Essential Tools for Pump Repair
Like any job, you need the proper tools to do it well – and the same is true for repairing or servicing positive displacement pumps. If you feel comfortable and capable repairing your positive displacement pump, then the tools below will be helpful to get your service completed and your pump back up and running.
Rachet & Socket Set
A reliable ratchet and socket set- in both SAE and metric- are needed for tightening and removing pieces such as nuts, lock nuts, or cap screws depending on the size of the pump you are working on.
Wrenches | Torque, Spanner, Box Head, Hex Head
A reliable torque wrench is important for proper tension on fasteners to ensure long-term pump functioning. Whether a beam type, dial type, or digital model, the wrench should be of quality construction and calibrated regularly for accurate readings when tightening nuts and bolts. Be sure to use the correct size torque wrench for the application and always follow the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings.
Spanner wrenches come in two variations: a two pin, or face spanner wrench has pins that can be inserted into corresponding holes on the face of the bearing housing of a pump in order to turn it to tighten or loosen. A hook nose spanner has an adjustable hook that can be used to grab the slot of slotted lock nuts. It can also be used to check the rotation of a pump by grabbing onto a shaft's keyway to rotate the shaft.
Box end wrenches- again in both SAE and metric- make getting into those hard-to-reach places a little easier. Tight spaces where a socket wrench can’t be used like underneath the relief valve or in the seal area is what makes the box end wrench a key player in your pump repair toolkit.
The hex head wrench- or Allen wrench- are required for loosening or tightening the head set screws commonly found in seals and bearing housings on certain pump models.
Soft-Headed Hammer
A rubber mallet is a great tool to aid with pump disassembly in a gentle way that won’t damage pump internals or externals. However, you MUST be cautious when hitting any part of the pump as to not damage it.
This next set of tools are slightly less common but should still be found in any repair shop working on pumps.
Snap Ring Pliers
This tool is required for the installation or removal of snap rings. They come in two variations: internal and external. Internal snap ring pliers are required for snap rings in casing bores or bearing housings and external snap ring pliers are required for snap rings on shafts.
Packing Hook
Pumps that use a packing seal require packing hooks for seal maintenance. The miniature corkscrew at the end is the best way to extend your reach to grab hold of each packing ring to remove it from the stuffing box.
A Piece of Plastic, Brass, or Hardwood
This is a simple piece of material that is softer than the pump internals. When inserting into the pump, this can help prevent the shaft from turning while preventing any damage to the pump internals.
Feeler Gauges
Rotary positive displacement pumps feature very tight clearances. Feeler gauges allow for accurate measurement of these tight clearances inside the pump.
Other Specialized Tools for Pump Repair
Tapered seal installation sleeve
Certain Pump models have a step on the shaft. A tapered seal installation sleeve is required to help the seal get over the step and prevents any damage to elastomeric parts of the seal.
Cross Socket
Hygienic lobe pumps feature a cross slot in the rotor retainer. A special cross socket is provided with seal kits to allow for removal or installation of these without damage.
Slotted Wrench
This wrench includes slots for removing the front cover wing nuts and the rotor retainer nuts.
Parts of this blog were gleaned from here.
For more information, or for pump repair assistance, contact IEQ today.