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Forward-Thinking Companies are Outsourcing Pump Maintenance to Keep Up with New Technology

Announcement posted by Pump Solutions Australasia 01 Aug 2017

Importer and provider of maintenance for pumps in Australia reveals why in-house maintenance isn’t always enough to keep even the finest pumps running smoothly.
Perth, WA, 31 July 2017 - Mining operations, wastewater treatment plants and other enterprises with large pumping systems usually have in-house maintenance personnel who maintain the pumps in addition to their other duties. Years ago, before technology began to advance on an exponential level, performing maintenance in house was seen as good business.

For many older pumps, a good maintenance man or mechanic with a standard set of tools could keep them operational according to their company standards. However, in today's era of advanced technology, it takes specialised knowledge and specialised tools to properly maintain pumping systems.

As with any technological advance, there is a trade-off. Modern machinery is more efficient and can run for longer with less down time than older equipment. However, the days of a mechanic with a set of wrenches being able to keep everything operating smoothly are in the rearview mirror for most companies.

Maintenance has gone through three phases: reactive, preventative and predictive. In the beginning, most maintenance was reactive. When equipment broke down, the maintenance people would scramble to fix it. If they couldn't fix it themselves, they would call someone who could or they would replace the equipment.

The next phase was preventative maintenance, where equipment was maintained on a regular basis until it broke down when it was then repaired or replaced.

Today however, most maintenance is predictive maintenance. Not only is machinery maintained on a regular basis, it is also repaired or replaced before it breaks down. In addition, the maintenance is more specialised and can keep equipment running longer than it used to.

The problem with predictive maintenance on modern pumping systems is that it can no longer be performed by the average maintenance crew in any given operation. Similar to Automotive Maintenance, pump system maintenance now requires an extremely specialised skill set and specialised tools. This is beyond the reach of most in-house maintenance crews.

Mike Hurlbatt is the owner of Pump Solutions Australasia, an importer and maintenance provider for pumps and pumping systems in Australia. According to Mr Hurlbatt:

“Modern technology has made it almost impossible for most operations to keep their pump maintenance in-house. The technology has changed so much that it now takes people who specialise in pumps, motors, seals, and valves to properly maintain and repair any modern pumping system. The knowledge is highly specialised and the tools are highly specialised. Many of the pumps have become computerised as well. This provides the utmost in efficiency and safety, but it tends to take an old school maintenance person out of the game.”


Mr Hurlbatt concluded: “The pumping system breakdown can cost thousands or even millions of dollars in the wrong situation. It simply isn't worth the risk any more to handle pump maintenance in-house. Call pump specialists and let them take care of your pumping systems. It can save you a lot of money, effort and time.”

Pump Solutions Australia is an importer of pumps in Australia. They offer a full menu of maintenance and repair services for pumps and pumping systems of all sizes. They pride themselves on providing solutions instead of just selling pumps. They were pioneers in the vacuum pump engineering field, creating the system that transports fish at the Geraldton Fish Market from the ships to the docks. To learn more, call 1300 793 418 or visit their website: http://www.pumpsolutions.com.au/.