Analysis of the impact of the FMEA method on reducing failure rate and increasing the reliability of SCP pumps

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact of implementing preventive maintenance procedures based on the FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) method on the failure rate and reliability of split-case centrifugal pumps (SCP pumps). The research was conducted under real industrial operating conditions on an SCP pump used in a district heating system. The methodological approach included the collection of data on failures, downtime, and repair time over a period of six months before and six months after the implementation of preventive maintenance procedures. By applying the FMEA method, significant failure modes of key pump components were identified, risk assessment was performed using SOD parameters (Severity, Occurrence, Detection), and the Risk Priority Number (RPN) was determined. Based on the obtained results, targeted preventive maintenance procedures were defined and implemented. The results indicate a significant reduction in RPN values, a decrease in the number of failures and total downtime, as well as an increase in MTBF and a reduction in MTTR, confirming the effectiveness of the FMEA method in improving the reliability of SCP pumps.