A newly commissioned US fertilizer plant was experiencing recurring vibration problems with their vertical UAN Solution pump. The VSF vertically suspended pump was removed from service and sent to Hydro for a full inspection and investigation of the vibration source. When the pump was disassembled, it was evident that there were significant problems at the motor bearing and guide bushing locations. These design flaws that were affecting reliable operation of the pump. Continue reading
News
State of the Art Parts: Double Suction Impeller
Hydro Parts Solutions recently provided a double suction impeller for a Gulf Coast refining and petrochemical site. As is standard with Hydro’s cast parts, this complex component was:
- Scanned
- Reverse engineered
- Reviewed by Hydro’s engineering team
- Cast
- Final machined
- Compared to the original model
Reverse Engineering – An End to Obsolescence
A nuclear utility had a large circulating water pump with severe vibration issues that required refurbishment in an emergency time frame. Hydro’s Aston, PA service center, which has a 50-ton crane and a history of providing quality repair for nuclear non-safety related equipment, was chosen for this work. Despite the unique challenges in machining and maneuverability presented by large pumps, the DCI and refurbishment were performed in under 2 weeks. Continue reading
Fully Equipped & On the Move
Hydro was called on to reverse engineer a large circulating water pump in the Caribbean to supply parts for refurbishment. The lead times for receiving parts from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) were excessive. More concerning, the suction bell provided by the OEM had failed during service. All internal ribs were lost, and the bearing holder was found loose within the assembly. Continue reading
Optimum Flow – Expert Solutions When It’s Critical
A major county in California found itself in a crisis when its irrigation pumps could not produce the required performance, cutting off critical water supply to the reservoirs and aqueducts. These pumps suffered from high vibration and repeated failures characterized by extreme wear to the propellers, shafts, and bearings.