Pump Maintenance and Repair Training: An Introduction

To book onto the full course contact the BPMA and mention you are a member of the AEMT for a discount on 0121 601 6691 or email [email protected].

Overview of BPMA and the Pump Industry

• Gary’s Background: Over 40 years in the pump industry, spanning roles from fieldwork to management and marketing. He has been with BPMA since 2018, focusing on regulations, standards, and training.
• UK Market Size: The pump market in the UK is valued at approximately $1.3 billion, including pump parts.
• BPMA Training Programmes:
  • Courses range from e-learning to advanced face-to-face sessions.
  • Topics include pump fundamentals, selection, testing, system design, and energy audits.
  • All courses are accredited for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Pump Repair Training Course

General Overview:

• Designed with input from industry experts, including leading manufacturers and suppliers.
• Incorporates hands-on learning with interactive models and real-world examples.
• Aims to cover all aspects of pump repair, from health and safety to advanced troubleshooting.

Day One Content:

1. Health and Safety:

   • Workshop safety protocols, risk assessments, and confined space training.
   • Use of appropriate tools, safety signs, and environmental compliance.

2. Pump Basics:

   • Types of pumps: positive displacement and rotodynamic.
   • Key components: shafts, impellers, casings, seals, and bearings.
   • Materials used in pumps, tailored to application-specific needs.

3. Mechanical Seals and Motors:

   • Identifying wear patterns, heat damage, and chipping.
   • Motor specifications, efficiency ratings (IE1 to IE5), starting methods, and maintenance plans.

4. Bearings:

   • Diagnosing common failures (e.g., flaking, scoring, corrosion).
   • Importance of using genuine bearings for reliability and warranty compliance.

5. Repair Practices:

   • Using genuine spares for lowest cost of ownership and OEM compliance.
   • Focus on restoring pumps to manufacturer specifications for optimal efficiency.

Day Two Content:

1. Energy and Efficiency:

   • Understanding when to use variable speed drives (VSDs) for energy savings.
   • Identifying opportunities for replacing old, inefficient systems.

2. Advanced Troubleshooting:

   • Cavitation, alignment, vibration issues, and system design flaws.
   • Identifying causes of pump failure related to operating conditions and system changes.

3. Specialised Equipment:

   • Coverage of specific pump types: diaphragm, sewage, booster sets, and submersibles.
   • Training on test rigs and demo units provided by manufacturers.

4. Maintenance and Audits:

   • Preventive maintenance schedules (weekly to yearly).
   • Conducting energy audits to identify savings for customers.

5. Practical Components:

   • Participants strip down and rebuild various pump models.
   • Hands-on assessment of mechanical seals, elastomers, and other components.

Key Takeaways from the Course

• Best Practices:

  • Adhere to health and safety standards.
  • Use genuine parts for repairs to ensure reliability and maintain warranties.
  • Identify energy-saving opportunities and offer impartial advice to clients.

• Comprehensive Training:

  • Covers the complete lifecycle of pump systems, including auxiliary equipment like drives and controls.
  • Ensures participants can deliver high-quality repairs and installations.