Top 5 Causes For Motor Driven Dosing Pump Failure

It is unlikely that you will have any problems with your pump for many years if you have purchased a reputable one and installed it properly. However, it is crucial to realize that dosing pumps constantly move vast volumes of material or corrosive liquids. As a result, there is sure to be susceptibility to wear that must be repaired. Regular maintenance can generally resolve minor issues, but if a pump is not operating efficiently or is not pumping at all, the situation may be more problematic. 

Here are the top five very common reasons why your motor-driven dosing pumps can stop functioning. 

1. Corrosion

The dosing pumps get corroded due to a chemical reaction between the pumping fluid and the inner metal of the pump. This process has the potential to induce moist surfaces to corrode uniformly. Pumps composed of non-stainless steel materials are more vulnerable to rust than components where metal oxide layers attach. 

Corrosion may impair the performance and efficiency of the pump. It raises the need for frequent maintenance and increased downtime, and if left unchecked, it can result in system failure.

Selecting a pump made of the right materials is essential for preventing corrosion. Among the most affordable pump materials, cast iron is frequently utilized to construct pump casings and other components. A cast-iron dosing pump is popular for general-purpose applications such as irrigation and mining because of its excellent corrosion resistance to neutral and high-pH liquids. However, it is not recommended for use in low pH because of its high susceptibility to such an environment.

2. Contamination and Dust

It is not uncommon for electric motors to draw dust particles from the air as they operate unless they are tightly sealed. The particles can do a great deal of harm once they reach the inside of the motor. The size and physical features of the particles have an impact on this consequence.

For example, if a sand particle enters the pump's motor, it will completely wear off its contact components. While, if the particle has certain electrical properties, it can interfere with electrical currents as they pass through the components. A buildup of dust or other obstructions in the vents of the motor might lead to overheating of the motor. 

3. Insufficient Lubrication

The motor-driven dosing pumps often suffer from improper lubrication regularly. Ensure that each motor is lubricated to the specifications set forth by the manufacturer. Excessive abrasion can result if you apply too little lubricant. Overdoing it can cause a seal to fail, leaving your engine with no lubrication at all. You must also keep an eye out for any contamination in the lubricants.

4. Cavitation

Cavitation happens due to insufficient pressure at the suction end of the pump, which is also known as Net Positive Suction Head Available. It causes the flowing liquid in a pump to convert into vapor at low pressure. When the pressure is low, this results in the formation of air bubbles, which collapse when the liquid flows from the suction side to the delivery side. 

The collapse of an air bubble produces a shockwave that affects the inside surfaces of the pumps, causing vibration and mechanical damage, which can eventually lead to failure. Repeated cavitation can degrade the metal, increase flow resistance, and reduce pump efficiency. The stress loads caused by cavitation can also shorten the service life of the shaft and motor, which is undesirable. A pump's life can be significantly reduced by cavitation and the problems that result from it. In extreme circumstances, the life of a pump can be reduced by as much as 10-15 years.

5. Wear and Tear

Pump wear is unavoidable when the machine is in operation. However, certain situations might result in excessive wear, which can accelerate the degeneration of the machine. Having particulate debris in the pumped fluid not only causes fouling but also accelerates pump wear.

Over time, these contaminants scratch and scuff a pump's interior surfaces, decreasing its effectiveness since it must work harder to circulate the fluid. The pump will start to wear down to the point where it will no longer have the ability to operate and may create excessive vibration. 

Additionally, an inappropriately sized pump can result in wear. The pressure discrepancy can lead to disturbance in fluid velocity, wear rings degrading, and erosion. It puts an undue strain on the bearings and seals of the machine. It can eventually hinder the functioning of a dosing pump and create havoc for you. 

At WRS Dosing, we are committed to finding solutions to challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner. Being the best dosing pump manufacturers, we can help you diagnose problems and offer preventative maintenance measures.