Digital Inspection of XG 10/8 Gravel Pump: Fast Fault Localization with Handheld Thermal Imaging and Vibration Spectrum

Subtitle: Non‑stop, 30‑minute inspection – thermal imaging identifies overheating, vibration spectrum distinguishes unbalance/misalignment/bearing faults, and creates a digital inspection archive

Introduction

The XG 10/8 gravel pump (250mm discharge, 200mm inlet) is widely used in river sand mining, reclamation, and tailings transport – applications with large particles and high abrasion. These pumps run continuously for long periods, and the condition of key components such as bearings, mechanical seals, and impellers directly affects operational safety. Traditional inspections rely on “touch, listen, and look” – highly subjective and unable to detect early faults.

Hebei Xingou Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd. has developed a low‑cost, easy‑to‑implement digital inspection solution using a handheld thermal imager and a smartphone‑based FFT vibration analyzer. It can complete a full “health check” of an XG 10/8 gravel pump without stopping it in about 30 minutes. This article describes the key points of thermal imaging and vibration spectrum analysis, typical fault patterns, and the inspection report template.

1. Advantages of Digital Inspection

2. Tools Required

3. Thermal Imaging: Quickly Locate Overheating Areas

3.1 Inspection Points and Normal Temperatures

3.2 Typical Thermal Patterns

4. Vibration Spectrum Analysis: Distinguish Unbalance, Misalignment, and Bearing Faults

4.1 Measurement Points

4.2 Typical Spectrum Patterns

4.3 Bearing Fault Frequencies (Example)

Actual frequencies depend on bearing type and speed; use dedicated apps for calculation.

5. Digital Inspection Procedure

6. Case Study: Digital Inspection at a Sand Mining Site

Background: An XG 10/8 gravel pump had run for about 4,000 hours; operators noticed a slight increase in vibration. Hebei Xingou Machinery performed a digital inspection.

Thermal findings: Drive end bearing housing 78°C (warning threshold 75°C); other points normal.

Vibration findings: Horizontal vibration at drive end 4.2 mm/s; spectrum dominated by 1X (unbalance signature), low 2X.

Diagnosis: Possible slight impeller unbalance. The elevated bearing temperature may be caused by additional load from the unbalance.

Recommendation: Check impeller balance at next major overhaul; inspect bearing lubrication.

Result: During overhaul, a small mass eccentricity was found on the impeller (from a previous hardfacing repair). After re‑balancing, vibration dropped to 2.1 mm/s and bearing temperature fell to 62°C.

7. Establishing a Digital Inspection Archive

Conclusion

Digital inspection of the XG 10/8 gravel pump requires only a handheld thermal imager and a vibration spectrum analysis tool. It can quickly locate early faults such as bearing overheating, impeller unbalance, coupling misalignment, and bearing wear – all without stopping the pump. By establishing a monthly digital inspection archive and trend management, maintenance shifts from reactive to predictive, significantly reducing the risk of unexpected downtime. Hebei Xingou Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd. offers digital inspection training and sensor selection services. Please contact us.