Description:

This case study is about a motor driven centrifugal OH2 type pump that suddenly started to experience repeating shaft failure almost 4 years following his commissioning. We will present the systematic approach that we took to identify and understand this failure mode from a pump operation and mechanical perspective. The result of a metallurgical failure analysis of this cracked shaft will be presented, RCA and a FEA as well. We will discuss the modifications that have been implemented and how the asset is performing since them. Solving this type of complex problem is seldomly a straight line and I want to share this unique experience with our lessons learn to help another pump end user to understand their assets and how each detail is important.