Positive displacement pump

[MECE02]

A recent safety review was performed. Here is the scenario:

1000 gallon plastic tank containing amine
Positive displacement pump

If the vent were closed and the positive displacement pump (small pump, maybe a few gallons per hour)is running could it pull enough vacuum to damage the tank?

I don't think this scenario is credible because I wouldn't expect a liquid pump to pull vacuum. Do you agree?

Thanks!

 

[ajs1972]

I think is´possible that scenario; in my experience I have seen plastic containers with 250 gallons of capacity collapsed because of vent closed and bottom valve open.

 

[DSB123]

Why not ask the pump Vendor if his pump is capable of pulling a vaccuum.

 

[psafety]

Little pump over time = loss of liquid with vent "CLOSED" the time is your variable. At some point your tank will collapse without air or other vapor to displace the volume removed.

 

[sheiko]

Read API STD 2000.

"We don't believe things because they are true, things are true because we believe them."