installation

[oswald88]

Hi Everyone
We opened a multi stage centrifugal pump and replaced the mechanical seal. Before installing the pump in the process, what kind of tests to be performed and is there any standard specifying about the test, parameters etc.,?

Oswald Vincent M.S Mech. Engg.

Keep Things Simple.

 

[oswald88]

PS: Operating fluid is LPG

Oswald Vincent M.S Mech. Engg.

Keep Things Simple.

 

[Artisi]

What do you wish to establish, performance - Q / H, efficiency, or simply to establish if the pump has been reassembled correctly?

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)

 

[LittleInch]

Probably hidden inside the vendors maintenance manual, but for a mechanical seal it's really about the sealing and pressure containment.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[oswald88]

@Artisi: to ensure the right assembly and to ensure the sealing.
@LittleInch: Manual says Hydrostatic test, but I want to know is the a standard available in API, NFPA, ADR etc.

Oswald Vincent M.S Mech. Engg.

Keep Things Simple.

 

[Artisi]

For correct assembly / seal fittment you can only test 100% correct by running the pump in a test-rig.
Or if assembled by competent staff you probably need to accept that it is correct and monitor start-up for problems.
If repaired by the local cowboys you really need to evaluate competency and make a decision, but for me testing in a rig is the same as testing in-situ,unless of course the distance between the repair shop and the plant are a vast distance apart.
Bear in mind a hydro test will only test for casing leaks and possibly the seal/s.

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)

 

[oswald88]

@Artisi: Our people are qualified and have experience in assembling pump. But there is a person who is insisting to perform a test by running the pump at 30bar with Water. I need a standard to prove that such test is incorrect.

Oswald Vincent M.S Mech. Engg.

Keep Things Simple.

 

[Artisi]

No standard that I am aware of that says no testing required.
If the one who is insisting has the authority to insist, seems you will have to test. Anyway, covers your arse if there is any problems on test or after re-instalation.

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)

 

[JJPellin]

In the situation you describe, we would perform a low pressure air test in our shop before installing the pump. This is an internal policy with a procedure we developed ourselves. This is not required by any code or standard that I am aware of.

Johnny Pellin

 

[oswald88]

We performed a Hydrostatic test at 30bar for 30mins, there was no leak and pump is installed and running successfully. Thanks everyone.

Oswald Vincent M.S Mech. Engg.

Keep Things Simple.