How To Extend The Life Of Your Boiler Feed Pump

Abstract

Six topics that should extend the life of a boiler feedpump will be described in detail. These topics will explore both operational and maintenance techniques that, when instituted, have been shown to extend the useful life of boiler feedpumps used in electric power generation. The operational techniques of: • Properly prewarming a boiler feedpump before rotating the shaft, • Proper rotor position and vibration monitoring, and • The proper pump operating envelopes to reduce pump internal distress and wear will be discussed. The maintenance techniques of: • Disassembly, which includes the installation and removal dimensions that should be recorded, • Proper inspection procedures, and • Proper pump assembly will also be discussed. In many cases, these techniques will not only extend pump useful life, but will reduce the cost of future pump repairs.