In 2022, the market size of the oil industry was $5 trillion. That means it is one of the largest industries in the world and continually growing. Anyone who is a manufacturer, engineer, or works with oil systems knows the importance of keeping everything functioning correctly.
Many machine parts are vital to the petroleum industry. One specific part is the oil pumps. Many processes could not be done without oil pumps, so regular maintenance is critical.
The main maintenance techniques associated with oil pumps include seal removal, heat generation damage, and more.
If you want to understand better how to keep your oil pumps in good working condition, here’s what you need to know.
1. Seal Removal
The primary function of an oil pump is to transport oil from the sump to all parts of the engine. It does this by using lobes which are driven by shafts and gears. The shafts are connected to pistons that move up and down within their cylinders.
As these pistons get smaller, they create more pressure, making it easier for them to move up and down.
When your machinery works well, it will have a smooth flow of oil throughout its system. However, if there is no seal on any part of the system, there will be a lot of friction between moving parts, making it hard for the pump to do its job correctly. This will result in poor performance, so you need to remove the seals so they don’t break down or wear out prematurely.
First, it is necessary to heat the pump body evenly to remove the seal from an oil pump. Once the pump body is heated, the sealing material will contract, and the seal can be removed relatively easily. However, be sure not to overheat the pump body, as this can damage the pump.
2. Heat Generation Damage
Heat generation is one of the most common causes of damage to oil pumps. When an oil pump overheats, it can cause the seals to break down and the pump’s internals to become damaged.
For example, the processes involved in an oilfield braking system can be subjected to heat generation damage.
It is essential to check the temperature of your oil pumps regularly and ensure that they are running smoothly.
3. Maintenance Schedule
Another technique to maintain oil pumps is performing regularly scheduled maintenance. Oil pumps are subject to a lot of wear and tear over time, and if they’re not properly maintained, this can eventually lead to damage.
As such, it’s essential to inspect your pump regularly and ensure that all the parts are still in good working order. Oil pumps should be serviced at least once every six months, depending on how often they are used.
Keep Your Oil Pumps Working Hard!
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping oil pumps functioning correctly. Following the three maintenance techniques discussed in this blog post can help extend your oil pumps’ life and keep running smoothly for years.
You can trust us if you’re looking to source quality oil pumps. Contact our dedicated team of Kor-Pak representatives for a quote today!