Use minimum flow data to prolong centrifugal pump life
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, Vol. 103, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: Mar 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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