Fault
type
Description
Possible
actions
Benefits
Maturity
Misalignment
and
loss
of
belt tensioning
Many
slurry
pumps
are
belt
driven.
We
experienced
a
case
where,
due
to
the
nature
of
the
application,
our
client
wanted
us
to
install
condition
monitoring
as
a
retrofit
on
some
existing
pumps.
Within
a
short
time,
we
noted
many
improvements
regarding
the
misalignment
of
pulleys
and
the
loss
of
belt
tensioning.
Inspection
of
alignment
for
pulleys
and
belt
was
recommended
as
per
OEM
specification.
•
Extends
equipment
lifespan
•
Eases
the
process
of
problem
identification
•
Simplifies
operator
tasks
•
Data
driven
decision
making
•
Compliance
with
OEM
standards
High
Impeller
Wear
Impeller
is
a
critical
component
that
limits
the
life
of
the
pump.
During
diagnosis
of
a
case,
we
explored
an
interesting
way
to
identify
wear
on
the
five-vane
impeller
using
blade
pass
frequency.
The
method
proved
positive
in
our
first
trial.
A
second
trial,
at
a
different
location,
did
not
yield
the
same
result.
Hence,
at
this
stage,
the
method
needs
to
be
explored
furthermore
and
more
data
is
needed.
•
Identification
of
impeller
wear
patterns
•
Optimal
repair
timing
•
Enhanced
overall
pump
performance
•
Data
driven
decision
making
•
Operational
efficiency
Low (more
data
is
required
for
further development)
Table
1.
Common
fault
types
identified
(continued)
XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3 1101