Troubleshooting Guide for Reciprocating Piston Pump Flow Rate Issues

Question

Answer

Solution

Is the inlet pressure greater than the outlet pressure?

Yes

Pump is siphoning or free flowing. Add some outlet resistance (50 psi or at least 25psi greater than inlet pressure) and retest to see if pump resumes metering fluid

Is pump’s compressibility setting too high?

Yes

Range from 0-60, Factory set at 4 and retry. Each increment increases motor speed by approximately 1%.

Is the fluid velocity caused by the output stroke of the pump pulling through more fluid than warranted by the flow setting

Yes

Apply a small amount of back pressure.

Question

Answer

Solution

Is there some sort of flow restriction in the inlet stream?

Yes

Check for the following to make sure there is no restriction prior to the inlet valve:

1.     The viscosity of the liquid

2.     Is inlet filter plugged?

3.     Is the inlet line pinched?

4.     Is the tubing so narrow that is restricting flow

Is air getting into the system?

Yes

Check for the following:

1.     Is there a fitting leak?

2.     Is there any cavitation? (If you are pumping water?)

To reduce cavitation, you may need to degas prior to using. To degas:

1.     Boil.

2.     Bubble helium through fluid.

3.     Subject fluid to a vacuum.

Is a vacuum causing cavitation?

Yes

Applying pressure to the inlet reservoir. However, make sure that the inlet pressure does not exceed the outlet resistance.

Is refill rate set at the factory setting Full Out (10:90 intake:output)

Yes

Change the refill rate to anywhere from 15:85 (still a rapid refill) all the way to 70:30 (slow refill).

Are there piston seal leaks?

Yes

Replace seal or air will be pulled past the seal and introduced into the fluid stream.

Is the valve malfunctioning

Yes

Swap valves as required

Question

Answer

Solution

Is the motor turning?

No

Check electrical connections:

1. Is the instrument plugged in?

2. Does outlet provide electricity?

3. Is the fuse blown? If so, replace.

Is fluid degassed prior to use?

No

Degas fluid prior to use:

1. Boil.

2. Bubble helium through fluid.

3. Subject fluid to a vacuum.

Is the fluid filtered?

No

1. Do not pump fluids with suspended particles (a particle as small as ten microns can clog a valve).

2. Install an inlet line filter.

3. Flush with liquid detergent or 20% solution of nitric acid (at max. flow for about 10 minutes), or suck cleaning fluid through pump with a syringe.

4. Ultrasonicate valve assembly.

Is the filter clogged?

Yes

Clean filter (clogged filter can create restriction to flow, causing cavitation).

Is the mechanical assembly OK?

No

Inspect parts of mechanical assembly to see if piston is broken or pushrod frozen in bushing. Make the needed repairs.

Are the valves OK?

No

Rebuild or replace valves – do not exceed 4.5ft/lbs torque on installation. Excessive force used to tighten fittings can cause sapphire seats to crack, chip, or shatter, thereby inhibiting flow.

Question

Answer

Solution

What is backpressure on the pump?

Less than 25 psi

Insufficient backpressure. Install backpressure regulator or length of small I.D. tubing to create more pressure on the pump so valves can work properly.

Is fluid degassed prior to use?

No

Degas as per above.

Is the fluid filtered?

No

Clean valves as per above, install inlet line filter.

Is the filter clogged?

Yes

Clean filter.

Is there a leak at fitting(s)

Yes

Tighten fittings.

Is there a leak at valve connection?

Yes

Tighten valves.

Are the valves OK?

No

Rebuild or replace valves

Question

Answer

Solution

Is fluid degassed prior to use?

No

Degas as per above.