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The principal difficulties encountered with steam pumps are not generally due to improper steam distribution, but to wear, as may be seen; hence by inspecting pumps at regular intervals many unpleasant occurrences and accidents can be avoided.
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The steam pipe leading to a pump should be so arranged that the water of condensation, while the pump is idle, may not pass through the steam chest and cylinders, and wash off the lubricating oil. Drip cocks should be attached to steam pipes and all large pipes should have separators and steam traps.
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Pumps that are generally operated at moderately high speeds and with high lifts may be made to work more smoothly by placing a vacuum chamber on the suction pipe.
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Valves in the suction pipe should have the stems carefully packed and kept tight; air leaks in valve stem stuffing-boxes are too often overlooked.
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Stoppage of the suction pipes or chamber is generally indicated by a jerky action and pounding of the plungers or water pistons, while a dull thud at the ends of the stroke is more often due to a lack of air in the air chamber, or when the speed is high, to a lack of capacity in the air chamber.