The only way for a new pump system to work effectively and reliably is with a trained installation and commissioning engineer. Pump Industry Australia runs the country’s only installation and commissioning course that provides attendees with national pump industry accreditation.
Why take this course? The answer is simple: it trains you to effectively install and commission a pump set and its ancillary equipment. This results in both the pump vendor and buyer knowing that their pump system will be reliable, have minimum downtime and reduced running costs.
The course is run by personnel who have many years experience in the installation and commissioning of a wide variety of pump systems. They conduct the course on an interactive basis, which allows them to clearly explain what is required for the proper installation and commissioning of pump sets. It also gives course attendees direct access to their deep industry knowledge and experience.
Multi-faceted approach to learning
The course is divided into two parts. The first takes place in a classroom and covers how a pump system is installed to the point of commissioning, followed by the commissioning process itself.
The second part of the course is practical, where participants learn how to align pumps using the simple method with a straight edge and gap gauges, then with laser alignment equipment to get fully accurate alignment.
Participants then move to a pump system set-up, to allow a commissioning run to be done by the participants – effectively putting all of the processes learned in the classroom into practice.
Finally, there is an assessment session, where the readings taken during the commissioning run are assessed and analysed.
A detailed course outline
The installation part of the course covers what is required for the correct installation of a pump and its ancillary equipment.
This begins with the basic OH&S requirements for installing a pump system, then goes on to cover the foundation requirements for the pump, the erection of the pump on its foundation, grouting of both the foundation bolts and the pump baseplate, how to connect the suction and discharge piping, and how to check the alignment of the pump set.
The alignment is covered in some detail as it is of critical importance – a correctly aligned pump will enhance the life and reliability of the system, however a badly aligned pump will ensure early maintenance is required.
This is why, as well as teaching about pump alignment, the practical part of the course lets participant practice aligning a pump set.
The installation part of the course is an important precursor to the actual pump system commissioning, because a commissioning engineer must know how a pump system is installed – one of the first things that is required in the commissioning process is to check that the pump system has been correctly installed, including pump alignment.
The commissioning part of the course begins by discussing the people, tools, instruments and documentation needed for commissioning. We then move on to the pre-start checks and procedures needed prior to pump start.
This leads on to the pump start process, with the starting procedure covered, followed by how to handle the commissioning run, including what readings should be taken. It concludes by covering pump shutdown.
Once the commissioning process has been explained we show participants how to analyse the readings which have been taken, including how to estimate if pump duty has been met, how to check the pump power consumption, and more.
During commissioning problems can arise, so the course also covers troubleshooting.
Finally, we cover the preparation of a commissioning report, which should detail what has happened during the process. During the practical part of the course, participants put into practice what has be learned in the classroom. Importantly, they learn how to interpret actual readings taken during the commissioning process.
During the course we conduct ongoing assessment and testing of each participant. On satisfactory completion of the course, participants are awarded a certificate of competency, which qualifies the participant to be listed on the Register of Commissioning Personnel on the PIA website.
From this course, each participant will take the knowledge and ability to competently undertake the installation and commissioning of a pump system.
Further courses are planned for the rest of 2017, with the next course being held in Melbourne on 24 May 2017. The program is open to both members and non members.
Register your interest at www.pumps.asn.au or for further information, contact [email protected].
