RE: Pumps in Lime Slurry Service
RE: Pumps in Lime Slurry Service
(OP)
Hello Group:
I work at an 1800MW combined cycle plant in NE Texas. We have a Side Stream Unit which we use to clean up our cooling tower water for re-use to limit the amount of total water usage. This SSU has a lime slurry system and soda ash system. The lime slurry system uses Gould's 3196 MT pumps to deliver the lime to our clarifiers. After about 2-3 months of service the lime collects in the piping, pump impeller, and casing so bad that we have to pull the pump and chip out the lime to regain capacity.
I am trying some coatings, but was wondering if anyone else has some experience with lime systems, and if this is a common issue. Is there a way to keep the lime from collecting and hardening inside the pump and impeller? The pump stays operating at all times and when the control valve to the clarifiers closes, the lime returns to the tank via a recirc. line. I could understand if the system was off for a period of time, but the slurry is constantly moving, and seems like it would not stick and harden the way it does.
Any tips or suggestions?
Thanks
I work at an 1800MW combined cycle plant in NE Texas. We have a Side Stream Unit which we use to clean up our cooling tower water for re-use to limit the amount of total water usage. This SSU has a lime slurry system and soda ash system. The lime slurry system uses Gould's 3196 MT pumps to deliver the lime to our clarifiers. After about 2-3 months of service the lime collects in the piping, pump impeller, and casing so bad that we have to pull the pump and chip out the lime to regain capacity.
I am trying some coatings, but was wondering if anyone else has some experience with lime systems, and if this is a common issue. Is there a way to keep the lime from collecting and hardening inside the pump and impeller? The pump stays operating at all times and when the control valve to the clarifiers closes, the lime returns to the tank via a recirc. line. I could understand if the system was off for a period of time, but the slurry is constantly moving, and seems like it would not stick and harden the way it does.
Any tips or suggestions?
Thanks





RE: RE: Pumps in Lime Slurry Service
"If everything seems under control, you're just not moving fast enough."
- Mario Andretti- When asked about transient hydraulics
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com
RE: RE: Pumps in Lime Slurry Service
For pumps I suggest peristaltic type as they will break the crust.
For piping I suggest rubber loses laid in cable ladder. One plant even runs the rubber hoses across the road so that trucks and other vehicles keep breaking down the crust.
Check out your local water treatment facility. Everyone would have a lime plant.
RE: RE: Pumps in Lime Slurry Service
RE: RE: Pumps in Lime Slurry Service
RE: RE: Pumps in Lime Slurry Service
A year long job...I found by coating very liberal amounts of anti-seize on the inside of casings, impellers, check valve assy. etc... worked very well at preventing build up of grout.
For your situation I do not know if this would work.
RE: RE: Pumps in Lime Slurry Service
RE: RE: Pumps in Lime Slurry Service
http://www.pipetech.no/hydrokinetics.asp
http://www.aimmtechnologies.com/services.html
RE: RE: Pumps in Lime Slurry Service
-NO SEALS!
-1 wetted part that is easily replaceable
and
-the rotor(s) is in constant compression with the hose preventing solidification in the hose.
Word of advice...select a pump that has a rotor that compresses the hose 360º and not just some parts of the hose.
CJD
RE: RE: Pumps in Lime Slurry Service
try/search for water conditioner (maybe magnetic water treatment)
www.carefree.com.au/page/industrial.html
www.hop-pth.co.il