ABSTRACT
Process pump users often seek a method of determining the optimum time for overhaul of a pump based on energy savings or other considerations. Effective corrective measures that address resonance caused high vibration problems, are ones that detune the resonance conditions, by providing a minimum 15 to 25 percent separation margin between the pump excitation and piping acoustic and/or structural resonance frequencies. The useful condition monitoring method is by head-flow measurement, because in addition to pump deterioration, it detects any changes in system resistance. A permanent flowmeter installed as part of pump's minimum flow protection or process measurement can be used, provided its long-term condition is considered to be constant, it can be inspected regularly. A condition monitoring credibility crisis was averted when the balance seat area was reached and found to be severely eroded. The chapter argues that Ray Beebe's work at Monash University shows what can be accomplished by careful measurements on a variety of pump.
