Decoding Vibration Issues of Vertical Chemical Pumps: Key Factors for Stable Operation

Vertical chemical pumps are commonly used pumps in the chemical industry, primarily for transporting chemical liquids and other fluid media. The design of these pumps makes them suitable for transporting a variety of complex and hazardous fluids including high temperature, high pressure, flammable, explosive and corrosive fluids. The design features of vertical chemical pumps allow them to work efficiently in limited spaces, which is highly valuable in many chemical plants and production facilities.

Vertical pumps are widely used in industrial production, but vibration issues are one of their common failures. Excessive vibration can affect the pump’s performance, service life and even cause safety incidents. In this article, we will discuss the causes of vibration in vertical pumps and diagnosis methods.

Root Causes of Vibration Issues

The causes of vibration in vertical pumps can be divided into two major categories: mechanical and hydraulic.

1. Mechanical causes:
   • Pump imbalance: Manufacturing defects, wear or corrosion can cause pump imbalance and thus induce vibration.
   • Bearing damage: Wear, looseness or poor lubrication of bearings will directly affect the pump’s stability.
   • Misaligned couplings: Misalignment between the motor and pump shaft coupling will cause vibration problems.
   • Unsound foundation: An unstable foundation can also lead to vibration issues.
2. Hydraulic causes:
   • Flow turbulence: Turbulence in the pumped liquid flow can induce vibration.
   • Cavitation and flashing: Formation and bursting of gas bubbles in the liquid, as well as liquid vaporization, may also lead to vibration problems.

Hazards of Vertical Pump Vibration

Vertical pump vibration can cause the following hazards:

• Reduced pump efficiency: Vibration increases the pump’s power consumption and lowers its efficiency.
• Shortened service life: Vibration can cause wear of internal pump components and shorten the pump’s service life.
• Increased safety risks: Severe vibration may damage the pump structure and cause leakage accidents, posing safety hazards.

Impact and Solutions of Vibration

The impact of vertical pump vibration is multifaceted, including equipment damage, efficiency decline, safety risks and noise issues. To mitigate the negative impacts, the following solutions can be adopted:

• Using high-quality pumps and accessories: Ensure proper installation to avoid vibration from mechanical causes.
• Regular maintenance and inspection: Monitor vibration levels and address issues promptly.
• Rational design and piping layout: Fully consider vibration and noise reduction measures to minimize vibration from hydraulic causes.
• Application of proper dampeners and isolators: Effectively reduce vibration transmission and impact.