Best Practices for Pump Bearing Housings Date: 07/11/2016

1 General
1.1 Scope
2 Installation
2.1 Level pump, base, and motor
2.2 Eliminate piping strains
2.3 Align couplings
2.4 Establish lubrication system
3 Maintenance
3.1 Inspections
3.2 Cleaning & Storage
4 References
Appendices

1 General

1.1 Scope

This document provides some recommended guidelines and best practices for the installation and
maintenance of pump bearing housings.

Reliability of centrifugal pumps (mechanically and magnetically driven) is heavily dependent on

bearing reliability. The bearings that support the impeller shaft are complex machine components
whose service life is directly affected by:

Contamination (both particulate and water)

Lubrication method and lubricant type

Mounting and dismounting techniques

Proper selection of components

Proper housing support and alignment

Reliability of bearing housing shaft seals Figure 1: Typical Centrifugal Pump Bearing Housing

In addition, there are risks to bearing damage mechanisms from unexpected loading conditions as
well as exposure to vibration while idle. The effects of these conditions (summarized in Appendix A)
and how to avoid the risks need to be considered in order to maximize service life. Lastly, condition
monitoring (such as vibration frequency spectrum analysis) is an excellent way to maintain awareness
of the health of bearings. However, even the best condition monitoring tools and techniques are of
little value if not implemented and interpreted correctly.

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2 Installation
The proper installation of a pump bearing housing will have a great impact on that pumps mean-time-
between-repair (MTBR) and can reduce downtime significantly. Installing piping supports, lock nuts, and
wave springs can ensure that bearings do not see extraneous stresses. Avoiding reactionary maintenance
and focusing on preventing failure from occurring in the first place is considered a best practice.
Vibration caused by misaligned couplings or unbalanced mounting will lead to bearing failures. Bearing
failure causes instant problems. When a bearing fails, it loses its ability to support the rotating shaft. The
rotating element will whip erratically, causing rotating parts to strike stationary parts. It matters little
about the quality of the seal being used, it will fail immediately.
Additionally, piping strains at the pump nozzles can occur due to poor installation. This can cause
warped housing due to side loadings and cause premature failure. Great care should be taken to avoid
unnecessary stresses on the bearing housing and impeller shaft due to incorrect piping arrangements.
Detailed failure evaluations performed at specific plant sites have revealed that the cause of more than 80
percent of chronic pump failures involved pipe strain.

2.1 Level pump, base, and motor

2.1.1 Foundation mass for centrifugal pumps should be at least five times the mass of the pump,
driver, and baseplate system.
2.1.2 The foundation should be approximately six inches longer and wider than the baseplate.
2.1.3 The foundation should rest on solid or stabilized earth completely independent of other
foundations, pads, walls, or operating platforms. A minimum of 3,000 psi steel reinforced
concrete should be used.
2.1.4 All machined mounting surfaces should be coplanar to 0.002 in. All baseplate welds should
be continuous (no skip welding) and free of cracks.
2.1.5 All baseplate flanges should have rounded edges. Minimum 1.0 in radius.
2.1.6 The temperature of the baseplate, grout and foundation should be kept between 40 and
90 F during groutingand for a period of at least 24 hours afterwards. The grout should
be allowed to harden in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
2.1.7 Utilize pre-grouted baseplates if possible. These baseplates are grouted in an upside-down
position in the factory, thus reducing epoxy grout volumetric shrinkage that can otherwise
cause baseplate distortion. Installation times can be shortened with the use of pre-grouted
baseplates.

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2.2 Eliminate piping strains

2.2.1 Suction and discharge piping, along with all associated valves, strainers, etc., should be
adequately supported and anchored near to
and independent of the pump to prevent strain
from being transmitted to the pump casing.
2.2.2 Hangers, vibration suppressing/flexible
connectors, and expansion joints should be
utilized where applicable.
2.2.3 If piping is expected to undergo extreme
thermal changes, the system should be
engineered to minimize unwanted movement of
the piping.
2.2.4 Pipe flanges must be brought squarely together
before the bolts are installed and tightened.
2.2.5 To ensure that no bending moments will be
transmitted to the pump, all bolts should be
able to slide freely through the holes in both
the pump flanges and the pipe flanges without Figure 2: Wrong (top) vs. Right (bottom) pipe supports
exerting force.
2.2.6 If possible, the bolt holes in flanges should be drilled 1/8-in larger than the diameter of the
connecting bolts.
2.2.7 The suction side should be provided with a straight run of pipe, in a length equivalent to 5
to 10 times the diameter of that pipe, between the suction reducer and the first obstruction
in the line.
2.2.8 Elbows must not be mounted on the inlet nozzle of the pump.
2.2.9 The pipe diameter on both the inlet and the outlet sides of the pump should be at least
one size larger than the pump nozzle.

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2.3 Align couplings

2.3.1 During installation, alignment should be checked before grouting the baseplate, after
grouting the baseplate, after connecting the piping, and after the first run. Vertical offset,
vertical angularity, horizontal offset, and horizontal angularity should be checked each
time. See Figure 3 for acceptable alignment
tolerances.
2.3.2 Lasers-optic Devices (See Figure 4) should
be used whenever possible. Generally, the
laser is helpful when aligning shafts that
are separated by more than a few inches.
2.3.3 Quality precut shims should be available to
align precisely and effectively. Use of shims
should be kept to a minimum i.e. no more
than 3 shims maximum under machinery
feet/mounts.
2.3.4 The machine should be checked for soft foot

before preforming alignments. Parallel soft Figure 4: Acceptable offsets for varying RPM

foot indicates that the baseplate and

machine foot are parallel to each other
allowing correction by simply adding shims
of the correct thickness. Angular soft foot
is caused by the machine feet forming an
angle between each other. Tapered shims
can be used to fill the angular space but it
may be necessary to remove the machine
and grind the feet flat (or correct the angle). Figure 3: Laser-optic Alignment tool

2.3.5 Straight edges and feeler gauges should only be used for very small pump / motor
combinations where there is not enough room to use more accurate but larger alignment
methods.

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2.4 Establish lubrication system

2.4.1 The OEM operation manual should be consulted for recommendations on lubricant and
viscosity. The viscosity of the oil to be used is dependent on the operating temperature.
2.4.2 The viscosity of synthetic oil is less sensitive
to temperature changes and should be
considered when large temperature
fluctuations exist. If temperature also exceeds
212 F (100 C), a synthetic is recommended
for improved reliability.
2.4.3 The oil bath height should be left at the pump
manufacturers recommendation unless there
is a strong reason to change. If the oil bath
level is changed for any reason, small changes Figure 5: Typical Oil Bath Level Conditions
and careful monitoring of operating temperature and vibration levels are necessary to
make sure the bearings are operating reliably.
2.4.4 In direct contact lubrication methods, as the shaft rotates, the rolling elements in the
bearing make contact with a level of oil. The bearings should not be submerged in the oil
more than one-half the diameter of the lowest rolling element or ball (see Figure 5)
2.4.5 If present, the constant level oiler control point should be aligned with the proper oil level
of the equipment. Even if the instrument is installed correctly and there is oil in the
reservoir, the lubricant level should be checked through the bearing housing sight glass in
case the instruments supply pathway is blocked.
2.4.6 Desiccant breather filters should be checked for clogs periodically. With a clogged breather,
pressure in bearing compartment may deviate due to thermal changes etc, resulting in
over feeding or under feeding. A breather model should be chosen with a CFM rating
greater than the CFM requirements of the tank or reservoir. Installing a breather with
inadequate airflow will create excessive pressure or vacuum and will lead to damage.
2.4.7 Solid additives such as molybdenum disulfide (Moly or MoS2) or graphite should not be
used in any oil or grease being used in a typical pump. These are appropriate for extremely
slow speed applications or high temperature applications but not in typical pump
applications. A list of solid additives and their applications can be found in Appendix B.

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3 Preventative Maintenance
Most maintenance programs start with the false assumption that the life to date is somehow related to
how much service life is left in the equipment. In other words; if half of the seal wearable face is still left then
the seal can be expected to run the same amount of time as before. The problem with this logic is that it only
works if the components are wearing out. In the case of seals and bearings, failure is the most common
condition with "wearing out" taking place less than fifteen percent of the time. Using predictive maintenance,
vibration monitoring, and lubricant analysis in order avoid bearing failures is considered a best practice.
Additionally, correct cleaning and storage practices contribute to increased equipment reliability.

3.1 Inspections
3.1.1 A maintenance schedule should include routine, quarterly, and annual inspections as
recommended by OEM and industry best practices.
3.1.2 The inspection intervals should be shortened appropriately if the pumped fluid is abrasive
or corrosive or if there are additional risks.
3.1.3 For routine maintenance, the level and condition of the oil should be checked through the
sight glass on the bearing frame. The bearing housing should also be checked for unusual
noises, vibrations, and bearing temperatures. An inspection of individual components is still
one of the best methods of preventative maintenance.
3.1.4 Every three months, the foundation and bolts should be inspected and tightened as
needed. The oil should be changed based on lubrication best practices. The shaft
alignment should be corrected if misalignment is detected on the vibration spectrum.
3.2 Cleaning & Storage
3.2.1 After removing a bearing for inspection, it should be cleaned to remove all scale, water,
lubricant, debris and any other contaminants. Failed Bearings must be cleaned thoroughly
to allow for proper analysis.
3.2.2 To reduce bearing contamination from other sources, all parts of the housing, shaft and
gears should be thoroughly cleaned. Some bearing housings can be coated internally to
prevent rust contamination of lubricant.
3.2.3 A best practice to reduce damage of bearing race is to rotate stored equipment by hand
every six weeks to two months. A 270 rotation is optimal.
3.2.4 During storage, circulating systems of any size should generally be filled with the
appropriate lubricating oil and 10 percent by volume of vapor phase concentrate oil.

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4 References
4.1.1 Bloch, H. P. (2011). Pump Wisdom. Hoboken, New Jersey, USA: John Wiley & Sons,
Inc.
4.1.2 Dahme, B. P. (2013, October 1). Bearing Maintenance Practices to Ensure Maximum
Bearing Life. Retrieved from http://turbolab.tamu.edu
4.1.3 Perry C. Monroe, J. Pump Baseplate Installation and Grouting. Retrieved from Exxon
Chemical Company: http://turbolab.tamu.edu/proc/pumpproc/P5/P5117-125.pdf
4.1.4 Budris, A. R. (2010). BENEFITS, METHODS OF PROPER PUMP TO MOTOR ALIGNMENT.
Retrieved from WaterWorld: http://www.waterworld.com/articles/print/volume-
26/issue-9/departments/pump-tips-techniques/benefits-methods-of-proper-pump-to-
motor-alignment.html
4.1.5 Pipe Strain, and Its Effect on Shaft Alignment. (2014, July 15). Retrieved from
Empowering Pumps: http://empoweringpumps.com/pipe-strain-effect-shaft-alignment/
4.1.6 LTD, P. (2002). A Practical Guide to Shaft Alignment. Retrieved from Ludeca:
http://www.ludeca.com/brochures/Ludeca_A-Practical-Guide-to-Shaft-Alignment.pdf
4.1.7 Mackay, R. (2009, June). Correct Installation: The First Step To Reliable Pump
Operation. Retrieved from Maintenance Technology:
http://www.maintenancetechnology.com/2009/06/correct-installation-the-first-step-to-
reliable-pump-operation/
4.1.8 Pipe Strain, and Its Effect on Shaft Alignment. (2014, July 15). Retrieved from
Empowering Pumps: http://empoweringpumps.com/pipe-strain-effect-shaft-alignment/

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Appendix A

Effects of Bearing Damage

Radial Bearing Damage

o Excessive radial movement
o High vibration in the equipment
o Damage to the mechanical seal
Fatigued springs or bellows
Loss of closing force of springs
Broken or damaged springs
Mechanical contact between the seal faces and the sleeve and/or shaft
Wear on the ID of the seal faces
Broken faces
Excessive leakage across the seal faces due to the increased radial shaft movement
Over compression of the seal faces which reduces the fluid film between the seal
faces and increases wear and seal generated heat
o Excessive heat within the bearing housing due to increased friction
Can degrade the oil in the system further decreasing bearing life

Thrust Bearing Damage

o Excessive axial movement
o High vibration in the equipment
o Damage to the mechanical seal
Fatigued springs or bellows due to shuttling of the shaft
Loss of closing force of springs
Broken or damaged springs
Over compression of the seal faces which reduces the fluid film between the seal
faces and increases wear and seal generated heat
Premature seal face wear due to excessive closing force from the pressures created
by the axial movement of the shaft
Excessive leakage across the seal faces due to the gap between the seal faces
increasing past the tolerance
o Decreased efficiency of the equipment due to increased clearances created by the axial
movement of the shaft
o Excessive heat within the bearing housing due to increased friction
Can degrade the oil in the system further decreasing bearing life

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Appendix B

Lubricant Additives Overview

o Anti-oxidants improve the oxidation stability of the lubricant by 10 to 150 times, decreasing
corrosion and preventing the oil from becoming more viscous.
o Corrosion protective additives do just they say.
o Anti-foaming additives prevent foaming that would reduce the load carrying capability of the
lubricant. They cause the foam bubbles to burst when they hit the surface.
o Film stiffeners reduce wear through metallic contact. They form a surface layer with a surface
tension greater than the lubricant.
o Additives with a polar effect cause the molecules to take up an orientation perpendicular to
the metal surfaces. They reduce friction at temperatures up to a maximum of approximately
100C (212F)
o Organic zinc compounds have an anti-wear affect. They prevent direct contact between the
ball and the races.
o Active EP additives form a chemical combination with the bearing metal reducing friction.
o Solid additives such as molybdenum disulfide improve the lubricating qualities. The particles
are about 2 microns in size and adhere to the metal surfaces.

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