September 17th, 2024
ANSI B73.1 pumps are critical components in many industrial applications from water treatment to chemical processing. These pumps are valued for their durability and efficiency but can suffer from wear and tear or operational issues over time. When these pumps encounter issues, facilities face a crucial decision: Should they repair the existing pump or replace it with a new one? This decision hinges on several factors, including cost, efficiency, downtime, and long-term reliability.
Often, comparing the price of replacement parts to a new pump makes the decision to repair an existing pump seem easy. However, the cost of components is only one factor influencing the cost of repairing ANSI pumps. When making the decision, it is wise to consider all factors contributing to the overall cost:
Likewise, there are several factors which influence the true cost of replacing ANSI pumps:
As Example 1, let’s assume that you have a 3196 style 2×3-10 pump that needs work. If the pump is in very good condition and only needs some basic components to refurbish it, it looks like this:
| Description | Material | LIST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust Bearing – OB | STEEL | $ 370.00 |
| Sleeve Type Shaft | 4140 | $ 375.00 |
| Shaft Sleeve | 316 | $ 265.00 |
| Locknut, Bearing | STEEL | $ 15.00 |
| Radial Bearing – IB | STEEL | $ 120.00 |
| Labyrinth Seal (Outboard) | BRONZE | $ 350.00 |
| Labyrinth Seal (Inboard) | BRONZE | $ 390.00 |
| Casing Gasket – 10″ | TEF | $ 50.00 |
| Gasket, Frame/Adapter | BUNA | $ 20.00 |
| Gland Gasket | TEF | $ 10.00 |
| Snap Ring, Bearing | STEEL | $ 35.00 |
| Lockwasher, Bearing | STEEL | $ 5.00 |
| O-ring, Impeller | TEF | $ 10.00 |
| O-ring, Bearing Housing / Frame | BUNA | $ 5.00 |
| 2.5 Hours Labor (Teardown, evaluation, & rebuild) | $ 2,020.00 $ 500.00 | |
| TOTAL | $ 2,520.00 |
This compares favorably with the price for a complete new pump: CURFLO G-Line 2×3-10 CD4 pump w/ Big Bore Stuffing Box = $11,300.
For this example, it probably makes sense to rebuild the unit, and get it quickly back into service.
For Example 2, let’s assume that your pump is a bit older and is showing wear to the stuffing box and impeller, requiring a more significant rebuild.
| Description | Material | LIST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Rebuild Components from Example 1 | $ 2,020.00 | |
| Impeller 2X3-10 MTX | CD4 | $ 900.00 |
| Sleeve Type Shaft | 4140 | $ 375.00 |
| Shaft Sleeve | 316 | $ 265.00 |
| Cover 10″ Big Bore MTX | CD4 | $ 2,205.00 |
| MTX-10″ Adapter | DCI | $ 770.00 |
| Mechanical Seal Gland Big Bore | CD4 | $ 625.00 |
| Gasket, Frame/Adapter | BUNA | $ 20.00 |
| Gland Gasket | TEF | $ 10.00 |
| 3.5 Hours Labor (Teardown, evaluation, & rebuild) | $ 7,190.00 $ 700.00 | |
| TOTAL | $ 7,890.00 |
In this example, you are looking at a much more significant investment in time and expense to rebuild this older unit. In fact, you are already spending 70% of the price of a brand-new unit at $11,300. In this case, the wiser choice is to replace this unit. When you factor in time spent by thinly stretched maintenance teams and the likelihood of more frequent future repairs, full pump replacement makes sense.
As you can see, the decision to repair or replace ANSI pumps depends on a combination of immediate costs and long-term benefits. Repairing may be a viable short-term solution for minor issues, especially if the pump is relatively new and in good condition. However, if the pump is older or has experienced significant wear, replacement might offer better value through enhanced efficiency and reduced future maintenance costs.
Facilities should carefully evaluate both options, considering the financial implications and the operational impact of downtime and performance. Consulting with a knowledgeable Maintenance Technician or Engineer can provide insights to help make an informed decision that balances cost with operational efficiency and reliability.
