We go out of our way to import the best pumps from around the world into Australia. We wish we could tell you that all you have to do is turn them on and they will run forever, but even the best pumps can develop problems. We know that problems can lead to downtime. We also know that a lot of them are preventable.
Here are the five most common things that can go wrong with electric pump motors.
Excessive Heat
Electric pumps generate a lot of heat on their own, depending on design and use. Excessive heat is by far the most common reason pumps fail. In fact, the main reason for the other four failures on this list is because they all generate excessive heat.
There is a long standing industry rule stating that every 10 degrees of additional heat that is delivered to the windings cuts the life of an electric motor in half. Conversely, if you simply make sure your motor is being maintained at an appropriate level of heat, it can greatly extend the life of your pump.
Dust and Contamination
Unless it is the hermetically sealed motor in a submersible pump, an electric motor is quite efficient at drawing in dust particles from the air as it runs. Once the particles reach the inside of the motor, they can cause a lot of damage. This is dependent upon the size and physical properties of the particles.
If the particles are abrasive, like sand, they will wear down the contact components of the motor. If they have electrical qualities, they can interfere with the electrical currents as they move across the components. If too many particles are blocking the places where the motor vents, it can cause excess heat to collect in the motor. It is crucial to select the right amount of IP or Ingress Protection to ensure that particles don’t find their way into your electric pump.
Power Supply Anomalies
It would be nice if all pumps were “plug and play.” Sadly, there are so many different requirements in various industries that it is difficult to find the exact set of parameters that is perfect for your application. We can always help you find what you need, but it’s not like going to the local big box store for a simple water pump.
Pulse width modulation and high frequency switching can cause harmonic currents. These can lead to current and voltage distortion, resulting in overloading and overheating. Each of these factors decreases the life of the motor and adds to long term costs. In addition, the power surges can cause a host of other problems in areas other than the electric motor.
It is crucial that you correctly regulate and manage your power delivery.
Humidity and Moisture
Moisture and humidity in the air can wreak havoc on your electric motor, especially over time. By themselves, they can cause corrosion inside the motor. If moisture is mixed with particles, it can create a “negative synergy” in which the time frame for damage to the motor is accelerated greatly. This shortens the shelf life of any electric motor or pump.
Improper Lubrication
Improper lubrication is a huge issue for pump motors. Each motor has to be lubricated according to manufacturer’s specifications. Too little will cause extreme abrasion. Too much can blow a seal, resulting in no lubrication at all. You also have to watch lubricants for contamination. In addition, you have to have the correct lubricant for the motor.
Putting it All Together
Any of these factors can cause you serious downtime and shorten the life of your pump’s motor considerably. It is extremely important to make sure that you always choose the right pump for the right job. Once you find the right equipment, you have to keep it maintained and running according to manufacturer’s standards.
Call Pump Solutions Australasia Today
At Pump Solutions Australasia, we scour the ends of the earth to find the best, most reliable pumps in the world and bring them back to Australia. We import pumps from countries such as Italy, Germany, Denmark and Japan. Your business is important and you can’t afford downtime, so you require the very best.
To learn more, call us today: 1300 922 973.