The Importance of Downthrust Measurement in Vertical Pumps

Downthrust measurement in vertical pumps is crucial for preventing failure and ensuring optimal performance. Downthrust is the axial force exerted by the impeller on the pump shaft in the downward direction. It occurs when the pump operates at off-design conditions, such as at low flow rates or when pumping fluids with higher specific gravity than the pump is designed for.

Importance of Downthrust Measurement:

Prevent Bearing Failure: Excessive downthrust can lead to premature bearing failure. The thrust bearings are designed to handle a certain amount of axial load, and exceeding this limit can lead to excessive wear and, ultimately, failure of the bearings.

Prevent Shaft Failure: Excessive downthrust can also lead to shaft failure. The shaft is designed to handle a certain amount of axial load, and exceeding this limit can lead to bending and, ultimately, failure of the shaft.

Prevent Seal Failure: The mechanical seals used in vertical pumps are sensitive to axial movement of the shaft. Excessive downthrust can lead to misalignment of the seal faces and, ultimately, seal failure, resulting in leakage of the pumped fluid.

Optimize Pump Performance: Measuring and controlling downthrust is essential for optimizing pump performance. Excessive downthrust can lead to reduced pump efficiency and increased energy consumption.

How to Measure Downthrust:

Thrust Bearing Temperature: Monitoring the temperature of the thrust bearing can give an indication of the amount of downthrust. An increase in temperature may indicate excessive downthrust.

Shaft Displacement: Measuring the axial displacement of the shaft can give a direct indication of the amount of downthrust. This can be done using displacement probes or dial indicators.

Load Cells: Load cells can be installed on the thrust bearing to measure the axial load directly.

How to Control Downthrust:

Proper Pump Selection: Selecting the proper pump for the application is the first step in controlling downthrust. The pump should be selected based on the specific gravity of the fluid being pumped and the operating flow rate.

Thrust Balancing: Some vertical pumps are equipped with thrust balancing devices, such as balance discs or balance drums, which redistribute the axial forces and reduce the downthrust on the bearings and shaft.

Impeller Adjustment: Adjusting the position of the impeller on the shaft can also help in controlling downthrust. This should be done based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Operating Point: Operating the pump near its best efficiency point (BEP) will help in minimizing downthrust.

Downthrust measurement in vertical pumps is crucial for preventing bearing, shaft, and seal failure, and for optimizing pump performance. It can be measured using thrust bearing temperature, shaft displacement, or load cells, and can be controlled by proper pump selection, thrust balancing, impeller adjustment, and operating near the BEP.

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