When a pump is not producing full capacity flow, what is one thing you can check?

When a pump is not producing full capacity flow, checking the suction screens is a crucial diagnostic step. Suction screens are designed to filter out debris and particulates from the fluid before it enters the pump. If these screens become clogged or dirty, they can significantly restrict the flow of fluid into the pump, leading to reduced capacity and performance issues. Assessing the condition of the suction screens can provide immediate insights into potential blockages that could be affecting the pump's ability to operate at its intended flow rate.

Other factors such as fluid temperature may influence pump performance but are generally not the first thing to check when addressing flow issues. Impeller size is typically set for the pump's design and may not be changed during regular maintenance. Pump speed, while important, is less likely to be a direct cause of flow reduction unless adjustments have been made. Therefore, checking suction screens is a practical and effective first step in troubleshooting flow capacity issues with a pump.