centrifugal pumps in the chemical industry
Centrifugal pumps serve as workhorses in the chemical industry. However, highly variable flow rates and low net positive suction head (NPSH) operation can be tough on such pumps. Combining variable flow rate and low NPSH makes for extremely severe services. Common solutions to the problem may involve either higher operating costs through the use of recirculation loops, or greater capital costs for variable speed pumps. An alternative solution presented here minimizes these tradeoffs. At a refrigerant manufacturing plant, it has solved a difficult case with a vaporizing feed, while providing flow control over a wide range of rates.
Every centrifugal pump has a best efficiency point (BEP) on its operating curve. Running significantly below the BEP increases the risk of internal recirculation. Internal recirculation markedly reduces the pressure at the impeller entrance. Inlet recirculation creates noise, vibration and possible cavitation. Vibration and, especially, cavitation can damage the pump and its seals.
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2012-08-02
