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Top ten tips for pump system maintenance - October 2011
Without doubt, the summer season tends to represent a period of peak demand for most pump system operators.
The following Top Ten Tips for Pump System Maintenance have been developed to help operators across a wide range of industries ensure that not only their pumps, but their entire pump system is in the best position to meet the demands of the coming months.
- Check the air pressure in your pressure tank. The pressure tank helps ensure smooth operation of your pumping system and reduces cycling, prolonging the life of your pumps and motors. For best results, the air pressure must be maintained at the correct levels, typically this is 10% below the start pressure of the system.
- Ensure any non return/one way valves are operating correctly. Often these are the highest wearing part of your system and can have a big impact on system performance if they are worn or leaking.
- Check and clear all hydraulic lines to any pressure switches and/or pressure transducers.
- Check the operation of any isolation valves. Ensure these are fully open and clear of obstruction to help ensure you achieve maximum performance from your pump.
- Check your individual pumps for any indication of reduced performance and general wear and tear. Checking the individual pump current draw and shut off head is a good place to start. Look for leaking mechanical seals and noisy bearings. Regrease bearings if applicable. The majority of control systems assume that the hydraulic performance each pump in a system is the same. Any variation, if undetected, may interfere with the correct operation of the pump control system.
- Check the operation of any filters or strainers on the system to ensure no blockages. Even self cleaning filters should be manually cleaned at least once per year.
- Review your system parameters and setpoints to ensure your pump system is still meeting your site requirements and remains within performance limits of the pumps.
- Have the operation of the cooling fan in your control panel checked. An ineffective fan could lead to overheating in your switchboard and ultimately render your control system inoperable.
- Similarly, take a look the condition of the filters in the vents of your control panel to ensure uninterrupted airflow. This very simple maintenance issue is often overlooked and could mean the difference between a working control panel and one that will overheat.
- Finally, consider the general condition of all cable connections in your switchboard.* Vibration, deterioration and oxidation can all impact on the viability of your panel as can any bugs, spiders or spider’s webs that may have built up over the year!
*IMPORTANT: All maintenance on your control panel/switchboard should be conducted by a licensed electrician.
For help with any of these items, or for further information on any aspect of pump system maintenance, contact us.
Raising the benchmark in pump control - May 2011 (Country News May 2011)
Whether it is drought conditions, flood conditions or something in between, the challenges faced by today's irrigators are ever increasing. Urban and rural irrigators across Australia are looking to suppliers to help address demands for more efficent system operation, increasing regulatory and reporting requirements, rising energy costs and limited water supplies.
The iCON controller was designed with this in mind....read more
iCON pump controller hits the shelves - March 2011
The drive to achieve better, more effective control of pumps and pump stations is to receive a huge boost following the release of the new iCON pump controller from CAP Industries.
The iCON pump controller is an easy to use, flexible pump control solution with versions available for pressure control, level control and variable speed control applications....read more
CAP Industries launches new website - June 2010
CAP Industries is pleased to announce the launch of its new website: www.capindustries.com.au.
Featuring a fresh new look, improved navigation, and a dedicated downloads area the new site has been designed with usability in mind......read more
CAP Industries to exhibit at Irrigation Australia - May 2010
CAP Industries is pleased to confirm that it will be exhibiting at the Australian Irrigation Conference and Exhibition in Sydney’s Darling Harbour next month.
The combined conference and exhibition is the largest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere.....read more
RWP Rainwater Systems granted Smart Approved Watermark - January 2009
CAP Industries is pleased to announce that it has been granted Smart Approved WaterMark for its RWP and RWPi series of rainwater pump systems.
The Smart Approved WaterMark scheme is Australia’s outdoor water saving labelling programme for products and services that help to reduce water use in and around the home.......read more