Frequently Asked Questions
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Oil change information. What type of oil should I use for my BBA pump, and what is the oil fill quantity?
In the BBA Pumps Oil Change Overview, you will find a complete overview of the recommended oil types, fill quantities and oil change intervals for the most common BBA pumps.
Engine related error codes. I see an engine error code on the display of my pump. What does it mean?
Although BBA Pumps works with different brands of diesel engines, the error codes are largely universal.
The Support Document Engine Related Errors provides a clear overview of SPN (Suspect Parameter Numbers) codes. In such cases you should contact a certified person trained to work safely on high-pressure common rail diesel engines.
The Support Document Engine Related Errors provides a clear overview of SPN (Suspect Parameter Numbers) codes. In such cases you should contact a certified person trained to work safely on high-pressure common rail diesel engines.
Priming with vacuum system. How fast does a pump equipped with a vacuum system draw liquids?
This depends on a number of factors, such as the contents of the suction hose (length & diameter) and also the capacity of the vacuum system. If there are no leaks in the non-return valve or suction hose, the pump will quickly draw in liquid. See this short video priming with MP50 vacuum pump.
Dimensions composite doors. What are the dimensions of the composite doors for applying company logo stickers?
BBA Pumps uses three different composite doors for its sound attenuated canopies. In the Door dimensions overview you will find all sizes for applying your company logo.
Connect your pump to a trailer. Can I mount my BBA pump on a trailer, and what are the frame sizes?
Yes, all standard models of the mobile BBA pumps are ready to be mounted on a trailer.
In the overview Connect Your Pump to a Trailer, you will find all the sizes you need for a traffic-safe pump trailer combination.
In the overview Connect Your Pump to a Trailer, you will find all the sizes you need for a traffic-safe pump trailer combination.
What tightening torques should I use for my BA centrifugal pump and MP vacuum pump?
In the BBA Pumps Tightening Torques Overview, you will find the tightening torques of the most common bolted connections of BA centrifugal pumps and of the vacuum system.
Which pump for well pointing. What are the advantages of wellpointing with a PT piston pump compared to a BA vacuum-assisted centrifugal pump?
The main answer to this is that a PT piston pump has been specially developed for well pointing, making it much cheaper to achieve a dry construction pit.
We have listed all the advantages for you in the document PT piston pump versus BA dry self-priming centrifugal pump.
We have listed all the advantages for you in the document PT piston pump versus BA dry self-priming centrifugal pump.
Stainless steel BA pumps. Can a BA pump also be supplied in stainless steel?
Yes, for a number of BA models, BBA Pumps has 316 stainless steel castings available. See the Stainless steel overview for more information.
Troubleshooting table BA series. My BA vacuum assisted pump is suffering from a technical fault, what can I do?
You can always contact our Service Team. If you first want to try to resolve the fault yourself, please see the Practical tips in the BA troubleshooting table.
In the event of a malfunction or abnormal operation, shut off the pump immediately to prevent a dangerous situation and/or damage to the unit. Below a list of “possible causes” with suggestions how you can easily solve the issue
Troubleshooting table – BA series vacuum assisted pumps
WARNINGIn the event of a malfunction or abnormal operation, shut off the pump immediately to prevent a dangerous situation and/or damage to the unit. Below a list of “possible causes” with suggestions how you can easily solve the issue
Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
No flow while the pump and drive are running | There is a leak in the suction pipe | Eliminate the leak |
The suction pipe or strainer is clogged | Clean the suction line | |
Inlet of the suction pipe is insufficiently submerged | Submerge the suction line more deeply | |
Air pockets form in the suction line | Eliminate air entrapment to the extent possible | |
Vacuum pump does not draw | Inspect the condition of the vacuum pump | |
Non-return valve is not closing sufficiently | Inspect the non-return valve most likely it is clogged | |
Coupling between motor and pump is defective | Replace the coupling | |
Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
Insufficient flow while the pump and drive are running | There is a leak in the suction pipe | Eliminate the leak |
The suction pipe or strainer is clogged | Clean the suction line | |
A vortex appears in the water close to the inlet of the suction pipe | Submerge the suction line more deeply or use the space hopper (skippy ball) method | |
The wear plate/ring is worn out | Adjust or replace the wear parts | |
Foreign object in the impeller | Clean the impeller | |
The impeller is damaged | Replace the impeller | |
Gas or air is released from the liquid | Ensure that the liquid flows more slowly/smoothly | |
Pump speed is too low | Increase diesel engine RPM or motor speed (VFD) | |
Incorrect direction of rotation (only electric drive pumps) | Reverse direction of rotation (only electric drive pumps) | |
Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
Cavitation noise in the pump | Suction height is exceeding the NPSHr of the pump | Contact us to discuss the options |
Poor suction pipe installation | Check the BBA Pumps Installation Tips on the website or in the manual | |
Velocity in the suction line is too high | Recommendation maximum 4 m/s | |
Gas or air is released from the liquid | Ensure that the liquid flows more slowly/smoothly into the pump | |
Pump is running too far from BEP in the performance curve | Check the specification sheet or performance curves of the pump unit | |
Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
Pump is demanding abnormal amount of power (drive is overloaded) | Pump speed is too high | Decrease diesel engine RPM or motor speed (VFD) |
Incorrect direction of rotation (only electric drive pumps) | Reverse direction of rotation (only electric drive pumps) | |
The shafts are not in alignment with one another | Align the unit | |
Rotating parts are rubbing against stationary parts | Adjust everything and align if necessary | |
Inadequate lubrication or insufficient lubricant in the bearing housing, possibly as a result of a leak; can be identified by higher than normal temperature | Follow good service plan | |
In this application the pump is not functioning in the intended range | Make changes to the piping system, if possible Otherwise: use a different type of pump | |
The liquid has a higher s.g. or viscosity than that for which the pump is intended | Change temperature of liquid, if possible. Otherwise: use a different type of pump |
Troubleshooting table PT series. My PT wellpoint pump is suffering from a technical fault, what can I do?
You can of course always contact our Service Team or the local BBA Pumps distributor. If you first want to try to resolve the fault yourself, please see the Practical tips in the PT troubleshooting table.
Ambient temperatures (min-max). What are the minimum and maximum temperatures at which a BBA pump can run?
Diesel Driven BBA Pumps with liquid-cooled engines are developed for use in ambient temperatures up to 48 °C. If the temperature drops below freezing, we recommend draining the pump. For pumps in cold areas, BBA Pumps has a Cold Climate Package option. (Not available for all models.)