Working On National NOV Oilfield Pumps

Triplex Mud Pumps

Working On Mud Pumps

Here are tips that will drastically increase Head (swab) and Liner life, save the company a little money, and save you and your crew a lot of work

• Always make sure you have the proper Shaker Screens in use. A pile of solids  below a Screen indicates a bad gasket seal or damaged screen.These solids will destroy your swabs and liners. Check this often.
• Make sure Desander, Desilter and Centrifuge are working properly
• Clean the Sand trap as often as possible
• Check Suction-Side Pulsation Dampener often for proper pressure and functioning (If your pumps have these)
• Keep Water Boxes clean and full. If your Pumps have the "Bonnet-Type" Liner Washers, you should back-flush the  Nozzles in them with the tip of a water hose,  making sure they are clear.This should be done each time you work on the pump, but check them every few hours to see that they are lubricating the liners-also check the drain hole from the pump to the water box-if it's plugged with a glove or trash you are in for trouble
• Keep Pits gated back as much as possible.This is your best defense against solids and will greatly reduce amounts of Shale that reach the Suction Pit
• If you're changing Heads and Liners often, or if you are finding Sand & Shale in your water boxes,you doing something wrong on the pits and it's time to go over them and rethink things.

SAFETY TIPS FOR WORKING ON MUD PUMPS

• Always open a valve before closing another. (whenever possible)
• Never work on a pump until your absolutely sure its locked out
• Clean work area of mud and debris before beginning work
• Always close charge pump valve and relieve pressure before beginning work
• When breaking and tightening caps, always keep hands away from pinch points

See How A Centrifuge Works!