Pump Selection for Viscous Service 1

[baj2]

Good Day All,

I have a centifugal pump that I will like to use in a viscous service, conditions as follows:
Viscosity: 17,000(min), 2740(max.) centistokes
S.G:0.96
Capacity(Normal):1100 GPM
Head: 220FT

However, using the correction factor from the Hydraulic Institute for this liquid and my pump at BEP, the efficiency is only 33 percent.

As a result, I am now considering using another pump. Can you all recommend a pump that will be suitable for this application (efficiency approx. 55% min.) and an average cost.

Thanks.

 

[dadfap]

baj2

If your rate was less you could try Progressive Cavity Pumps, (PCP) either rod driven or ESP motor driven.

With a rate of 1100GPM I think that even with the low efficiency you are stuck with the centrifugal.

all the best

 

[groags]

baj2

We have a similiar application, but a slurry not an oil. The flowrates are similiar and the apparent viscosity is up to 100 Pa/s, extremely viscous!!

You don't have to change pumps, you can use an existing centrifual pump but with a very new type of impeller. We use a centrifugal pump with a "Scoop" impeller devised by Warman R&D in Sydney, Australia. The new type of impeller overcomes the large shear stress of such a viscous material.

However the impeller efficiency is poor, around 40% and will require a large amount to transport material over large distances.

But with a head of 67m, presume you mean dynamic, and low SG power should not be an issue for you.

dadfap is right in that progressive cavity, hose pumps or multi stage will not be efficient at these flowrates.

Another option would be to use a piston diaphragm pump, like a GEHO, which can pump high density/high viscoity material but are expensive.

Hope that helps.

Ronan

 

[Berko]

Hi baj,

Have you looked at a Hidrostal, screw centrifugal pump (cork screw impeller).

This design should be able to pump at the viscosities, flows & heads you state.

Try the Hidrostal website for your local contact.

Hope this helps,

Berko

 

[25362]

Displacement pumps, both rotary and reciprocating, are apt to better handle highly viscous (>3000 SSU) fluids.

Displacement pumps also suffer from fluid viscosity changes, however these affect performance much less and differently from what they do to centrifugal (dynamic) pumps.

There are many designs, and the pumps' predicted performance at changing viscosities should be provided by the pump manufacturer.

 

[rww88]

For more information on pumping viscous liquids log on to PDHcenter.com course number M102. It is free to view and download.

 

[poppeye]

Baj2
Take a look at the web site

http://www.blackmer.com

this then look under sliding vane rotary pumps the HXL Model 10. This gives you curves and everything you would need for your application. Because this pump is a positive displacement pump, the efficiency of this unit will exceed any centrifugal.

Poppeye

 

[profengmen]

Viscosity: 17,000(min), 2740(max.) centistokes


Are you sure about those numbers?

Seems to me your max is the min... Engineers, pay attention to the details; that's how shuttles blow up.