Project Details
PROJECT
IDENTIFY ROOT CAUSES RESPONSIBLE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DETERIORATION
DESCRIPTION
Conduct site investigation, system testing, system analysis, report findings and advise on possible solutions.
INDUSTRY SECTOR
Municipal.
INFRASTRUCTURE
2 off 450kW Horizontal split case pumps duty operating in duty and standby operation at variable speed.
Long coupled pump and motor arrangement mounted on steel frame and plinth.
Both pumps feeding a common distribution pipeline, flowrate dependent upon water requirements.
DETAILS
Investigation, testing and analysis procedures were conducted. Facts were identified and
reported, indicating pump base stability to be responsible for poor operational performance.
Pump & Motor baseplate design of was found to be flawed, this shortcoming being exacerbated
by poor installation technique.
Occasionally baseplate design and installation are performed without utilising the benefits
provided by specialised pump installers, as seems the case in this instance.
The inability to maintain alignment between pump and motor during operation and ensuing
vibration issues resulted in the degradation of foundation infrastructure and component
condition.
J.A.C. Pump Services undertook corrective actions, providing design, manufacture and supply
of appropriate replacement bases. Subsequent installation to plinth using ‘best practice’
methods ensured adequate stiffness, prevented flexing issues and delivered reliable ongoing
operation.
