WorldWide Drilling Resource

61 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® AUGUST 2014 Hydraulic Training by J. Eric Freimuth Hydraulic Training Associates What Now?? Part 2 Walking my customer through each element of the steps he had taken, we were able to come to a conclusion I had already come to, but it would have been hard to convince them without taking this adventure together. By look- ing at the pictures, examining the oil sample, and examining the components, he realized the charge pump relief had failed. In further discussion, I found the company which repaired the pump ear- lier had recorded the pressure setting they were able to obtain. They had sent the pump out with a charge pressure setting of 240 psi. After reviewing the documentation from Sundstrand, I found the pressure setting should be 285-380 psi. Though the setting 240 psi is not enough according to factory specifica- tions, it does explain the reason the pump worked for a period of time then failed. I sent copies of the documentation to the customer and showed what the settings should be. The question is, now what? Do they rebuild the pump again, or just purchase a new pump? What would you do? Because the pump has been disassembled and is questionable to begin with, finding a good rebuilt pump or a new one would be the rea- sonable choice. Enough time has been lost waiting to find the conclusions of what happened. The customer hasn’t been able to finish the hole and more questions than answers still lie ahead. I suggested they consider replacing the pump and rebuilding the motor with new bearings and seals since it has been taken apart. When you have a question of “What now?”, step back and try to look at the big picture. Familiarize yourself with the components used in the system. Get a schematic if possible and isolate the components related to the symptoms. With a think first, then act approach you will find yourself more successful, and it’s more rewarding, when it comes to troubleshooting. Eric Eric Freimuth may be contacted via e-mail at admin@ worldwidedrillingresource.com