Suction specific speed is important in pump failure rates

Journal Article · Mon Jan 17 00:00:00 EST 1983 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5799873

Hallam, J L

Urges that caution should be exercised when purchasing centrifugal pumps for hydrocarbon or water service with a suction specific speed (S /SUB s/) greater than 11,000, unless operation is closely controlled near the best efficiency point (BEP). Explains that pumps with S /SUB s/ greater than 11,000 usually should not be operated at flowrates less than 60-70% of BEP because of impeller inlet eye recirculation problems. Suggests that if it is not possible to avoid a high S /SUB s/ number and the process cannot be closely controlled, a bypass and possibly a cooler may be necessary to keep the pump operating reliably. Presents results of a survey performed on 480 centrifugal pumps in a large Gulf Coast refinery over a period of 5 yrs, which provided data to support 11,000 as a good bench mark for S /SUB s/. Discusses confirming a bench mark; failure frequency vs. suction specific speed; determining BEP; determining S /SUB s/; mechanical problems; and choosing pumps for a refinery or petrochemical plant.

• Research Organization: Amoco Oil Co., Texas City, TX
• OSTI ID: 5799873
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Vol. 81:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
FAILURES
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
FLOW RATE
GULF COAST
HYDRAULICS
HYDROCARBONS
PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS
SURVEYS
VELOCITY
WATER
CHEMICAL PLANTS
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
MECHANICS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PUMPS
USA
020400* - Petroleum- Processing