“Troubleshooting Centrifugal Pump Field Problems” by Robert Xavier Perez
Centrifugal pumps are the workhorses of modern industry—valued for their simplicity, efficiency, and reliability. Yet even the best-designed pumps can experience issues caused by wear, installation errors, or complex system interactions. In his latest book, Troubleshooting Centrifugal Pump Field Problems, veteran engineer Robert Xavier Perez delivers a practical, experience-driven guide to diagnosing and resolving real-world pump challenges.
Drawing from more than 40 years in the petrochemical industry, Perez explains why traditional troubleshooting matrices often fail to address the complexities of field problems. Instead, he introduces a methodical approach that combines observation, analysis, and iterative testing to pinpoint root causes accurately. The book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of how to identify symptoms such as high vibration, low flow, or temperature abnormalities—and the engineering logic behind each corrective step.
“Troubleshooting is as much an art as it is a science,” Perez notes. “It requires mechanical intuition, system knowledge, and a disciplined process for identifying the most probable causes.”
With detailed examples and case studies, Troubleshooting Centrifugal Pump Field Problems is an invaluable reference for engineers, maintenance professionals, and anyone responsible for maintaining reliable rotating equipment.
About the Author
Robert Xavier Perez is a mechanical engineer with more than four decades of experience in rotating equipment across refineries, chemical plants, and gas processing facilities. He holds a BSME from Texas A&M University and an MSME from the University of Texas at Austin, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas. Perez has authored or coauthored nine books and served as technical editor for numerous industry publications.
Availability:
Troubleshooting Centrifugal Pump Field Problems is available now on Amazon
Tune in to the Empowering Industry Podcast to hear Robert Perez discuss his new book and approach to troubleshooting pump problems: https://empoweringpumps.com/podcast/40-years-of-engineering-insight-from-the-field-with-robert-perez/
