During the operation of a multistage pump, if the balance disk clearance is not properly adjusted, problems such as shaft runout, excessive vibration, and even component wear are likely to occur. Many technicians consider this adjustment a delicate task, but in fact, it is not difficult as long as you master the correct method and follow the steps. Below, Senior Technician Li from Changsha Zoomlian Pump Industry, a manufacturer of multistage pumps, will break down the adjustment method and steps for the balance disk clearance of multistage pumps, Following these steps can help you avoid many detours.
Step 1: Prepare for Adjustment
- First, stop the pump and cut off the power supply. After ensuring safety, disassemble the pump casing to expose the rotor components.
- Prepare the required tools, including a feeler gauge (commonly used specifications: 0.02-1mm), a dial indicator, and a wrench.
- Clean the oil stains and rust on the surfaces of the balance disk and balance ring. If there are wear marks, they must be treated first; otherwise, the measured clearance will be inaccurate.
Step 2: Measure the Current Clearance Value
- Push the rotor toward the suction end to make the balance disk tightly fit the balance ring.
- Insert the feeler gauge between the balance disk and the balance ring for measurement. To ensure data accuracy, measure at multiple points and take the average value of the measurement results. This average value is the actual initial clearance.
- Generally, the standard clearance of a multistage pump ranges from 0.15mm to 0.3mm. The specific value depends on the pump's model parameters, and you should not rely solely on experience.
Step 3: Precisely Adjust the Clearance
- If the measured initial clearance is too small, loosen the lock nut on the shaft sleeve and slightly turn the balance disk in the direction away from the balance ring.
- If the initial clearance is too large, turn the balance disk in the opposite direction.
- After each adjustment, re-measure the clearance with the feeler gauge until the value meets the standard requirements.
- It should be noted that the threads of the balance disk are prone to slipping. When turning, apply even force and do not use brute force.
Step 4: Recheck, Fix, and Prevent Loosening
- After adjusting the clearance, use the dial indicator to check the shaft runout of the rotor and ensure it is within the allowable range.
- Tighten the lock nut, then re-measure the clearance to prevent the previous adjustment from shifting.
- Finally, reinstall the pump casing, start the pump for trial operation, check if the operating sound is stable, and see if the vibration has reduced. If everything is normal, the adjustment is completed.
In fact, the key to adjusting the balance disk clearance lies in "slowness" and "accuracy". Rushing to finish quickly will instead lead to mistakes easily. If you are not confident in your own operation, you can refer to the pump's instruction manual or ask an experienced technician for help. During daily operation, pay more attention to the pump's status. If any abnormality is found, check the clearance in a timely manner, which can reduce many faults.
If you need it, I can help you sort out a bilingual comparison table of key terms for multistage pump balance disk clearance adjustment(including Chinese, English, and usage notes), making it easier for you to refer to when communicating with foreign teams or reading international technical materials.
