Minute distortions transmit huge loads, which, in turn, cause distortions and relative movement between the pump s internal components. Together, these changes can do a great deal of harm leaky seals, hot bearings failing prematurely, and broken couplings. Then the discord begins. In the meantime, the maintenance department spends thousands of dollars in replacement parts and re-installation costs, and the plant loses millions of dollars in lost production. Actually, no one is intentionally trying to do a poor job.
Conflicting goals are usually at the heart of piping problems.
The project manager wants the job completed on schedule and within budget. The production manager has a production target to meet. And the design firm wants to complete the job, get closure and start the next contract. This generates conflicting signals and marching orders. Clearly, something important is missed in the process.