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Case Study

Chilled Water Pump Repair: Bearing and Mechanical Seal Overhaul at the Guildhall, London

Site

Guildhall, London

Job Type

Reactive Maintenance and Pump Overhaul

Equipment

40kW Vertical Inline Chilled Water Pump

Components

Motor Bearings & Mechanical Seal Assembly

Testing

Hand & auto mode, vibrations, noise & pressure monitoring

BACKGROUND

The Challenge

Aquaflow Services was called out to the Guildhall in London to carry out a planned overhaul of a 40kW vertical inline chilled water pump showing signs of deteriorating performance. Chilled water pump reliability is critical in a building of this scale and heritage, any prolonged failure risks disruption to comfort cooling systems and the wider building services infrastructure that supports the day-to-day operations.

The scope of work required a full pump motor overhaul: replacement of the existing motor bearings and mechanical seal assembly, inspection of all internal components for wear or damage and full recommissioning of the chilled water system following reinstatement. With sensitive plant room operations and occupied areas of the building to consider, our engineers planned the work carefully to ensure minimal disruption and a clear, single-attendance return to service.

OUR APPROACH

Our Solution

Step 01
Safe Isolation & LOTO
Before any work commended, the chilled water pump and all associated electrical supplies were isolated in full accordance with lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures. Pump suction and discharge pipework was isolated and drained down, creating a safe working environment for the removal of the pump and motor assembly.
Step 02
Disconnection & Removal
Electrical connections, gauges and ancillary components were carefully disconnected. Suitable lifting equipment and confirmed lifting points were used to extract the approximately 40kW vertical inline pump motor assembly from the pump casing. The assembly was then transported to a suitable working area within the plant room to allow overhaul works to proceed safely.
Step 03
Strip Down & Inspection
The pump assembly was stripped down and the existing motor bearings and mechanical seal components were removed. Our engineers carried out a detailed inspection of the pump shaft, seal faces, coupling arrangement and bearing housings, checking for signs of wear, overheating or damage that could affect long-term performance following reinstatement.
Step 04
Component Replacement & Rebuild
New motor bearings and a replacement mechanical seal assembly were supplied and fitted. All mating faces and internal components were thoroughly cleaned prior to reassembly. The pump was rebuilt and shaft rotation and alignment tolerances were verified before reinstatement. All disturbed gaskets, seals and consumable components were replaced as a matter of course.
Step 05
Reinstatement & Recommissioning
The pump motor assembly was reinstalled onto the existing pump casing and all electrical and mechanical services were reconnected. The chilled water system was reinstated, air was vented from the pump body and the system was refilled as required. Operational testing was carried out in both hand and automatic modes to confirm correct pump rotation, stable operation and a fully leak-free performance.
Step 06
Post-Commissioning Monitoring
Following recommissioning, our engineers monitored vibration levels, noice and running pressures to confirm satisfactory operation of the chilled water system before signing off and handing back to site.
chilled water pump - Aquaflow Services
chilled water pump - Aquaflow Services
chilled water pump - Aquaflow Services
chilled water pump - Aquaflow Services

RESULTS

Outcomes at a Glance

Attendance

Single visit. Same attendance return to service.

Safety

Full LOTO procedures implemented throughout all stages of work.

Components

New motor bearings and mechanical seal assembly supplied and installed.

Inspection

Shaft, seal faces, coupling and bearing housings all inspected and confirmed serviceable.

Testing

Hand and auto mode confirmed. Correct rotation, stable operation and zero leaks.

Verification

Vibration, noise and running pressures monitored and confirmed satisfactory post-commissioning.

The Outcome

The chilled water pump at the Guildhall was fully overhauled and returned to stable, reliable service in a single attendance. A methodical approach to isolation, strip-down, inspection and rebuild meant that all potential failure points were identified and addressed before reinstatement – reducing the risk of repeat callouts and protecting the long-term reliability of the buildings chilled water system. The site was handed back fully operational, with no defects identified at sign-off.

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About Aquaflow Services

Specialist Pump Repair & Mechanical Services Engineers

Aquaflow Services specialise in the maintenance, repair and commissioning of commercial and industrial pumping systems across London and the South. Our engineers are experienced in chilled water pump repair, hot water systems, boosted cold water and a wide range of building services plant, carrying comprehensive stock of components to diagnose and resolve failures efficiently.

From reactive callouts to planned preventative maintenance, we provide a professional, reliable service that keeps building services operational and minimises disruption to occupied premises. All work is carried out to current industry standards, manufacturer specifications and relevant safe working procedures.

Need a Chilled Water Pump Repaired or Overhauled?

If you're experiencing performance issues, leaks or breakdowns with your chilled water pumps, Aquaflow Services can help.

Our experienced engineers provide reactive repairs, planned maintenance and specialist mechanical services for commercial buildings across London and the South East.

Get in touch today to discuss your requirements.

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