H2SO4 Plant pumps

[scorcher]

All,
I need to source some new pumps used to pump liquid sulphur at 130 - 145C. Can you suggest any specialist suppliers for this type of equipment.
Also, 96 to 99% H2SO4 at temps up to 90C.
Are submerged pumps the best way to handle these types materials. I have found Lewis pumps, are ther any others.
Recommendations appreciated

 

[hacksaw]

its all in the materials and the details of design.

If you get away from pumps specifically designed for those services, then you can expect to quadruple your engineering involvement in the details of the pump designs being furnished.

 

[BRT549]

If you've found Lewis pumps, you've done pretty good. They do most of the pumping applications of this sort. Basically, the best pump to use is a vertical submerged centrifugal pump with a separate discharge pipe. Molten sulfur is normally non-corrosive, so steel and cast iron are appropriate. Dirty sulfur requires some better metallurgy.

You could talk to Monsanto Enviro-Chem about other manufacturers - they design sulfuric acid plants. They are in St. Louis at 314 275 5700 or

http://www.enviro-chem.com

 

[MJCronin]

scorcher,

The pumps for hot (90C) sulfuric acid are going to be metallic and expensive. Premium, expensive materials such as Carpenter's "Alloy 20" or titanium may be required.

Is there a way to cool the sulfuric acid to ambient temperature, or must the heat be conserved ?

NACE has a guideline for handling Sulfric acid at ambient temperature.... it is:

"RP0391 - Materials for the Handling and Storage of Concentrated (90 to 100%) Sulfuric Acid at Ambient Temperatures"

I would ask a bulk chemical supplier about his recommendations on hot H2SO4 materials

Check this link for a Krupp alloy that seems to withstand your design conditions....

http://www.kruppvdm.de/_pdf/VDMReport24_e.pdf

Please post again to let us know about what you have learned and what your decision is....

Good Luck....


MJC

 

[Kailee]

scorcher,
Here are some other options for you.
Molten Sulphur Pump check

http://www.gouldspumps.com/cat_pumps.ihtml?pid=137&lastcatid=76&step=4

Sulphric Acid Pump check

http://www.gouldspumps.com/cat_pumps.ihtml?pid=257&lastcatid=76&step=4

Both are excelent choices for these services

You can contact webmaster at this site for local rep.

Cheers!

 

[25362]

I've been told that concentrated sulfuric acid pumps are provided with a reserve of +50% head due to the viscosity changes the acid suffers at cooler temperatures. Please comment. Thanks.

 

[moltenmetal]

At 90 C and modest pressure requirements, you can get away with a fluoropolymer-lined magdrive centrifical for sulphuric acid. No seals, hence no leakage problem. IMHO it's a better approach than going with a high alloy pump, because the lined pump is immune to corrosion rather than just being resistant (i.e. possibly dissolving if your conditions change). Vendors to investigate include Goulds, Innomag, Magnatex, Durco/Flowserve etc.

 

[rmw]

Go to

http://www.labourtaber.com

and see if they still have anything to suit your needs. Prior experience with them was that they had some propriatary alloys that were high percentage nickel based, which were great for this type of service.

RMW