The operation and maintenance of a centrifugal pump
The centrifugal pump should be dismantled annually, and the rising main removed from the well and inspected. The inlet screen, foot valve and pipe threads should be checked, and any corroded or damaged threads re-cut. Badly corroded pipes should be replaced. The foot valve may need a new rubber, or it may have to be replaced. All other repairs, such as replacing the bearings or the impeller, are costly and should be carried out by qualified technicians.
For several reasons, centrifugal pumps are not suitable for village-level maintenance. Pump maintenance requires an organization that focuses on the training and reliability of the pump caretaker, and on raising funds to support the pump O&M. In the event of breakdown, the pump committee must be able to mobilize a trained area mechanic quickly. Centrifugal pumps are designed for specific ranges of flow and pressure, and it is important that pump characteristics and operating conditions are matched by someone properly trained. The starting torque of a centrifugal pump is relatively low, which is an advantage for windmill and solar power applications.
Pneumatic and electric diaphragm pumps
2012-08-24
