Maintenance and Troubleshooting Flashcards

A pump is running but producing no flow. Which condition should you check FIRST?

Answer: Discharge valve is closed

A closed discharge valve is the simplest and most common cause of no flow from a running pump.

When performing a lockout/tagout procedure, what is the correct order of steps?

Answer: Notify, isolate, lock, verify zero energy

LOTO requires notifying affected workers first, then isolating energy sources, applying locks, and verifying zero energy state.

An operator notices excessive vibration in a centrifugal pump. Which cause is MOST likely?

Answer: Impeller imbalance or cavitation

Impeller imbalance and cavitation are the leading causes of abnormal pump vibration.

What does a rising amperage reading on a motor suggest during normal operation?

Answer: Increasing mechanical load

Rising amperage indicates the motor is working harder, typically due to increased mechanical resistance or load.

Which type of bearing failure is characterized by a high-pitched squealing noise?

Answer: Lubrication starvation

Lubrication starvation causes metal-on-metal contact, producing a high-pitched squeal from the bearing.

A pressure gauge downstream of a filter reads significantly lower than upstream. What does this indicate?

Answer: The filter is clogged

A large pressure differential across a filter indicates accumulated debris is restricting flow.

What is the primary purpose of a mechanical seal in a pump?

Answer: Prevent fluid from leaking along the shaft

Mechanical seals create a dynamic barrier between the rotating shaft and the pump casing to prevent process fluid leakage.