Frequently Asked Questions

In the BBA Pumps Oil Change Overview, you will find a complete overview of the recommended oil types, fill quantities and oil change intervals for the most common BBA pumps.

Although BBA Pumps works with different brands of diesel engines, the error codes are largely universal.

The Support Document Engine Related Errors provides a clear overview of SPN (Suspect Parameter Numbers) codes. In such cases you should contact a certified person trained to work safely on high-pressure common rail diesel engines.

This depends on a number of factors, such as the contents of the suction hose (length & diameter) and also the capacity of the vacuum system. If there are no leaks in the non-return valve or suction hose, the pump will quickly draw in liquid. See this short video priming with MP50 vacuum pump.

BBA Pumps uses three different composite doors for its sound attenuated canopies. In the Door dimensions overview you will find all sizes for applying your company logo.  

Yes, all standard models of the mobile BBA pumps are ready to be mounted on a trailer.
In the overview Connect Your Pump to a Trailer, you will find all the sizes you need for a traffic-safe pump trailer combination.

In the BBA Pumps Tightening Torques Overview, you will find the tightening torques of the most common bolted connections of BA centrifugal pumps and of the vacuum system.

The main answer to this is that a PT piston pump has been specially developed for well pointing, making it much cheaper to achieve a dry construction pit.

We have listed all the advantages for you in the document PT piston pump versus BA dry self-priming centrifugal pump.

Yes, for a number of BA models, BBA Pumps has 316 stainless steel castings available. See the Stainless steel overview for more information.

You can always contact our Service Team. If you first want to try to resolve the fault yourself, please see the Practical tips in the BA troubleshooting table.

Troubleshooting table – BA series vacuum assisted pumps

WARNING
In the event of a malfunction or abnormal operation, shut off the pump immediately to prevent a dangerous situation and/or damage to the unit. Below a list of “possible causes” with suggestions how you can easily solve the issue

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
No flow while the pump and drive are running	There is a leak in the suction pipe	Eliminate the leak
	The suction pipe or strainer is clogged	Clean the suction line
	Inlet of the suction pipe is insufficiently submerged	Submerge the suction line more deeply
	Air pockets form in the suction line	Eliminate air entrapment to the extent possible
	Vacuum pump does not draw	Inspect the condition of the vacuum pump
	Non-return valve is not closing sufficiently	Inspect the non-return valve most likely it is clogged
	Coupling between motor and pump is defective	Replace the coupling
Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Insufficient flow while the pump and drive are running	There is a leak in the suction pipe	Eliminate the leak
	The suction pipe or strainer is clogged	Clean the suction line
	A vortex appears in the water close to the inlet of the suction pipe	Submerge the suction line more deeply or use the space hopper (skippy ball) method
	The wear plate/ring is worn out	Adjust or replace the wear parts
	Foreign object in the impeller	Clean the impeller
	The impeller is damaged	Replace the impeller
	Gas or air is released from the liquid	Ensure that the liquid flows more slowly/smoothly
	Pump speed is too low	Increase diesel engine RPM or motor speed (VFD)
	Incorrect direction of rotation (only electric drive pumps)	Reverse direction of rotation (only electric drive pumps)
Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Cavitation noise in the pump	Suction height is exceeding the NPSHr of the pump	Contact us to discuss the options
	Poor suction pipe installation	Check the BBA Pumps Installation Tips on the website or in the manual
	Velocity in the suction line is too high	Recommendation maximum 4 m/s
	Gas or air is released from the liquid	Ensure that the liquid flows more slowly/smoothly into the pump
	Pump is running too far from BEP in the performance curve	Check the specification sheet or performance curves of the pump unit
Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Pump is demanding abnormal amount of power (drive is overloaded)	Pump speed is too high	Decrease diesel engine RPM or motor speed (VFD)
	Incorrect direction of rotation (only electric drive pumps)	Reverse direction of rotation (only electric drive pumps)
	The shafts are not in alignment with one another	Align the unit
	Rotating parts are rubbing against stationary parts	Adjust everything and align if necessary
	Inadequate lubrication or insufficient lubricant in the bearing housing, possibly as a result of a leak; can be identified by higher than normal temperature	Follow good service plan
	In this application the pump is not functioning in the intended range	Make changes to the piping system, if possible Otherwise: use a different type of pump
	The liquid has a higher s.g. or viscosity than that for which the pump is intended	Change temperature of liquid, if possible. Otherwise: use a different type of pump

You can of course always contact our Service Team or the local BBA Pumps distributor. If you first want to try to resolve the fault yourself, please see the Practical tips in the PT troubleshooting table.

Diesel Driven BBA Pumps with liquid-cooled engines are developed for use in ambient temperatures up to 48 °C. If the temperature drops below freezing, we recommend draining the pump. For pumps in cold areas, BBA Pumps has a Cold Climate Package option. (Not available for all models.)