Pumping methanol and low viscosity fluids 4

[bonzoboy]

Does anyone have experience or recommendations on equipment selection for the pumping of methano? We are looking at a process to burn methanol and need to deliver approximately 5,000 gallons/hr, up to a pressure of about 400 psig outlet.

What kind of pumps, metering, etc. would be used in such a case? (We have experience with pumping fuel oil, but not such low-viscosity high vapor pressure liquids)

 

[TD2K]

Continuous, intermittant? For that flow and pressure you could look at a Sundyne. For a PD style pump, I'll defer to the other members, don't have a lot of experience with them for these type of an application. Sundyne's efficiency is usually lower which is one downside with both your power cost and motor size required.

The vapor pressure isn't really a problem other than ensuring you provide sufficient NPSHA to the pump when you do the piping/storage design.

For a meter my first choice would likely be an orifice meter but your accuracy requirements is a key point which you haven't mentioned.

 

[moltenmetal]

The viscosity's a concern if you were thinking about a gearpump. I'd recommend you steer clear of gearpumps for this service. If you do choose one, get a longevity guarantee for all the wear parts (in writing) before you spend the money. Otherwise you may be rebuilding pumps frequently.

The flow's high enough that a PD pump like a diaphragm metering pump large enough to do the job will cost you a fair bit of money. But they'll work reliably if you design the suction piping properly.

The Sundyne turbine pump mentioned is also an option, as would be a "side channel" multistage centrifical such as those used for boiler feedwater applications. But it is quite a high pressure and the efficiency will be poor in either case.

 

[MJCronin]

bonzo...

Have you considered a "sliding vane" pump ?

See the "pumpschool" dissertation on fuction, advantages etc.

http://www.pumpschool.com/principles/vane.htm

http://www.pumpschool.com/intro/selection.htm

Also:

http://www.mcnallyinstitute.com/12-html/12-03.html

http://www.blackmer.com/myapp/pdf/bul30.pdf

I have had very good luck with the Blackmer PD vane pumps in low viscosity applications..

http://www.blackmer.com/

Is this worth a "star" ?

-MJC

 

[bonzoboy]

MJ

Thanks for the tip. yep, worth a star.

T2DK
This is a continuous duty operation.

Thanks for your help.....