If you rely on liquid handling equipment like centrifugal pumps, cam lever couplings, or Easy-Fill™ Valves, regular maintenance is key to system longevity and leak-free performance. Production downtime from equipment failure can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per hour. Banjo, the trusted brand in liquid handling since 1959, designs products made for those who can't afford problems.
Best Practices for Maintaining Liquid Handling Equipment
1. Choose the Right Seal Material
Seal compatibility is critical. EPDM works well with water-based chemicals, FKM excels under high temperatures and petroleum-based fluids, while BUNA-N is ideal for oils and hydrocarbons. Always consult Banjo's chemical compatibility chart before choosing a seal.
2. Don’t Run Your Centrifugal Pump Dry
Centrifugal pump maintenance starts with proper operation. Banjo’s wet seal technology helps to protect the seal in the event of an accidental dry run, but priming is still crucial. Always ensure your pump is filled before startup to avoid ceramic seal damage.
3. Inspect and Clean Your Strainers Regularly
A clogged 1'' strainer restricts flow, reduces efficiency, and increases pump stress. Clean strainers regularly and replace them if mesh integrity is compromised.
4. Monitor Valve Wear and Replace Early
Valves, like Banjo’s Stainless Steel Valves, are workhorses but even they require monitoring. Look for signs of wear such as handle resistance, leakage, or degraded seal performance. Replacing components proactively reduces unscheduled downtime.
5. Tighten Smart, Not Hard
Over-tightening bulkhead tank fittings can strip threads or deform gaskets. Follow torque specs closely—for example, TF220 bulkheads call for 70-90 ft-lbs.
6. Use Proper Sealants—Never Pipe Tape
Banjo strongly advises against using pipe tape, which can over-expand male threads and cause female fittings to split. Instead, use a proper soft-set thread sealant like Tru-Blu or No. 21, which are designed to provide a flexible, leak-proof seal without damaging components.
7. Check Your Couplings and Connections
Cam lever couplings wear over time. Regularly inspect the material integrity for gasket wear or fit looseness. Proactively replacing a worn coupling avoids system leaks and chemical spills.
The True Costs of Worn-Down Equipment
Leaking or failing liquid handling equipment isn’t just messy. It costs real money:
- Direct Costs: Chemical loss, damaged components, emergency part orders
- Indirect Costs: Downtime, crop loss, environmental compliance issues
An example: A clogged 1'' strainer starves a pump of flow, causing seal damage and downstream valve failure, starting a domino effect costing hours in repairs.
Banjo’s manifold flange connections change the game. These gasket-and-clamp systems eliminate threading altogether and provide a robust, leak-resistant connection that’s purpose-built for demanding applications.
Why Professionals Trust Banjo
With over 65 years of experience, Banjo is the standard in durable, chemical-resistant, and easy-to-service fluid systems. From our Easy-Fill™ valves to Dry-Mate® Dry-Disconnects, every product is engineered for uptime.
Banjo's lineup includes 2,500+ SKUs, all backed by industry-leading support and proudly made in the USA.
Quick Maintenance Checklist
- Inspect centrifugal pumps monthly for wear, leaks, or unusual vibration.
- Clean 1″ strainers every 10 operating hours to prevent flow restriction and pump stress.
- Check cam lever couplings weekly for material fatigue, gasket wear, or loose fit.
- Replace valve seals annually or at the first sign of leakage or handle resistance.
- Use proper sealants—Tru-Blu or No. 21 are recommended; never pipe tape.
- Follow torque specs for bulkhead tank fittings (e.g., TF220: 70–90 ft-lbs) to avoid gasket deformation or thread damage.
Don’t Wait for Failure. Optimize with Banjo
Reliability starts with the right equipment and routine maintenance. Upgrade your system with Banjo components built to last.
Need parts? Download the Banjo Catalog
Need support? Contact the Banjo Team
