9 - Shaft deflection

Abstract

This chapter explains the concept of shaft deflection and highlights that the worn pumps are not studied for the cause of their break down and how the parts are changed constantly and not repaired. Depending on the pumps, one may experience broken shaft, premature bearing failure, premature mechanical seal failure, premature packing failure, worn and damaged shaft sleeves, and high maintenance costs on your pumps. Further, one can also study the problems induced by operations, problems induced by design, and problems induced by maintenance. A bent shaft and deflected shaft is explained with the help of diagrammatic representations and their conceptual differences are spotted out. Shaft deflection is the result of an external radial load. The deflection resistance, also called the flexibility factor, is known as the L/D factor. This chapter further illustrates the signs of shaft deflection and interprets the physical evidences. The dual volute pump is designed to operate over a wide range of flows and heads. The design of the dual volute pump is explained with the help of diagrammatic representation.