How to Prevent Shaft Breakage in Axial Split Case Pumps

Axial split case pumps are widely used in industrial and municipal applications due to their high flow capacity, reliable performance, and convenient maintenance features. However, one of the most common and costly failures in these pumps is shaft breakage, which can result in unexpected downtime, production losses, and expensive repairs.

This article explores the main causes of shaft breakage in axial split case pumps and outlines effective prevention strategies. By implementing proper maintenance practices, ensuring correct installation, using quality materials, and adopting real-time monitoring technologies, facilities can significantly reduce the risk of pump shaft failure and maintain long-term operational stability.

Why Do Shaft Breakages Occur in Axial Split Case Pumps?

Understanding the root causes of shaft failure is essential for effective prevention. The most common reasons include:

No.	Cause	Description
1	Overload Operation	Operating beyond the pump’s rated flow or head places excessive stress on the shaft and bearings, leading to fatigue and eventual shaft breakage.
2	Bearing Damage	Worn, damaged, or misaligned bearings increase internal clearance and shaft vibration, creating uneven forces that accelerate fatigue failure.
3	Material Deficiencies	Inferior or improperly selected shaft materials with defects such as inclusions or porosity may be unable to withstand mechanical stresses, increasing failure risk.
4	Improper Installation	Shaft or coupling misalignment during installation causes uneven load distribution, resulting in bending stress and progressive cracking.
5	Sudden Impact Loads	Rapid pressure changes during startup or shutdown can generate hydraulic shock loads, imposing high instantaneous forces on the shaft.
6	Corrosion and Fatigue	Prolonged exposure to corrosive or aggressive fluids leads to surface degradation, microcrack formation, and reduced shaft strength over time.
7	Inadequate Lubrication	Insufficient or poor-quality lubrication increases friction and operating temperatures, accelerating shaft wear and fatigue.

How to Prevent Shaft Breakage in Axial Split Case Pumps

To reduce the risk of shaft failures, it is critical to adopt a proactive maintenance and operational strategy. The following practices are recommended:

Category	Recommended Measures
Regular Maintenance and Inspection	• Conduct routine inspections of bearings, seals, and lubrication systems • Monitor shaft alignment and correct deviations promptly • Replace worn or damaged components before failure occurs
Reasonable Pump Selection	• Select an axial split case pump that matches actual flow rate and head requirements • Avoid excessive oversizing or marginal safety margins that can cause inefficiency and mechanical stress
Control of Operating Conditions	• Implement soft start and soft stop procedures to reduce hydraulic shock loads • Operate the pump strictly within its rated operating range
Strengthen Lubrication Management	• Use high-quality lubricants suitable for the operating environment • Regularly check lubricant condition and replace it according to manufacturer recommendations
Use High-Performance Shaft Materials	• Choose corrosion-resistant and fatigue-resistant materials such as duplex stainless steel or high-strength carbon steel • Work with reputable manufacturers that enforce strict quality control during shaft production
Train Operators for Proper Use	• Provide systematic training on pump startup, shutdown, and daily operation • Encourage early reporting of abnormal noise, vibration, or performance decline
Install Monitoring and Diagnostic Systems	• Use vibration and temperature sensors to continuously monitor pump condition • Early detection of abnormalities enables corrective actions before major damage occurs

Conclusion: Ensuring Long-Term Reliability of Axial Split Case Pumps

While shaft breakage is a potential risk in the operation of axial split case pumps, it can be effectively mitigated through proper equipment selection, preventive maintenance, and skilled operation. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing targeted strategies—such as improving lubrication, ensuring precise alignment, using durable materials, and investing in real-time monitoring—enterprises can significantly enhance the reliability of their pumping systems.

Ultimately, reducing shaft failure not only safeguards equipment and minimizes downtime but also contributes to the overall efficiency and profitability of the operation. With continuous improvement in management practices and technical implementation, facilities can create a safer and more stable production environment.

FAQ – for Split Case Pump

Learn about the key spare parts commonly used in split case pumps.

Split Case Pump Spare Parts & Qty (2 Years)
For Packing Seal Pump
Spare Parts/Qty	Pump Qty (Including Spare Pump)
Spare Parts/Qty	1	2	3	4	5	6	8	≥10
Shaft Sleeve	1	1	1	2	2	3	4	5
Bearing Collar	1	1	1	2	2	3	4	5
Impeller Collar	0	0	0	1	1	1	2	3
Packing Seal	1	2	3	4	5	6	8	10
O Ring	1	2	3	4	5	6	8	10
Shaft	0	0	0	1	1	1	2	3
Impeller	0	0	0	1	1	1	2	3
Wear Ring	1	1	1	2	2	3	4	5
Packing Ring	0	0	0	1	1	1	2	3
Packing Gland	0	0	0	1	1	1	2	3
Bearing	1	1	1	2	2	3	4	5

For Mechanical Seal Pump
Spare Parts/Qty	Pump Qty (Including Spare Pump)
Spare Parts/Qty	1	2	3	4	5	6	8	≥10
Shaft Sleeve	1	1	1	2	2	3	4	5
Bearing Collar	1	1	1	2	2	3	4	5
Impeller Collar	0	0	0	1	1	1	2	3
Mechanical Seal	1	1	1	2	2	3	4	5
O Ring	1	2	3	4	5	6	8	10
Shaft	0	0	0	1	1	1	2	3
Impeller	0	0	0	1	1	1	2	3
Wear Ring	1	1	1	2	2	3	4	5
Mechanical Gland	0	0	0	1	1	1	2	3
Bearing	1	1	1	2	2	3	4	5

Discover how to select the right split case pump materials based on fluid properties and operating conditions.

Pump Parts	For Clear Water	For Sewage	For Seawater
Casing	Cast Iron	Ductile Iron	S.S / Super Dulex
Impeller	Cast Iron	Cast Steel	S.S / Super Dulex / Tin Bronze
Shaft	Steel	Steel	S.S / Super Dulex
Shaft Sleeve	Steel	Steel	S.S / Super Dulex
Wear Ring	Cast Iron	Cast Steel	S.S / Super Dulex / Tin Bronze
Remark	Final material depends on the liquid condition or the client’s request.

Follow the essential installation steps to ensure safe and reliable operation of the split case pump.

Standardized Installation Procedure for Split Case Pump
Work Stage	No.	Main Steps	Key Operations & Notes
I. Pre-Installation Preparation	1	Site & Foundation Inspection	• Clean the installation site and ensure sufficient space for operation and lifting. • Check the concrete foundation strength, dimensions, elevation, and anchor bolt positions according to drawings. The foundation surface should be flat and free of oil.
	2	Equipment Unpacking & Inspection	• Verify that the pump, motor, and accessories match the contract specifications. • Inspect the equipment for any transportation damage and ensure all parts are complete. • Check that all accompanying documents (drawings, manuals, certificates) are complete.
	3	Tools & Material Preparation	• Prepare lifting equipment (hoist, sling), shims, level, dial indicator, wrenches, feeler gauge, lubricants, sealant, etc. • Prepare cleaning agents and cloths for cleaning mating surfaces.
II. Pump Body Installation	4	Lifting & Positioning	• Lift the pump using the lifting holes or lugs; never lift by the pump shaft or inlet/outlet pipes. • Place the pump on the foundation, insert anchor bolts into base holes, do not tighten yet.
	5	Initial Leveling & Alignment	• Place a level on the pump’s inlet/outlet flange or machined surface, adjust shims to roughly level the pump (tolerance ≤0.1 mm/m). • Use the pump shaft centerline as a reference to preliminarily align the pump.
	6	Primary Grouting	• Pour high-strength non-shrink grout into the anchor bolt holes; the grout layer should be dense and slightly below the foundation surface. • Curing: wait until the grout is fully cured (usually 3–7 days) before fine adjustment and tightening.
	7	Final Leveling & Alignment	• After grout curing, tighten anchor bolts. • Recheck pump level with a precision level. • Motor installation & alignment: lift the motor in place, use a dial indicator or laser alignment device, align the motor to ensure pump and motor shafts are coaxial (radial & axial deviation ≤0.05 mm). Tighten motor anchor bolts after alignment.
III. Piping & Accessories Installation	8	Piping Connection	• Principle: never force pipe connections using the pump flanges to avoid stress on the pump body. • Piping should be independently supported, ensure natural alignment without stress. • It is recommended to install expansion joints near the pump inlet/outlet to absorb thermal expansion/contraction and installation errors.
	9	Seals & Cooling System	• For mechanical seals, connect flushing/cooling piping, ensure smooth flow, flushing pressure 0.05–0.15 MPa higher than seal chamber. • For packing seals, install packing and adjust gland tightness (do not overtighten initially).
	10	Lubrication & Instruments	• Add specified grade and quantity of lubricant to bearing housing to oil mark midline. • Install pressure gauge, thermometer, etc.; pressure gauge should be between pump outlet and first valve.
IV. Post-Installation Checks & Test Run	11	Final Checks	• Manual rotation: rotate coupling, ensure rotor turns smoothly, no friction or binding. • Check all bolts are tightened and guards are in place. • Jog motor: confirm rotation direction matches pump casing arrow.
	12	Priming & Test Run	• Open inlet valve, fill pump with conveyed medium, completely expel air. • Close outlet valve, start motor. • Slowly open outlet valve to desired condition, check pressure, flow, vibration, noise, bearing temperature (≤80 ℃), and seal leakage. Test run ≥2 hours.

Explore proper disassembly and maintenance procedures to maximize the split case pump service life.

Standardized Disassembly & Maintenance Procedure for Split Case Pump
Work Stage	No.	Main Steps	Key Operations & Notes
I. Pre-Disassembly Preparation	1	Shutdown & Isolation	• Safety first: slowly close the outlet valve, cut off power, and apply lockout/tagout (LOTO). • Close the inlet valve, open the pump vent and drain valves, completely drain the medium. For toxic or hazardous media, perform purging and verify safe conditions.
	2	Disconnect External Connections	• Remove coupling guard and connecting bolts. • Disconnect all pipes, instrumentation lines, and cooling/seal water lines if the pump will be lifted as a whole. Seal open ends to prevent foreign object entry.
	3	Tools & Preparation	• Prepare pullers, hydraulic wrenches, copper bars, lifting equipment, and various wrenches. • Prepare parts boxes and labels to organize and mark removed bolts and small parts for easier reassembly.
II. Pump Body Disassembly	4	Remove Accessories	• Remove pressure gauges, thermometers, and other instruments. • Open bearing housing oil drain and collect used lubricant.
	5	Remove Coupling & Bearing End Covers	• Use a puller to smoothly remove the half-coupling from the pump shaft; avoid hammering. • Remove bearing end covers and gland bolts in sequence, then remove the covers.
	6	Lift Out Rotor Assembly	• Remove bearing housing bolts on both sides of the pump and horizontally lift the entire rotor assembly (shaft, impeller, bearings, sleeves) smoothly. Avoid collisions.
	7	Disassemble Split Case Pump Body	• Loosen and remove pump casing bolts in a diagonal sequence. • Lift the pump casing carefully and place on a padded or wooden platform. Protect the split case mating surface—avoid dents or scratches.
	8	Remove Internal Components	• Before disassembly, measure and record key clearances (e.g., impeller to wear ring, bearing clearance). • Use special wrenches to remove impeller locknut, then remove impeller. Remove shaft sleeve, mechanical seal or packing housing sequentially.
III. Inspection, Maintenance & Reassembly	9	Parts Cleaning, Inspection & Measurement	• Clean all parts thoroughly, inspect for wear, corrosion, cracks. Focus on: – Impeller: cavitation, wear, dynamic balance. – Wear ring/seal ring: measure wear gap; replace if exceeding limits (typically >1.5× original gap). – Pump shaft: check straightness (total runout ≤0.05 mm). – Bearings: check clearance, rolling surface for pitting or spalling. – Mechanical seals: check stationary/rotating faces and spring elasticity. • Decide whether to repair or replace parts.
	10	Reassembly (Reverse Order of Disassembly)	• Core principle: clean, align, and tighten evenly. • Replace all seals (O-rings, gaskets). Apply a thin layer of sealant (e.g., anaerobic) on split case mating surfaces. • Lift pump casing, tighten bolts diagonally in stages to manufacturer torque. • Reinstall rotor assembly, adjust impeller axial clearance to manufacturer spec. • Install bearings and adjust bearing clearance. • Reinstall coupling and perform precise pump-to-motor alignment (same as installation standard).
	11	Final Verification	• Manually rotate to ensure smooth, unrestricted motion. • Connect piping, add new lubricant to specified level. • Conduct final verification according to installation procedure “Priming & Test Run” to ensure normal operation parameters.

Find practical solutions to the most common split case pump operating issues.

Split Case Pump Common Faults and Solutions
Problem	Causes	Solutions
1. Pump not priming / Cannot discharge liquid	1. Suction pipe, suction valve, foot valve not primed; air ingress. 2. Pump casing or suction pipe contains trapped air. 3. Motor rotation reversed. 4. Suction inlet leakage or failure. 5. Suction lift exceeds allowable maximum.	1. Prime suction line and foot valve; eliminate air leaks. 2. Vent casing & suction line. 3. Correct motor wiring/rotation. 4. Repair suction inlet. 5. Reduce suction lift or add booster.
2. Flow insufficient / Small discharge	1. Inlet valve closed or partially closed; suction screen blocked. 2. Impeller blockage, foreign objects. 3. Wear at suction port (seal ring), impeller or casing wear. 4. Suction line contains air. 5. Pump speed too low.	1. Fully open inlet valve; clean filter/screen. 2. Remove blockage/clean impeller. 3. Repair/replace worn components. 4. Purge air from suction. 5. Restore correct operating speed.
3. Low head / Insufficient pressure	1. Impeller clearance too large or impeller damage. 2. Low rotation speed. 3. Cavitation. 4. Suction pipe diameter too small. 5. Discharge head exceeds pump capacity.	1. Adjust or replace impeller. 2. Increase speed within rating. 3. Improve suction conditions or reduce NPSH. 4. Increase suction pipe size. 5. Reduce discharge head.
4. Excessive vibration / Abnormal noise	1. Shaft misalignment. 2. Bearing damage. 3. Loose motor mounting. 4. Coupling or impeller imbalance. 5. Motor vibration. 6. Base/frame loose. 7. Improper pipe support causing resonance.	1. Re‑align pump & motor. 2. Replace bearings. 3. Secure motor base. 4. Correct balance; inspect coupling. 5. Reduce motor vibration. 6. Tighten base. 7. Add pipe supports.
5. Bearing overheating	1. Improper lubrication (insufficient, wrong type, contaminated). 2. Bearing damage. 3. Poor alignment. 4. Bearing housing misfit. 5. Insufficient cooling. 6. Excessive rotational speed.	1. Re‑lubricate with correct grease/oil. 2. Replace bearings. 3. Realign pump & motor. 4. Adjust housing fit. 5. Improve ventilation/cooling. 6. Operate within speed rating.
6. Mechanical seal leakage	• Seal faces worn, uneven, O‑ring aging, spring failure. • Packing not lubricated or tightened.	• Replace mechanical seal and O‑rings; inspect shaft finish. • Adjust packing gland; ensure correct packing and tension.
7. Motor overload / Tripped protection	1. Insufficient power supply. 2. Phase loss / Power imbalance / Poor wiring. 3. Excessive load (impeller blockage), pump stalled. 4. Excessive starting current. 5. Motor overheating. 6. Short‑circuit or earth fault.	1. Restore proper supply voltage. 2. Check wiring and phases; correct imbalance. 3. Remove blockage; clear shaft rotation. 4. Use soft start or reduced voltage starter. 5. Improve cooling. 6. Find & repair electrical fault.
8. Cannot start or slow start	1. Power supply abnormal (voltage drop). 2. Starter contactor open. 3. Motor winding open circuit. 4. Control circuit faulty.	1. Check power and restart. 2. Check and replace contactor. 3. Repair/replacement of winding. 4. Correct control wiring.
9. Pump vibration increases at no load	1. Rotor imbalance, bent shaft. 2. Loose rotating parts. 3. Coupling looseness. 4. Pump suction/delivery line back‑pressure issue.	1. Balance rotor or repair shaft. 2. Tighten rotating assembly. 3. Tighten coupling. 4. Eliminate back‑pressure and correct piping.
10. Efficiency drop / Performance deterioration	1. Wear of impeller & casing. 2. Internal passage clogging, scale/slag. 3. Air entrainment in suction. 4. Operating point far from BEP.	1. Replace worn parts. 2. Clean flow passages; flush. 3. Eliminate suction air leaks. 4. Adjust operating conditions toward BEP.

Learn the maintenance practices that help improve split case pump reliability and reduce downtime.

Daily Maintenance and Care for Split Case Pumps
Maintenance Category	Maintenance Item	Details & Standards
I. Pre‑Operation Inspection	1. Visual & Connection Check	• Check the pump casing, motor, coupling, etc., for cracks, deformation or damage. • Check all connection fasteners (especially pump‑to‑base and base bolts) for tightness to prevent leakage or vibration. • Check piping and joint areas for looseness.
	2. Lubrication Inspection	• Oil lubrication: Check if the oil level in the oil chamber is at the center mark; whether the oil is clean. Replace promptly if oil is turbid or contains impurities. • Grease lubrication: Check if the grease is sufficient and clean. Note: Water‑based bearings use grease X; motors use grease Y — the two must not be mixed.
	3. Turn Shaft & Rotation Confirmation	• Manually rotate the coupling to check if the pump shaft rotates freely with no friction noise. • Start motor briefly to confirm the rotation direction is consistent with the direction indicated by the pump arrow.
	4. Seal & Suction Check	• Check the mechanical seal and packing seal condition. • Open pump suction valve and drain water until the casing is full, then vent air (no dry running).
II. Monitoring During Operation	1. Parameter Monitoring	• Pressure & Flow: Monitor inlet and outlet pressures and flow to ensure operation within the rated range for optimum efficiency. • Bearing Temperature: Bearing temperatures should remain between 40–60 °C, and the motor temperature should not exceed 80 °C. If overheated, check lubrication and cooling systems.
	2. Vibration & Noise	• Listen to running noise: should be smooth hum. If there are abnormal noises, impacts, etc., stop and inspect immediately. • Observe vibration condition; abnormal vibration may indicate imbalance, bent shaft, uneven wear, or cavitation.
	3. Seal & Leakage Monitoring	• Mechanical seal: Normal leakage rate should not exceed 5 drops per minute. • Packing seal: Through adjustment tighten, leakage rate should be controlled at about 10‑15 drops/min (approx. 30 ml/min) depending on packing size. Adjust to desired leakage.
	4. Instruments & Motor	• Check all instruments (pressure gauge, temperature gauge, etc.) for normal readings. • Check motor current and electrical system; no abnormal heating.
III. Periodic (Planned) Maintenance	1. Lubrication Management	• Oil lubrication: Change first after 100 operating hours, then every 500 hours. • Grease lubrication: Generally replenish or change every 3 months; follow manufacturer service schedule.
	2. Seal System Maintenance	• Packing seal: Replace packing rings as needed; ensure stuffing box is properly tightened and align packing ring gaps at 90°–120°. • Mechanical seal: Check flushing liquid pressure; it should be 0.05–0.1 MPa. Replace seal if excessive wear or leakage.
	3. Bearing & Coupling Check	• Monthly manually check coupling and shaft for smooth rotation, no abnormal noise. • Periodically check bearing housing for dirt, wear and proper lubrication.
	4. Impeller & Flow Passage Cleaning	• Every 3 months or based on water quality, check impeller for buildup, corrosion, wear; clean off sediment, debris.• Check impeller clearance; if gap is too large (e.g., >0.1 mm), replace as required.
	5. Alignment & Tightening	• Periodically check alignment between pump and motor; allowable deviation ≤0.05 mm. • Retighten base bolts and major fasteners as needed.
IV. Shutdown & Long‑Term Stop	1. Normal Shutdown	• Procedure: close outlet valve first → power off → close inlet valve and pressure gauge valves.
	2. Winter Anti‑Freeze	• When ambient temperature is ≤ 0 °C, after shutdown drain water from pump body, and ensure piping is drained to prevent freezing.
	3. Long‑Term Storage	• Drain all internal water and clean thoroughly. • Apply rust preventive oil (shaft, impeller, contact areas), reinstall and protect for storage.
V. Cleaning & Record Keeping	1. Equipment Cleaning	• Weekly wipe pump body, motor, and base surfaces; especially clean motor cooling fins. • Regularly clean around instrument panels to prevent dust accumulation.
	2. Operation Records	• Establish and maintain operation & maintenance logs including operating hours, pressures, temperature, vibration, lubrication replacement time, fault handling, etc., to facilitate equipment condition tracking and planned maintenance.