ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines a centrifugal pump failure reduction program based on the popular “Value Based Six Sigma” improvement process. Using work force resources generally available at most plants, program implementation starts with defining the right opportunities. The focus is on the process, not the people, with the primary objective being bottom line improvement. Close cooperation between technical and clerical staff have gone a long way towards ensuring the overall success which, happily, can be reported for centrifugal pump failure reduction programs using the approach outlined above. A total of seven basic concepts are stipulated and examined: This approach has been used extensively for finding and eradicating pump failures. However, regardless of which of the various troubleshooting approaches is being used, it will always be helpful to refer to troubleshooting listings. This mechanical seal troubleshooting checklist is typical of the multi-symptom listing approach.
