Failures in Progressive Cavity Pumps Often Occur Because of These Common Causes

The oil and gas, pulp and paper, chemical, food and beverage, and wastewater treatment industries could not function as effectively without the use of progressive cavity pumps

The oil and gas, pulp and paper, chemical, food and beverage, and wastewater treatment industries could not function as effectively without the use of progressive cavity pumps. The operation is based on a concept known as rotary positive displacement. Progressive cavity pumps were developed to handle slurries and viscous fluids that contained solids and particulate matter at a constant flow rate. These pump stator are also known as "cushions."The components of these pumps include a rotor, a stator, and cavities of a predetermined size in between them. These essential parts are the only things that can make or break the performance of a progressive cavity pump.

These pumps can withstand high temperatures and rough conditions on the job thanks to their durable construction. Nevertheless, because of the amount of stress that these pumps are subjected to and the general wear that they experience, they need to have routine maintenance and repairs performed on them, and they may also require replacement parts. In the long run, the performance of these pumps could be negatively impacted by a variety of different factors. Which factors are we talking about here? You can find the answers by reading the post.


Failures of Rotors and Stators in Progressive Cavity Pumps Can Often Be Traced Back to the Following Common Causes

The stator and rotor are two of the spare parts for the progressive cavity pump, and it's possible that they will need to be replaced more frequently than the others. The following is a list of some of the more common reasons why rotors and stators fail:

Stator Wear and Tear The constant rotating action of the stator causes friction to a certain extent, which leads to wear and tear on the stator. Because of this, there will be wear and tear over time. The frequency with which fluids that are corrosive and abrasive, materials that are harsh chemicals, and materials that are semi-solid are transferred through the pump is another factor that determines whether or not the part needs to be replaced.

Rotor Faults Caused by Normal Use and AbuseThe rotor, which is in the shape of a spindle, can be constructed out of different grades of stainless steel. Even though it might be more cost-effective to replace both the rotor and the stator at the same time, the rotor wears out at a much slower rate than the stator does. If, on the other hand, you work with semi-solid fluids, you should switch out the rotor and stator at the same time for the most efficient results. This is due to the fact that if the rotor wears out, it may cause some solid particles in the fluid to leak out, which in turn may cause the stator to wear out even more quickly.

Abrasion Wear: When the plating on the rotor wears out, it causes abrasion, which in turn affects the connection between the rotor and the stator. This wear and tear can be attributed to abrasion.

Acid Attack: If the pH of the fluid drops below 6, there is a risk that the rotor will suffer from an acid attack. This results in a surface that is rough because the plating is stripped off.

Cyclic Stress: If the rotor is not inserted properly during the installation process, the outer part of the rotor may be subjected to an excessive amount of motion. This can cause cyclic stress. This causes the rotor to experience cyclic stress, which ultimately leads to fatigue failure.

When a pump is allowed to run dry, without any fluid being pumped through it, the elastomer that makes up the stator can develop cracks.

Hysteresis: A condition known as hysteresis can occur when there is an excessive amount of pressure placed on the elastomer. This happens because the pump stator gets older over time; however, premature hysteresis can happen if the rotor is not inserted properly or the depth setting is not accurate.

In the event that an induction motor has become locked, the three-phase windings of the stator may have been damaged.


Without proper preventative and periodic maintenance, there is a risk that the operation and productivity of the business will suffer, regardless of the nature of the problem.

Preventive Maintenance

Maintenance must be performed either once per week or once per year, depending on the pump's physical appearance and its overall functionality. This not only makes the pump last longer but also ends up saving a significant amount of money in the long run. It is recommended to perform a weekly inspection on the pump in order to determine whether or not it is operating correctly. During this inspection, one can test the various physical parameters, such as the flow, pressure, noise, and temperature. In relation to carrying out regular checks, the following are some helpful hints:

Modify the packing, and every so often, replace it entirely.

Conduct an inspection of the pipe's internal condition.

Make sure the shaft is okay.

Check to see if there is lubricant in the bearings.

Examine the screws, joints, and any other fittings that are present.

No matter how thick or thickly viscous the fluid is, all of these parts of the progressive cavity pump work together as a cohesive unit and each contribute in their own way to moving the fluid through the pump. The rotors and stators are essentially the pump's heart, and just like any other piece of machinery or equipment, they need to have regular maintenance performed on them. If you notice any changes in the way your pumps are operating, you should investigate whether or not they need to be replaced or repaired. MXQ is a reliable provider of a wide selection of progressive cavity pumps and spare parts that are 100% equivalent to those manufactured by the Bornemann, Netzsch, and Moyno brands. 


Neagu Andrei

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