Low NPSH process pumps solve instability problems in fuel-grade ethanol plant
South Point Ethanol, one of the nation's largest producers of denatured ethyl alcohol for blending with motor fuels, encountered severe instability problems with certain pumps when the plant in South Point, Ohio went on-stream in September 1982. The ethanol is produced by fermenting the starch in cooked corn and other grains. Two 4 x 3'' centrifugal pumps with 13'' casing and 11'' impellers were originally installed to transfer the 185/sup 0/F slurry of cooked grain, or mash, through a series of coolers and into the fermenters. The single stage pumps were driven by 3600 rpm motors to provide flow rates to 600 gpm and up to 480' tdh, but developed instability problems due to the high tip speed of the 11'' impellers. The pumps transferring the degassed beer were replaced with pumps which feature a semi-open reverse vane impeller that is specifically designed to minimize stuffing box pressure and provide superior performance when operating at very low net positive suction head (NPSH) with volatile and near-boiling fluids. Two 6 x 4 x 10'' pumps with the reverse vane, low NPSH impeller were purchased to replace the 4 x 3 x 13'' mash transfer pumps that had to be overhauled about once a week. The new pumps were installed on the same bases and are driven by the original 3600 rpm electric motors. The four pumps have provided smooth, trouble-free transfer of the hot mash and degassed beer for over a year without any replacement parts or other than routine maintenance. The plant currently operates about 40 of the pumps in sizes from 1 1/2 x 1 x 6'' to 10 x 8 x 16'' to provide flow rates to 825 gpm and up to 490' tdh in various applications.
- Research Organization:
- South Point Ethanol, OH
- OSTI ID:
- 5629583
- Journal Information:
- Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
ETHANOL PLANTS
EFFICIENCY
ETHANOL
FAILURES
FERMENTATION
MAINTENANCE
PERFORMANCE
PUMPING
WEAR RESISTANCE
ALCOHOLS
BIOCONVERSION
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PUMPS
090222* - Alcohol Fuels- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass- (1976-1989)