When it comes to transfer applications, there’s no shortage of pumps to choose from. Often the challenge isn’t finding a pump that will do the job — it’s finding the right pump.
Our XCP ATEX End Suction Centrifugal Pumps
On paper, several options may look perfectly suitable. But real-world reliability often comes down to something that can’t be found on a datasheet: experience.
Recently, an oil refinery approached us after experiencing repeated failures with two progressing cavity pumps used for slop water transfer. The pumps were failing when brought back into service following extended periods of shutdown.
Located at a remote site, the pumps were particularly susceptible to seal damage and rotor seizure after prolonged periods of inactivity. The site's remote location made regular maintenance visits both costly and time-consuming, while the need to attend to pump failures often arose at short notice, creating additional operational challenges.
Existing Process Pump Problems
There are applications where a progressing cavity pump is an excellent choice — particularly when handling water with an uncontrolled oil emulsion, with varying viscosity, and solids content, for a process which demands a consistent flow rate.
On paper, the pump selection appeared to tick all the right boxes. The duty was understood, the operating conditions were considered, and the pump looked like the right fit. But, as we know, what works on paper doesn’t always in practice.
Irregular use was a major problem
Progressing cavity pumps are generally better suited to regular operation, as extended periods of inactivity can cause seal faces to stick and rotating components to bind or seize. To eliminate these recurring issues, our client wanted to replace the existing progressing cavity pumps with an alternative design that would be easier to maintain and better suited to intermittent or infrequent operation, without the risk of damage caused by prolonged periods of inactivity.
They also wanted to upgrade the existing produced water transfer pumps without making any changes to the site's electrical infrastructure. This placed two key requirements on the replacement pumps: the motor power had to be limited to 7.5 kW or less, while the pumps also needed to be available within a lead time of 13 weeks.
Technical Considerations
The process also demanded a number of design considerations both for ease of process connection and enhanced durability. These included ANSI Class 150 flanges, and a flushed Mechanical Seal Plan (plan 11) where fluid is recirculated from the pump discharge through a pipe into the seal chamber, acting as a flush to keep seal faces clean and cool.
As an independent pump specialist, North Ridge Pumps is not tied to a single pump technology, allowing us to select the most suitable solution for each application with lifetime cost in mind.
Our experience enables us to provide tailored pumping solutions based on the specific requirements of each process, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. With over 100 real-world pumping applications we know how to get it right.
Our XCP end suction horizontal centrifugal pumps
XCP Pump with Seal Flushing Plan.
The process pumps chosen were our XCP end suction horizontal centrifugal pumps designed for clean or contaminated fluids with low viscosity. This is a robust process pump with additional bearings in the pump head in an oil bath designed for heavy duty 24/7 operation.
The pumps are designed for the transfer of low-viscosity, clean or slightly contaminated fluids. Manufactured to ATEX requirements, the units feature brass coupling guards, anti-static paint and dedicated earthing connections on the baseplates to ensure safe operation in potentially hazardous environments.
Following manufacture, the slop oil pumps underwent independent third-party BV Witness testing and inspection, including performance testing, hydrostatic pressure testing and material inspection to verify compliance with the required specifications.
If you have an application involving the transfer, circulation or injection of viscous solid-laden liquids and are unsure which pump to use, speak to North Ridge Pumps to see how we can help.
