Precautions to be followed while Using Quintuplex Pump

Every quintuplex pump plays an important role in well services at the wellsite. Precautions during operations and handling of the pump are necessary to prevent errors that may be costly in terms of loss of operational hours and costs towards maintenance or repairs. Operators, who are trained to disengage the equipment at the right time, and to handle the equipment in the appropriate manner, contribute to smoother operational efficiency. Some of the precautions that need to be followed mandatorily are listed out.

Detach the power/engine – Ensure that the electrical power or engine and the associated equipment are shut-off completely before taking up any sort of services on the pump. Negligence could result in acute electrical shock or trauma from powerful pump components.

Functioning within operating limits – Operators need to be fully familiar with the operating limits of the quintuplex pump. The pumps is capable of producing high pressure and flow rates and are to be handled with care, only by trained operators. The pump should never be operated beyond any of the maximum values or speeds. Similarly, the pump should never be operated below the minimum values or speeds. Failure to do so will most likely result in damage to equipment and injury to operators.

Using properly rated lifting equipment for hoisting/lifting – Hoisting or lifting operations are to be mandatorily performed using lifting devices that are rated and match the requirements. Lifting lugs are to be used for moving or pumps. It needs to be borne in mind that many components come with eyes or lugs which are never to be used to lift whole assemblies, as they are intended to carry only the weight of the particular component and not the whole assembly.

Proper installation of pressure relief valve – Equipment and operators need to be protected from pressurized relief discharge. This is possible by proper installation of the pressure relief valve so to prevent a high pressure discharge. The relief valve should discharge pressure when it nears the maximum pressure values as indicated on the pump data plate.

Periodic inspections and preventive maintenance – The fluid end components require to be inspected at a frequency of more than the mandated half yearly inspections. This is necessary in cases where the pressures exceeds the limits specified in the discharge system or if the nature of fluids pumped are corrosive or of a high temperature.

Precautions by operator during pumping – Whenever any leaks are observed in any component of the pump or the suction system or the discharge module, all pumping operations are to be stopped. It is necessary to protect the pump from any fluid leakage that may drip onto components or operators. Replacement of worn out or leaking parts are to be taken up immediately with delay.

Operators are to be trained exhaustively and should have their own copies of the manual. Manuals are not meant to be safely stored inside an office. The manuals need to be readily available for operators. It is important that operators are well versed with the readings and values shown in the manual.