BR-RR10/2

Common issues

• Loss of prime from worn wear plates or increased internal clearances
• Mechanical seal leakage from dry-running or inadequate cooling/flushing
• Bearing wear from misalignment or cavitation-induced vibration
• Reduced flow or pressure from a clogged suction strainer or a worn impeller/side-channel disc
• Cavitation from insufficient NPSH, particularly on long suction runs
• Secondary bearing overheating from running against a closed discharge valve
• Coupling misalignment causing vibration and premature seal or bearing wear

Inspection checklist

• Check suction strainer for blockage or fouling
• Check mechanical seal for leakage or weeping
• Check coupling alignment between pump and driver
• Measure bearing temperature and vibration levels
• Check priming performance - time to prime and self-priming lift
• Inspect wear plate/impeller clearances at scheduled overhaul
• Check relief valve setting and function, if fitted
• Check flow/pressure against the baseline curve
• Inspect secondary bearing lubrication/grease condition

Service intervals

Typical wear limits

Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.

Critical spares

• Mechanical seal kit
• Wear plates
• Impeller / side-channel disc
• Shaft bearing set, primary and secondary
• Gasket/O-ring set
• Flexible coupling insert

Safety

• Never run against a closed discharge without relief protection - pressure and heat build-up risk
• Isolate and lock out electrically before opening the pump casing
• Depressurise and drain before opening the casing - residual pressure/fluid release risk
• Hot surfaces if the pump handles heated media (e.g. fuel service) - burn risk
• Shaft/coupling guard must be in place whenever the pump is running

Class survey

General service pumps of this type are typically covered under the vessel's periodic machinery survey; class wants evidence of scheduled seal/bearing maintenance and, where the pump serves an essential system (bilge, fire, ballast), periodic performance demonstration.

Estimated lifetime: Major overhaul (bearings, seals, wear plates) is commonly due in the order of 8,000-16,000 running hours depending on duty and the media pumped - treat as a planning guide.