Jim Elsey (Page 1)
What You Need to Know About Parallel Pump Operation
Common Pumping Mistakes
Solid Shaft Designs & Cartridge Seals
This month's column focuses on whether to use shaft sleeves in overhung centrifugal pumps (Type OH-1 per American Petroleum Institute [API] 610 designation). The most common OH-1 pump type is the...
10 Tips for Better Pump Life Management
10 Tips for Better Pump Life Management
In my experience, few plant personnel are concerned with how a pump is running until after it breaks down. When the whole plant unexpectedly shuts down, then the pump gets attention. By simply...
8 Common Pump Misapplication Problems
Misapplication of pumps is one of the more frequent field issues I witness. The issues are normally the result of a lack of knowledge and understanding of the physical limits of the machine.
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Follow These Steps for a More Reliable Pump
I often witness end users operating pumps to the left side of the curve, away from the best efficiency point (BEP) and near shutoff. This is not the ideal area because of issues with shaft deflection,...
Checklist for Successful Pump Installation
During the last 20 years, the common understanding that new industrial pumps require some basic checks and adjustments prior to installation and startup has been supplanted by a new notion that pumps...
10 Common Self Priming Pump Issues
Most experts agree that the majority of centrifugal pump problems occur on the suction side of the pump. Based solely on my experience, I would state the percentage is at least 80 percent, and in the...
Rethinking NPSH
Understanding this complex topic can help end users avoid common pitfalls.
What You Need to Know About Bearing Oil
Last of Two Parts
What You Need to Know About Bearing Oil
First of Two Parts
How to Avoid Costly Damage in One Simple Step
This column is about the most common mistakes pump end users make daily. It is also about how to avoid these mistakes and how to fix them.
I learned these lessons the hard way.
When I entered...