Use minimum flow data to prolong centrifugal pump life

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Chemical Engineering

OSTI ID:212239

Reynolds, J A

Environmental and safety concerns and, in the US, the consequences of failing of meet EPA regulations are intensifying efforts to improve the reliability of pumping equipment. A critical step toward achieving this goal is eliminating cavitation, and the resulting impeller and shaft vibrations, which, ultimately, cause seal and bearing failure. In centrifugal pumps, cavitation results when they run at very low flow rates, as can happen during unplanned upsets or interruptions. This particularly true since many centrifugal pumps are now controlled by automatic valves in their discharge lines. The problem can be prevented by providing a small bypass line to the pump`s suction source, to control temperature rise in the pump. Usually, the minimum flow is so low that the bypass loop can be kept open without detracting from the pump`s efficiency. It needn`t require a flow control valve or any special instrumentation, but will let the pump run at a comfortable flow, even with the control valve closed. This paper describes a method to determine minimum thermal flow to prevent cavitation.

• OSTI ID: 212239
• Journal Information: Chemical Engineering, Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 103; ISSN CHEEA3; ISSN 0009-2460
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
ACETONE
CALCULATION METHODS
CAVITATION
CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
FLOW RATE
FLUID FLOW
MITIGATION
SERVICE LIFE
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
VAPOR PRESSURE