ABSTRACT
Several criteria are used to determine whether a pump should be subjected to an internal inspection and, possibly, complete overhaul. One of these is the complete running test to which every pump should be subjected about once a year. Such a test gives a reasonable indication of the internal condition of the pump. Another criterion of internal wear is the measurement of the flow past the balancing device of boiler feed pumps that incorporate such a device. The leak-off from the balancing device is returned either to the direct-contact heater from which the pump takes its suction or to the pump itself. A pump manufacturer has a reasonable good idea of the range of tools that should be expected to be found in a user's maintenance shops and provides such other tools that will complement them. The pump manufacturer cannot and should not be expected, however, to outfit these maintenance shops completely.
