Low Flow, High Pressure 3

[oxotx]

I am trying to choose a pump for the following conditions:
Flow: 2-10 gpm
Discharge Pressure: 1000 PSI
Suction Pressure: 20 PSI
Fluid: Low Viscosity (1 cp) organic

I'm assuming that it is a job for a PD pump but I'm not sure which style. We use PD pumps elsewhere in the plant but they are all in slurry service so I'm not sure what additional options become available when the stream is solids free.

 

[micalbrch]

If your fluid isn't toxic or flamable, a triplex plunger pump will be a good choice. Otherwise (toxic or flamable) a piston diaphragm pump is the alternative.

 

[MikeHalloran]

If you don't actually need PD, look at a pitot pump.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[oxotx]

Until now I hadn't heard of a pitot pump, but after some time with Google I think it looks like an interesting option (that lack of pulsation would be great for our process) I was wondering if anyone could comment on the reliability of the pitot pump compared to a piston diaphragm pump? Also would they be capable of the sort of turn-down 2-10 gpm that I'm looking for? And of course the last question what company is best to buy one from?

 

[Compositepro]

Mike, that's a new one for me, too. Very interesting. A star for you!

 

[zdas04]

I have seen several high pressure pumping applications done with progressing cavity pumps. No pulsation and they run really slowly.

David

 

[NGLENGR]

oxotx,

We've looked at pitot pumps for a low flow high head service, and they look to be a reasonable solution. On problem is the high speed necessary to generate the head you're looking for. Often a gearbox/speed increaser is a must, and that can add complexity to the installation.

If you're sold on the pitot solution, Bullen pump is one of the OEMs that I've worked with.

 

[Sam993]

For 1000 PSI you will not need to have high speed pitot tube pump. The only important thing to consider is to insure to have clean fluid. This pump can not tolerate solids and will quickly errod the pitot tube. You may need to have fine mesh in the suction.

Regads,

 

[ccfowler]

A pitot pump seems to be a realistic choice. You may want to look at regenerative turbine pumps, too. I don't have much experience with either of these types, so I would be very careful in verifying the wisdom of either choice.

Valuable advice from a professor many years ago: First, design for graceful failure. Everything we build will eventually fail, so we must strive to avoid injuries or secondary damage when that failure occurs. Only then can practicality and economics be properly considered.

 

[Clvet]

oxtox,

I cannot comment on piston diaphragm reliability but the pitot tube pumps generally have great reliability for clean services. The only things to take care of would be the bearings(standard PM) and the seal. On the pitot tubes I've seen, it's kind of an odd situation because the seal is on the suction side and so instead it sees suction pressure. As a result, seal life tends to be very high normally. If the organics aren't hard to seal, there shouldn't be a problem.