Monitoring single-stage double-suction pump efficiency using vibration indicators

Abstract

Efficiency tests were conducted on two single-stage double-suction split-case pumps in a clean water distribution facility. Efficiency was monitored via two techniques, one established and the other proposed in this study. Measurements of the former were taken via the standard technique using a Yatesmeter that required time to calibrate and that probes be inserted into the clean water flow; the latter method was non-intrusive, being based solely on accelerometer measurements at key locations on the volute/split casing. Both techniques required some post-processing of data. Through comparison of the techniques, it is shown that for the pumps that were analysed it is possible to extract indicators within the vibration signatures that permit good correlation with efficiency data. In both cases only a few recorded measurement points were possible and the vibration indicator-based curve fitting technique was able to locate the best efficiency point more accurately than using the curve fitted to the Yatesmeter measured data. This short communication reports on the initial tests which are showing promising results.