Generally, a water pump machine consists of two parts, namely the pump and the piping system. Pumps are used to suck water so that water can flow from low places to high places, while pipes are generally used to regulate the direction of water flow.
There are many problems with water pump machines that can occur, both in the pump part or in the piping system, such as noise or a water pump machine that sounds continuously.
In this article, we will explain what causes the water pump machine to make noise and how to fix it:
1. Presence of Air in the Water Pump Machine
Air or gas/steam may affect the suction performance of the pump. Air will expand at the impeller inlet, which results in inhibition of water flow, and hinders the flow of liquid through the impeller, such as blockage from cavitation steam bubbles. This can produce noise.
This is common when your water pump machine does not have an air separator (water separator). Air will enter the system at some point. When this happens, it is important that you check the drains and drain the system.
Modern water pump machines generally have a squeeze valve which makes the repair process easier. The first thing you need to do is open the valve.
If you see water dripping from the valve, it means that all the air has come out of the water pump machine. At that time, you can close the valve.
After the valve is closed, make sure the pipe is installed in the water pump machine properly. Improper installation can cause air to re-enter the water pump engine system.
2. Improper Pump Size
Improperly sized pumps, either too large or too small, can cause noise in the water pump engine system. The noise is generated from the reduced suction on the water pump machine. In addition, noise can also be generated from excessive vibration in the water pump machine.
Pump sizing errors can occur for several reasons, such as due to errors in the planning and design stages (such as errors in measuring pipe lengths and fittings).
To overcome the problem of pump size that is too large, can be done by:
- Pump type replacement.
- Reducing the pressure valve to reduce noise.
- Reduce pump speed
- Added recirculation path
- Installing the variable frequency drive and removing the control valve.
As for the problem of a pump that is too small, the problem is likely to be bigger. The worst thing that may happen is due to a blockage in the water line (deadheading).
When this happens, the water will churn up inside the pump, heating up and forming steam and resulting in noise and damage.
To overcome this, the thing you can do is make sure that the pump you are using can handle a larger motor to avoid deadheading. However, this solution is only temporary, and it is better if you immediately contact the relevant parties.
3. Excessive Wear of Bearings
This incident only occurs on the type of water pump machine that has a bearing assembly. However, all electric pump motors have bearings, and excessive wear of the bearings (either in the assembly or in the pump motor) can cause noise in the water pump engine.
Pump models with bearing assemblies generally have components available for purchase. The price of these components is quite cheap and easy to replace.
But the bad news is that motor bearings are not sold as components, so you need to replace all parts of the motor.
Bearing life is determined based on the number of hours it takes the pump to reach its “fatigue” point. There are many factors that can affect fatigue, such as static overload, corrosion, lack of lubrication, overheating, improper installation, and contamination.
So the best way to avoid bearing wear is through maintenance and a thorough inspection of the water pump engine system.
4. Clogged System
Rust or deposits can damage the circulation pump and clog the impeller. When this happens, noise can occur. The solution to this is to clean it.
In addition, this can also be overcome by adding a filtration system. This is usually owned by an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) water pump engine system or temperature control system. In such systems, impurities can be easily removed from the system through blowdown water.
5. Wrong Speed Settings
On high-quality and modern water pump machines, generally have 3 flow settings. As for older water pump machines, it only has 1 or 2 flow settings.
This causes older water pump machines to be noisier than modern water pump machines. Older water pump machines tend to be less efficient at controlling energy, resulting in a buzzing sound.
If the water pump machine you are using has more than 1 flow setting, find the adjustment switch and lower it one level.
Then check the radiator and tower rails to make sure your water pump engine is still reaching the proper temperature. If the temperature is appropriate, then leave the condition.
6. Less NSPH
Water pump machines generally work based on Bernoulli’s principle, where the fluid (gas/liquid) flows from a high-pressure area to a low-pressure area.
HVAC water pump engine systems generally work by creating a low pressure condition at the inlet, thereby allowing water to be pushed into the pump.
As the liquid flows through the pump, the pressure decreases. When the pressure at the inlet of the pump drops below the vapor pressure of the liquid, air bubbles are formed which cause cavitation.
Cavitation events can cause a pounding sound on the pump, and may damage the pump.
NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head) is the difference between the liquid pressure at the pump inlet and the vapor pressure of the liquid, generally expressed in the height of the liquid column.
NPSH should generally be 3 to 5 ft (0.91 m to 1.52 m) to avoid cavitation. If there is a problem with NPSH, there are two things you can do:
- Selecting the appropriate pump for the application (if the pump is damaged by cavitation).
- Re-evaluate the NPSH (absolute pressure on the pump suction line), whether it can be overcome by raising the cooling tower (cooling tower).