Vane Pump Troubleshooting Guide

Pump Does not draw fluid (Prime)

Pump Dry Running

Check fluid level in inlet tank, pump protection, suction line and   operating parameters

Valves Worn

Check inlet valves are fully opening

Inlet Valve partially closed or closed

Check inlet valves are fully opening

Pump Drawing Air

Check all pipe connections for Air ingress

Filter Blocked

Clean / Replace filter

Suction Restrictions

Reduce pump speed, replace pump, increase tank size, move pump closer   to tank

Steam Blockage

Ensure fluid is free from Water, install condensate traps, check for   excess vapor entry

Low Pump Speed

Check pump speed on inverter settings and against original   specification

Relief Valve Partially Open, Seized or worn

Check relief valve pressure setting, and operation is inline with   design and seating correctly

Reduced Flow & Pressure

Low Pump Speed

Check pump speed on inverter settings and against original   specification

Restricted Suction

Check fluid level in suction tank, suction line, valves in pipework

Pump Wear

Check Vanes for wear.

Restricted Discharge

Check discharge pipework is fully open, free from blockage and valves   are all operational

Relief Valve Operation

Check relief valve pressure setting, and operation is inline with   design and seating correctly

Vane Installation

Ensure Vanes are installed correctly and facing the correct way

Direction of Rotation

Check Direction of Rotation

Noisy Pump

Low Inlet Pressure

Check fluid level in inlet tank, pump protection, suction line and   operating parameters

High Pump Speed

Check pump operational parameters in line with design.

Pump Distance from Fluid Source

Move pump closer to source

Blocked Outlet

Remove blockages and check valves are fully operational

Pump Loose

Ensure Pump is fastened to baseplate

Pump Worn

Replace worn or damaged bearings, vanes. Check Shaft for misalignment   and ensure motor bearings are serviced / replaced

Pipes not fit correctly

Ensure pipes fitted with relevant accessories (brackets) where   required

Valve Failure

Check valves in system

Relief Valve Setting

Check relief valve pressure setting, and operation is inline with   design and seating correctly

Vane Damage

Check Vanes for sign of wear and Damage

Damaged Vanes

Solid Entry

Check for presence of solids in pump

Relief Valve Failure

Check relief valve pressure setting, and operation is inline with   design and seating correctly

Water Hammer

Ensure valves are not being closed too quickly on discharge and that   pump speed reduces rather than being abruptly stopped

Misalignment

Check alignment of pump and baseplate

Excessive Wear

Check Vane maintenance procedure and frequency

Solid Accumulation

If pumping matter which solidifies within pumps, enforce cleaning /   maintenance regime

Leakage

O Ring Failure

O Ring Failure from life, product being abrasive or incompatible with   O Ring Material. Check Fluid, O Ring Material and presence of particles.

Shaft Wear / Damage

Shaft could be worn and undersized for mechanical seal and require   replacing.

Over lubrication

Bearings could be excessively lubricated

Cavitation

Check inlet pressure

Particle Ingress

Check faces of Mechanical Seal for cracks, notches, scratches, pitting   or dirt ingress