Evaluation of Centrifugal Pump Availability Trends and Analysis

Abstract

Centrifugal pumps are essential elements in industrial systems, facilitating fluid transfer and pressure generation across various applications. This study explores the vital task of evaluating centrifugal pump availability trends, focusing on three United Pumps crude delivery centrifugal pumps (P-90A, P-90B, and P-90C) over a span of seven years (2009-2015). With the use of derived equations and annual run-hours data from the facility's operations and maintenance database, the study ascertained the availability of the pumps. The findings and analysis showed that pumps P-90A and P-90B had significant decline in availability over the evaluation period (2009-2015), with P-90A finally failing in 2014. P-90C on the other hand, demonstrated relatively higher availability levels even though it was trending downward. The main cause of the decline in availability is attributed to the Original Equipment Manufacturers' decision to discontinue production of the pump model and its spares, which led to the substitution of locally made components for OEM parts. The study highlights the critical role, OEM support and its genuine spare parts play in optimising pump availability, reliability, and continuous operation—all of which prolong the pump's operating lifespan. It suggests improved methods, regular inspections, preventive maintenance, re-evaluating the quality of spare parts, and investigating replacement options. The study provides recommendations for improving pumping station performance and efficiency, based on empirical data and analysis, to industry stakeholders involved in crude oil delivery operations.