DXPeople Success Story: A Big Problem Calls for A Technical Solution
Jeremy was confident in the ability of Predict-Plus to perform. But to prove this to the customer, Jeremy arranged for DXP to loan out two modules to test on their equipment. These two modules were installed on one pump that was mounted side-by-side with a pump that had the more traditional Metrix vibration sensors. Over a two-month trial period, Jeremy and the Director of Technology for DXP, Samuel Wick, had several meetings with the customer team to discuss the Predict-Cloud and how to use the software.
During the testing period, our Predict-Plus modules alerted early to increasing vibration that saved the pump from a catastrophic failure. The warnings were given with plenty of time to repair the pump by simply replacing bearings. During the same testing period, the Metrix probes also alerted to high vibration, but not early enough to prevent significant damage to the shaft and seals. Not only did the Metrix-monitored pump develop a seal leak, but the damage to the shaft was severe enough to merit a complete shaft replacement. We are happy to announce that the customer is very pleased with the performance of Predict-Plus and the massive repair cost they avoided thanks to early detection.
Option 1: The Reactive Approach
Emergency shut down the pumps and stop the flow. This would send an alarm to the field operator that the unit was down. The downside to this option is possible equipment damage upstream of the booster pump.
Option 2: The Semi Proactive Approach
Mount a Metrix vibration transmitter on the pumps that would wire directly into a PLC panel and prompt an alarm when vibration exceeded a set point. The issue with this approach is that the data would only be going to the panel and could not be viewed remotely. It would require expensive field wiring and automation programming to allow remote viewing or alarms.
Option 3: The Fully Proactive Approach
Use the stand-alone device, Predict-Plus, to gather triaxial vibration and temperature monitoring. Predict-Plus sends field operators proactive alerts when pumps first show early signs of failure. The challenge was convincing the customer that the new technology was well worth the investment and was nothing like their previous system that they had a bad experience with.
The Ultimate Solution
Jeremy was confident in the ability of Predict-Plus to perform. But to prove this to the customer, Jeremy arranged for DXP to loan out two modules to test on their equipment. Over a two-month trial period, Jeremy and the Director of Technology for DXP, Samuel Wick, had several meetings with the customer team to discuss the Predict-Cloud and how to use the software.
During the testing period, our Predict-Plus modules prevented two catastrophic failures. The warnings were given with plenty of time to repair the pump by simply replacing bearings. We are happy to announce that the customer is very pleased with the performance of our product.
Since then, Jeremy and his team have gotten orders for 35 additional Predict-Plus units. The customer believes the sensors have already paid for themselves by preventing countless failures and spills in the field. Additionally, they have requested that the Predict-Plus be added to any quotes for new pump packages for their sites in the future. Needless to say, Jeremy’s efforts led to significant cost savings and lasting improvements in the customer’s operations.
Trust DXP with Critical Pump Needs
DXP is proud to have pump experts like Jeremy on our team. With over 100 years of experience in the rotating equipment industry, we can confidently assure our customers that we have the perfect solution to whatever they need. Give us a challenge, and we will deliver—because at DXP, your business is our number one priority.
Contact DXP today for more information about how our comprehensive pump solutions can improve your operations.