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When to request mechanical run test for API 610 pump 6

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stonetech

Mechanical
Nov 3, 2006
29
Hi everybody,

How are you?

Could you please give me some hint on when to request a mechanical run test for API 610 pump? is it related to pump hp or head or flow rates? Thank you.

All the best,
 
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Almost all API610 pumps are tested before they are shipped to check pump performance, Noise levels etc. Why do you ask!
 
Hi stonetech - not quite sure what you mean here. Are you thinking of buying a pump or have you already got a pump and you want to test it?
If you are buying a pump then you must INSIST on witnessing a full operational test AT THE FACTORY/SUPPLIER before you accept it to make sure it meets all the API criteria for its kind such as flow/pressue, vibration, load etc. It should then be retested once installed to check that it still performs as designed i.e. you haven't introduced vibration from piping stress etc.
If you already have this pump, has it just been completely rebuilt or do you suspect that it is not meeting API?
Please give us a bit more information.
Thanks
CCM
 
Testing checks rated heads developed at rated rpm and flowrate leading to efficiency.


"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." -Albert Einstein
 
It seems to me that in order to actually be an API610 pump, it requires a running performance test.

In the 8th edition, it was 4.3.3. "A performance test on water is required". I don't have the 10th ed to hand, so I'm not sure where it occurs in that edition.

So it's not really a question of when to ask for it, if you are asking for an API610 pump, the test is part of the scope. If, though, you are, say, a pulp mill, using an API pump on high pressure white water, you can ask for the pump without the tests, if you don't feel you need them, in which case it becomes an API pump, but not manufactured to the 610 specs.
 
Hi guys, first thank all of you for your replies.
I need to prepare a data sheet for pump purchasing. For hydrolic and performance test, for sure we need them. But I'm not sure if the 4-hour mechanical run test is needed or not. On API 610, Clause 7.3.4.7, only says: when specified, Mechanical run test shall last 4 hours.
I don't know when to request such a test. That's why my questions comes.
Expecting more explanation. thanks.
 
If you can't tolerate 3% less efficiency or if a 3% shortage of efficiency equivalent operational cost over the life of the pump pays for the test, I'd say you don't have much of an excuse not to?


"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." -Albert Einstein
 
A comment on the following post.

"Cheddarcaveman (Mechanical) 6 Feb 08 15:56
Hi stonetech - not quite sure what you mean here. Are you thinking of buying a pump or have you already got a pump and you want to test it?
If you are buying a pump then you must INSIST on witnessing a full operational test AT THE FACTORY/SUPPLIER before you accept it to make sure it meets all the API criteria for its kind such as flow/pressue, vibration, load etc. It should then be retested once installed to check that it still performs as designed i.e. you haven't introduced vibration from piping stress etc.
If you already have this pump, has it just been completely rebuilt or do you suspect that it is not meeting API?
Please give us a bit more information.
Thanks
CCM "


A site test following any acceptance performance test at the factory /test facility cannot be used as a performance test of hydraulic capability - it is only of use to ensure the pump is correctly installed and operating without stress, and all alignments and vibration levels are acceptable.

 
You will find that as a pump manufacturer of pumps to the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry, we test ALL pumps without excuse to factory standard test, which is 5 stop/starts, and 15 minuite run test at duty point. We also often test to ISO5199 specification, which dictates a minimum of a 6 point performance test measuring flow, head, power, rotational speed and vibration. The results, to comply to the ISO spec has a zero minus tolerance, and a +3% tolerance on all these figures. Im pretty sure from memory the API 610 specification also calls for similar criteria, but is a lot more strict on the tolerances.

Depending on your application and pump type, but it is essential to get a performance test done prior to despatch - that will tell you if the pump works. The on site tests are not really a good option as system curves etc are all different.

Hope this is of help ?

Ash Fenn

 
Almost all of the pumps we purchase are API 610. We always require a run test. The majority of the pumps are specified with a witnessed test. I have been the witness at many of these tests. I don't go on these trips in order to visit exciting and exotic locations such as Houston, Texas, Arvada, Colorado or Tulsa, Oklahoma. I go on these trips because most of the time there is some problem with the pump that is identified and corrected at the shop before the pump is shipped to our plant. The problem could be a simple as the orientation and location of the case drain or as complex as unexpected NPSH performance or high vibration. Having a performance curve for your exact pump is worth the price of the test. If the pump is large or critical to your process, it is worth a trip to witness the test. If it is extremely large or extremely critical, it may be worth a witnessed tear-down internal inspection following the test.

Johnny Pellin
 
API 610 says "Unless oterwise specified, each pump shall be given a performance test"
 
If the pump is small, and you define small, say 50 HP or less, I'd accept the manufactures internal test reports. If the pump iks over 500 HP, I'd call for a witnessed full run out test on water or other fluid as available with calculations back to the specified fluid. with at least a 10 point of more curve.

In between, work with the supplier. Flying to a pump test is a boondongle at best.
 
Frankly, I am really not sure what the point of a 4 hour run test would be. Generally, most folks are happy with a run until oil temp stabilizes - after that point, not too much changes anyway.
 
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