Vibration monitoring of sealess pumps using spike energy

Monitoring sealess pumps using conventional vibration measurement parameters, such as velocity and acceleration, has not been consistently successful. Furthermore, the vibration analysis of sealess pumps is relatively new and experience with data interpretation is limited. In this article, a new approach to monitoring sealess pumps using Spike Energy(TM*) is presented, The basic design of two types of sealess pumps is described, The problems associated with sealess pumps, including process related and mechanical problems, are discussed, Spike Energy, Spike Energy Spectrum(TM*), the measurement setup and data acquisition techniques are described. The overall Spike Energy patterns for typical sealess pump problems are illustrated. The trend Spike Energy readings exhibit distinct patterns for different pump problems, such as dry running, severe cavitation, flow change, bearing loose fit and metal-to-metal contact, Three case histories are also presented to demonstrate the use of Spike Energy data. The results show that Spike Energy measurement can effectively detect sealess pump problems. It can also detect the conditions that will result in a sealess pump problem, This new approach provides a valuable tool for condition monitoring of sealess pumps.