When it comes to your everyday pumping questions, the answers aren’t always easy to find. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of solutions to some commonly asked questions KSB GIW, Inc. technicians have received over the years.
Q: What is the direction of rotation of my pump?
A centrifugal pump’s direction of rotation is either clockwise or counterclockwise. Direction of rotation refers to the direction in which the pump’s shaft is rotating when viewed from the mechanical or shaft end of the pump. As you view your pump from the mechanical end, if you notice that the shaft rotates in a clockwise direction, then your pump’s direction of rotation is clockwise. Likewise, if the pump’s shaft rotation is in a counterclockwise direction — when viewed from the mechanical end — then your pump’s rotation is counterclockwise.
Q: My pump is leaking through the weep hole. What is causing this?
Weep holes are exactly as their name describes. They are small holes located in the outer hub and suction plates of your KSB GIW, Inc. pump’s wet end. The purpose of these holes is to actually “weep” or leak slurry from inside the pump as internal wear components begin to show signs of deterioration. Weep holes are designed to act as indicators to notify operators that their pumps need attention.
As liners begin to incur wear, they will “hole through.” This means holes will form in the liners, allowing pressurized slurry to leak into the cavity between the outer plates and the liners. Once the slurry makes its way into this space, it will “weep” through the weep holes, thereby indicating that the liners need to be replaced.
In some cases, weep hole leakage can be the result of improperly installed gaskets and seals. Always check your pump and the KSB GIW, Inc. Maintenance Manual for proper installation of gaskets and O-rings.
As with any leak, the recommended method to avoid long-term damage is to operate your pump within its prescribed guidelines. You should perform regular inspections and maintenance on all pump parts, particularly in wear-prone areas. If you need assistance, please contact KSB GIW, Inc.
Q: Is my pump left-handed or right-handed?
As previously addressed in the first question, centrifugal pumps rotate in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions. When viewing your pump from the mechanical end, if the shaft has a clockwise rotation, we consider the pump to have a right-hand rotation. If the direction of shaft rotation is counterclockwise, then we consider the pump to have a left-hand rotation.
Another way to determine your pump’s rotation is by viewing your pump from the suction inlet side or front of the pump. If the discharge neck of the pump is on the right side of the suction centerline when viewed from the top vertical discharge position, then we consider the pump to have a right-hand rotation. The same rule applies if the discharge neck of the pump is on the left side of the suction centerline when viewed from the top vertical discharge position — in this case, we consider the pump to have a left-hand rotation.
Do you have questions about your pump? KSB GIW, Inc. experts are here to give you the answers. Contact us today to get started.
Your pumping questions matter to us, whether they’re as critical as a leak or as mundane as terminology. KSB GIW, Inc. is always here to help and make pump installation, operation, and maintenance as easy as possible. With these pumping tips, you’re on your way to reaching new heights of production!