Flowserve FLEX 6300 - 8 Troubleshooting Guide

FLEX User Instruction – 21TEM14546 EN
Page 33 of 43
8 Troubleshooting Guide
The following table provides useful guidance on troubleshooting the FLEX energy recovery
device. This guide is meant to cover the most common problems that might occur. If situations
outside this scope are encountered, and experienced operators and maintenance personnel
are unable to remedy the situation, please consult with Flowserve’s field service department.
Table 6: Troubleshooting recommendations
SCENARIO
CAUSES
REMEDIES
Excessive sound levels
Backpressure below
minimum requirement
Increase feedwater system backpressure
by adjusting valve on brine out flow
Flow rate too high
Reduce flow rates
Add units in parallel to increase total
system capacity
Air in system
Bleed air
Unit or cartridge installed
upside down
Verify the unit has been installed in the
correct orientation with port labels
matching system pipe services.
Dismantle unit and check for proper
cartridge orientation: seawater end cover
on the same side as seawater vessel.
Damaged cartridge
Replace cartridge or entire unit
Excessive high pressure
High pressure pump flow is
too high
Adjust pump flow rate
High salinity in high pressure
feedwater
See scenario below
High salinity in high
pressure feedwater
Unbalanced flow
Check and balance system flow rates.
Increase feedwater flow to reduce mixing.
Stalled rotor
See scenario below
Stalled rotor
(no measurable or
audible rotation)
Foreign debris, scaling, or
biological growth in device
Flush the device and system with fresh
water. Disassemble, remove debris, and
clean components. Replace cartridge or
unit if damaged by foreign debris.
High pressure is above rated
maximum
Reduce system pressure
Feedwater flow is below
minimum
Increase feedwater flow
Insufficient lubrication flow
across bearing surfaces
Increase high pressure to provide
lubrication to rotor bearing surfaces
Cartridge rotated inside
vessel
Disassemble unit, replace O-rings,
reassemble unit with proper cartridge
orientation in vessels.
Excessive leakage flow
(HP feedwater flow
significantly lower than
HP brine flow)
Worn or damaged
clearances
Replace cartridge or unit
Damaged end cover or
balance pocket O-rings
Replace damaged O-rings
Cartridge rotated inside
vessel
Disassemble unit, replace O-rings,
reassemble unit with proper cartridge
orientation in vessels.