Overview
This 3-hour audio online course covers key features, operating ranges and problem areas of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps. The discussion on centrifugal pumps covers impeller types, capacity ranges, material selection, and suitable operating conditions. Problem areas are discussed, such as cavitation, low flow, vapor bind, reverse rotation and high flow. The course author, who has over 40 years of experience designing and troubleshooting pumping systems, provides anecdotal advise on recognizing symptoms of pump problems in the field.
Positive displacement pumps are discussed, including reciprocating, gear, diaphragm and progressive cavity pumps. Additionally, considerable attention is paid to hose-type pumps, which are not well known and certainly are not widely covered in traditional pump selection resource guides. Typical applications for positive displacement pumps are covered, as well as problems specific to each type of pump.
The course also discusses pump drivers, including electric motors, turbines, diesel engines and air-operated pumps. Prevention of motor overload and applications for variable speed motors are discussed. Finally, piping suction and discharge piping problems are discussed. Methods are discussed to reduce the potential for entry of vapor into the pump suction. Parallel and series pump configurations are also covered.
This course is provided in two forms for your convenience. The course may be studied as a “podcast” or audio presentation. The included audio files can be downloaded to your iPod or other personal mp3 player or they can be streamed using your computer’s default audio player (such as Windows Media Player). A written transcription is also provided should you wish to read the material.
To receive PDH credit, the user must pass a multiple-choice quiz of 15 questions after listening to the audio files or reading the transcription of the course.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Impeller types used in centrifugal pumps and their impact on pump performance
- Centrifugal pump construction and its impact on mechanical seals and braided packing
- Diagnosing reverse flow conditions in centrifugal and positive displacement pumps
- Prevention of cavitation and vapor binding
- The impact of low flow on a pump and measures to ensure minimum flow
- Use of variable speed motors to drive pumps
- Low discharge pressure and the potential for motor overload
- Characteristics and applications for diaphragm, gear, progressive cavity and hose-type pumps
- Problems associated with parallel and series pumping arrangements
- Piping "fixes" to cure NPSH problems
Course
Click on the links below to hear the audio for the course Pumps prior to taking the quiz for PDH credit.
Audio
Text-based
In lieu of listening to the audio version, you can download a PDF of the transcript for this course below. Also, audio users may want to refer to the course transcript when answering the quiz questions.
Pumps - Transcript of Audio Course
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To receive PDH credit for this course, you must pass a multiple-choice quiz. Click the button below to Purchase Course and Take Quiz. To take the quiz, your computer must be set to accept cookies. See how to check your cookie settings.
