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he selection is relatively simple and straightfor- 1) Bearing loads: The hydraulic thrust (axial and radial)
ward when the pumps offered by various vendors acting on the bearings is higher for OH1 and OH2
are of the same design, type and code as mentioned types as explained below:
in Table 1 of API 610-10th ed (The pump type and The axial hydraulic thrust acting on bearing is due to
code classification referred in this article shall be as per the following factors:
table 1 of API 610-10th ed (1)). a) differential head generated across the pump.
The selection, however, becomes tricky when differ- b) change in flow direction in impeller.
ent design, types and codes are available for the required c) suction pressure.
parameters. The sales engineers of the pump manufac- d) high pressure in mechanical seal cavity (ref
turers try to project their offered design as the most para 2.2.3 (2)).
appropriate choice. Their claims and counter claims can All these components get balanced in single stage
lead to further confusion as in many process plants the double suction impeller type (BB1 and BB2) for
plant engineers are unaware of the basic design factors complete range of suction pressures and resultant
that should govern pump selection. Under such circum- thrust is very low. For single suction impeller (OH1
stances the engineer responsible for technical recom- and OH2) the resultant of these components can be
mendation/selection requires an understanding of the moderate but with higher suction pressure (above 8
intricacies related to pump mechanical and hydraulic bar (g)) the thrust values due to(c) and (d) can be very
design and the implication of various factors to make an high leading to higher resultant thrust on bearings. It
informed decision. The real life case studies explaining is therefore necessary to review bearing designs for
salient features of designs which may facilitate such types OH1 and OH2.
selections are given below:
2) Shaft deflection at mechanical seal and wear rings:
Case I: Overhung end suction impeller pump A single stage double suction impeller pump of BB1
(OH1 and OH2) or between bearing single and BB2 type is designed with a shaft supported at
stage double suction impeller pump ( BB1 both ends. This arrangement results in reduced
and BB2). shaft deflection at mechanical seal faces and wear
Both the types mentioned above can be quoted for a wide rings when compared with cantilever type arrange-
range of flow - head domain. For example a duty parameter ment in types OH1 and OH2. Lower shaft deflec-
with flow = 1000 m3/h at head = 132 m can be achieved tion also ensures higher value of first critical speed
either with horizontal single stage overhung end suction and more stable rotor design. Lower shaft deflec-
impeller pump (OH1 and OH2) or between bearing single tion is achieved in types OH1 and OH2 by increas-
stage double suction impeller pump (BB1 and BB2). The ing the shaft diameter which leads to higher bearings
following factors can be useful while selecting the option: and mechanical seal sizes. A review of shaft deflec-
JULY 2005 41
Pump selection parameters
as casing is volute type and hence bearing life can VS5 in addition to advantages like simple design offer
be relatively lower. advantages of availability of different materials includ-
ing plastic. Also the pumped liquid does not contact or
4) Higher efficiency: Specific speed of VS1 type can be pressurize the mechanical seal. The later is important
higher as required head is achieved through multi- as the mechanical seal is exposed to vapours in the
staging while specific speed of VS4 and VS5 type is tank which are usually at lower pressure.
lower as head is achieved in a single stage. Higher This low pressure operation simplifies mechanical seal
specific speed leads to higher efficiency. selection and enhances the seal life. On other hand for
VS1 type the mechanical seal is required to seal higher
5) Setting height change: For the available VS1 type the pressure pumped liquid which calls for more attention
setting height can be changed easily by simply chang- during selection.
ing the number of column pipes with the line shafts In Jamnagar Refinery we opted for VS1 type pumps as
while for VS4 type number of column pipes with line against VS4 or VS5 for many applications involving
shafts and also the discharge pipes are to be changed clean liquids and hydrocarbons requiring fulfilment of
which is cumbersome. The setting height for VS5 API 610-8th ed (13) after conducting design audit based
which is of cantilever type is restricted by maximum on reference (8). For application like molten sulphur,
possible single shaft length and is usually eight meters and liquid containing solids and sludge VS4 and VS5
or less. As such setting height for VS4 and VS5 types were selected.
is rarely above ten metres. The setting height above
ten metres is possible in VS1 type. Case III: Submersible vs conventional
The VS4 and VS5 type can be offered with stand pipe pumpsets.
arrangement to cater to change in setting height with The close coupled (impeller mounted on motor shaft)
limitations in operation. The pump can be switched on submersible pumps are now available with special design
only when liquid level in the tank is above pump, features and material of construction (9) to suit liquid
which means switching on with higher submergence properties and plant requirements. The design features
which also means blockage of more inventory. The include compact and simple design aimed at ease of
ease of setting height change of existing VS1 type help installation, modular construction leading to low cost and
during expansion projects. high interchangeability of parts, and incorporation of
temperature, vibration and moisture sensors to enhance
6) Re-rating: The VS1 type can offer a very wide range of reliability. Due to these features they invariably offer an
head and flow domain. This is due to the provision of edge over conventional close coupled pumps or pumps
stage addition to increase the head and possibility of with flexible or rigid coupling for many applications. The
modular design concept used during development of advantages are elaborated below:
the pump series. The change in bowl assembly with-
out changing the column pipe assembly is relatively 1) Ease of installation: No need of pump house for the
easy for VS1 type pump. This means rearing of exist- pump motor unit as it is submerged in the liquid to
ing VS1 type pump assembly to cater to revised head be pumped. The pump can easily be placed in tanks
and flow is easy. and containers or in a sump of simple construction
requiring prefabricated concrete and steel structure
7) Special applications: The VS4 and VS5 types are which means much shorter construction times. The
preferred for special applications like handling molten pump requires less head-room for raising it from the
sulphur, concentrated acids, liquids containing sludge sump. All these features are available for less floor
and fibrous materials, and slurries. For such applica- space and less civil cost. These features make it
tions single stage pumps, in general are suitable as possible to install the pump closer to the point of
head encountered in refineries can be handled by need, thereby simplifying the piping. Floor space
single stage pumps operated at 1450 to 2950 rev/min. can be kept clean which means better working
The VS1 type multistage or under circumstances single conditions. Submerged installation also means that
stage are not preferred due to their lower clearances, they are safe against flooding.
non availability of suitable designs to handle sludge
and other difficult liquids like molten sulphur which 2) Alignment: The close coupled pump and motor are
requires steam heating and an arrangement for drain- mounted on single short shaft which eliminates
age of molten sulphur on shut down (7). The VS4 and costs like alignment equipment, skilled manpower
JULY 2005 45