ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of centrifugal pumps, addressing the range of pump operating problems encountered in both fossil and nuclear power plants. It also provides troubleshooting case studies that have been provided for publication by Mechanical Solutions, Inc. (MSI) of Whippany, New Jersey. In order to design a solution and avoid costly and time-consuming trial-and-error problem solving, MSI performed an operating deflection shape (ODS) test. The ODS test results were used to calibrate a finite element analysis (FEA) model. MSI was retained to apply its new high-frequency technique using external accelerometers to quantify damage occurring in a pump operating with significant cavitation. This new method has been used to diagnose cavitation in pumps, valves, and other fluid system components. MSI was requested by regulatory agency and plant to verify that the structural resonance issue was the only reason for the increased vibration, and in particular that a piping system acoustic resonance was not in play.
