Possible Causes of Roller Bearing Overheating and Failure in Vertical Pumps

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SUMMARY

The overheating and failure of roller bearings in the Sulzer Waste Water Pump (Model No.: VCM 4X10A) can be attributed to several critical factors. Key causes include misalignment, operation away from the Best Efficiency Point (BEP), inadequate lubrication due to the absence of a dedicated lubrication system, and external pipe loads. Proper maintenance and alignment are essential to prevent such failures, especially for pumps that have been overhauled and stored in a maintenance workshop.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pump operation principles, particularly vertical pumps.
  • Knowledge of bearing types and lubrication methods.
  • Familiarity with Best Efficiency Point (BEP) concepts in pump performance.
  • Experience with maintenance practices for rotating equipment.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research best practices for aligning vertical pumps to prevent bearing failure.
  • Learn about lubrication systems suitable for vertical pumps, including sealed vs. greased bearings.
  • Investigate the impact of operating conditions on pump performance and bearing longevity.
  • Explore methods for assessing and maintaining the Best Efficiency Point (BEP) in pump operations.
USEFUL FOR

Maintenance engineers, pump technicians, and anyone involved in the operation and upkeep of vertical pumps will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focusing on preventing bearing overheating and failure.

almaanna
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Dear all,

I'd like to ask what are the causes for a roller bearing in a vertical pump to overheat and burn as we have got this incident in our plant and am trying to find out what can cause such a thing.
Pump details:
1. Sulzer Waste Water Pump (Model No.: VCM 4X10A
2. Pump has been overhauled and kept as stand by in Maintenance Work Shop.
3. Bearing lubrication is from the housing it self (No lubrication system)
 
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almaanna said:
Dear all,

I'd like to ask what are the causes for a roller bearing in a vertical pump to overheat and burn as we have got this incident in our plant and am trying to find out what can cause such a thing.
Pump details:
1. Sulzer Waste Water Pump (Model No.: VCM 4X10A
2. Pump has been overhauled and kept as stand by in Maintenance Work Shop.
3. Bearing lubrication is from the housing it self (No lubrication system)

What kind of pump is it?

General causes for bearing failure can be attributed to misalignment, operating the pump at a distance from its BEP, poor lubrication, pipe loads, etc...

CS
 
Is it a sealed bearing or one that requires greasing?
 

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