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In accordance with Technische Regeln fr Flssiggas TRF 1996-2.1 (Technical regulations for LPG), propane,
butane and their mixtures are regarded as liquid gases in this brochure. Other liquefied gases such as ammonia,
propylene, methylene etc. can also be handled by Sterling SIHI pumps and the following information should also be
considered.
1- Introduction
During the various stages of distribution, pumps are required to transfer LPG in order to compensate for the pressure
losses in the flow process. Under normal atmospheric conditions, liquid gases are gaseous. Depending on the
temperature at certain pressures, they can be liquefied.
2.1-General
When operating at positive suction head the
pressure, which is feeding the liquid gas to the
pump, must be higher than the vapour
pressure (measurement x in diagram) by a
value corresponding to the required suction
head.
This overpressure at vapour pressure is necessary to compensate the inflow conditions and
thus achieve trouble-free operation. Depending
on the pump design, this overpressure is
extremely low in the case of Sterling SIHI
pumps.
to the consumer
difference
in static height
first pump stage occurs frequently so the pump has to handle a liquid / vapour mixture. This is only possible how-ever if
the pump has been designed hydraulically for this application.
The design and pumping principles of Sterling SIHI LPG pumps in the CEH range meet these requirements.
When handling liquid / vapour mixtures, the pumps behave as though they were handling liquid with lower weight
corresponding to the specific gravity of the mixture. Characteristic curves for different mixtures are indicated by dotted
lines in the above diagram.
Vapour separated in the inlet area is re-condensed in the pump so that vapour-free LPG can be discharged.
On the discharge side, the shaft is sealed by means of a robust mechanical seal of well-proven design, internally
flushed by the pumped liquid and therefore absolutely maintenance-free. On the suction side there is an internal
sleeve bearing product lubricated. The nominal casing pressure is 40 bar.
This CEH is also available with a retaining stage, the CEH/7. This retaining stage offers a protection against dry running
by controlling the liquid level in the pump.
Offering the highest degree of safety with CEH/6, this unit is sealless and is drived by a magnetic coupling. The motor
torque is transmitted by a maintenance-free magnetic coupling. The nominal casing pressure is 25 bar (or 40 bar
depending on the desing).
Cylinder filling plant with a CEH / 5 with positive suction head operation
The filling valve must have relatively short closing periods to comply with the relevant instructions for cylinder filling. This
causes pressure fluctuations in the system, which could be detrimental to the pumps. This is particularly important when
filling small bottles.
Pressure shocks can be absorbed by installing a bypass from the discharge side of the pump to the storage tank. The
return of heated liquid will cause a slight increase in vapour pressure in the feed tank. This will considerably improve
suction head conditions.
An expansion tank filled with inert gas can also be installed in the discharge line to reduce the pressure shocks.
2.5 Commissioning
The training of personnel working on LPG installations is most important. Mistakes made when starting up can result in
dry-running and subsequent problems caused by damaged pump components.
1. The pump must only be started when the pump is correctly vented and filled with liquid.
2. Do not operate against closed discharge valve. Fit a by-pass valve.
3. Ensure that the vapour return line from the suction line to the tank always remains open.
4. Do not operate the pump outside its range.
5. Check direction of the motor when uncoupled from the pump.
6. When draining the tank ensure that the pump is switched off (a level monitor or dry-running protection is
recommended).
See the operating instructions for further information .
2.6 LPG pumps for positive suction head operation - Pump program CEH/5 - CEH/6 - CEH/7
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Due to their capability of handling large quantities of vapour and their low NPSH, these pumps have the advantage that they
can be used without having to fit moving components or assemblies inside the pressurised tank.
The operating principle of PC systems can be understood using the pressure / temperature diagram below.
By the exhausting of vapour and re-vaporization during the suction phase, heat is drawn from the liquid in the suction
pipe. The pressure difference generated against the constant tank pressure causes the liquid to rise up to the pump and
the pumping commences.
At the same time, an energy-bearing partial flow is returned to the vapour phase of the tank and continues to produce
the differential pressure to overcome the suction lift required.
The relatively high consumption of energy caused by partial recirculation, sets an economic limit for this system at
suction lifts of Hs < 4 m and tank volumes of V < 200 m3 for propane and propane/butane mixtures with at least 20 % of
propane.
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11
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3.3 LPG plants, program PC plant for suction lift operation from underground tanks - LPG pumps program CEH/6 - CEH/7
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4.2 Vertical booster pumps CEB/ZEB with combined external pressure generating pump
Booster pumps are mainly used where
it is essential to have as few moving parts
as possible inside the pressurized tank.
The single NPSH impeller of this pump is
fixed on the shaft and is extremely
resistant to wear and operates effectively
under unfavourable conditions.
The main pressure increase is achieved
by means of an externally mounted pump
allowing easy maintenance.
This solution has proved successful
where different applications have to be
combined, e.g. where two pressure
generating pumps of different sizes are to
be fed by only one feeder pump with dual
speed motor to suit different operating
conditions.
External pressure generating pumps for bottling and road tanker filling
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4.3 Installation
Installation example
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4.5 LPG vertical tank pumps for top-off loading out of underground tanks - LPG pumps program CEB and ZEB
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In order to meet the requirements of pumping LPG, these horizontal end section pumps are fitted with a low NPSH
impeller. The low NPSH required by this series of pumps guarantees operation in many different applications without
cavitation and other problems.
The UEA-pumps can leave
alone with 2 or 4 pole motors and
are available with mechanical
seal or with magnetic coupling
depending on the application.
The UEA range has an
integrated side channel stage
which is especially suitable for
handling vapour.
At standstill, increased ambient
temperature may cause vaporization in the suction line.
The design of the suction stage
ensures that vapour bubbles are
drawn out of the suction line and
vapour.
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5.3 LPG pumps for higher flow rates and positive suction operation - LGP pumps program UEA
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6- General data
6.1 general physical data for LPG
propane
n-butane
379
385
viscosity at 0 C Pa s
127
214
critical temperature C
96.8
152.1
43.4
38.8
melting point C
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188
131
n-butane
C4 H10
propane
C3 H8
152
97
C ignition temperature
365
G2
G1
1.5 2.0
2.1
8.5
9.5
8.6
8.6
superior vol. %
470
For definition of the data, determination of the values and for detail of further influential values, please see:
Nabert / Schn Technical safety data of combustible gases and vapours, 3rd edition, pages 31-35.
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7- Selection
As well as the fundamental properties of LPG pumps, namely
low NPSH
capability to handle vapour mixtures
safety of the shaft sealing
self priming
proven material design
the correct selection of the pump size is an
essential factor to ensure an economical
system together with good operating
reliability.
The determination of the desired output
comes mainly from the required discharge
rate or filling capacities. However, the
maximum limits are not necessarily
determined by the pump performance but by
physical limitations or by the geometry of the
other components in the system.
The nominal output rating can be found in the
capacity curve of a filling carroussel for LPG
cylinders. This nominal output rating, with
regard to a constant filling pressure, should
be increased by an additional, by-pass
quantity led back to the feeling tank via a
pressure sustaining valve.
The additional quantity is normally from 20 to
50 %, depending on the size of the filling
system.
The differential pressure to be generated by the pump depends on the frictional characteristics (system curve) of the
LPG plant and the flow rate.
Whilst the static head may often be neglected, the flow losses (dynamic head) of the components in the system can be
calculated accurately with the aid of standard tables and empirical values.
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Sterling SIHI LPG pumps guarantee reliable filling when moderately rated because of their steep and stable
characteristics and also because of their capability of operating under extreme conditions for a short time.
The higher differential pressure, necessary to overcome a counter pressure depending on the temperature, is reduced
immediately at the beginning of the filling procedure and makes the temporary reduction of the pumping capacity
negligible.
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8- Application examples
8.1 Industrial plants
The industry uses LPG in different applications e.g.
Welding soldering
Double-Duro hardening
Automotive fuel
Drying ovens
Building construction
Combustion chambers
Hot-water preparation
Fuel
Heating of buildings
Destroying of weeds
For all pumping plants the instructions for installation and start up must be observed.
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LPG bulk filling station for rail tankers equipped with a Sterling SIHI pump type CEH
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LPG plant with above ground storage tank positive suction head operation
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