In-line Pump Technical Query 2

[izhar7787]

Dear All.

I am seeking your expertise on this matter

Background

I am doing a feasibility study on the “re-routing of sulfur from Sulfur Pit 1 to Sulfur Pit 2”. The scope is basically as follows:
1)Option 1: Gravitational flow with sloped piping (we are worry
that gravitational flow is not sufficient)
2)Option 2: Horizontal piping but with “in-line pump” as
a “booster”

NOTE: The idea is that we don’t want to introduce any additional sump/tank/vessel ( as boxed in red from the attached sketch ) should we want to go for Option 2

The questions:

1)Is there approved “in-line” pump ?
2)Is it true that “in-line” pump can work without any suction
head ( for example it does not require any containment i.e.
vessel/tank/sump prior to the pump which will create head for
the pump suction) to operate ? ( I hope I am getting the
concept on “head vs. pump suction” correct here ? since I am a
Static Equipment Guy)
3)Are both types of “in-line” pump i.e. vertical/horizontal
acceptable?


Appreciate your soonest response on this

Thank you
Izhar….

 

[rmw]

Pump laws don't change just because your pump is in line. Pump impellers still require a specific amount of suction head in order to cause the fluid to flow into the impeller. Check the NPSH required for the pump you are looking at and check the vapor pressure and other characteristics with respect to suction lift capability or limitations of the fluid you are pumping.

At what temperature are you pumping the sufphur?

rmw

 

[SNORGY]

I would imagine the sulphur is being pumped at around 138 C.

You will probably need a sealless jacketed pump and a good source of jacket heating fluid, like 4 bar steam or heated Therminol 66.

Either that, of make sure all the sulphur is evacuated from the pump (self-draining or otherwise) when you turn the pump off.

Otherwise it will work...once.

Regards,

SNORGY.

 

[izhar7787]

Dear rmw,

1) I will try to get the Process Details i.e. NPSH available, Operating Temperature, Pressure etc.

2) Can you elaborate further your statement " check the vapor pressure and other characteristics with respect to suction lift capability or limitations of the fluid you are pumping."

Dear Snorgy,

1) What type of jackated pump do you have in mind?

2) Is jackated pump necessary?

Appreciate you help so much

 

[SNORGY]

izhar7787,

The trouble with sulphur is that there isn't much of a temperature window within which it will flow without problems. Somewhat below 135 C, its viscosity rises sharply, and somewhat above 135 C, it caramelizes (sp?) with a corresponding sharp viscosity increase. Caramelization on seal faces wrecks a mechanical seal, hence sealless pumps are used almost exclusively. With respect to jacketed pumps, you will want to keep the pump at around the temperature at which sulphur flows (optimally about 138 C if I recall correctly), because sulphur is a pretty good insulator if it does solidify, and re-melting it out of the pump would take quite a bit of time.

Here are some useful links...

http://www.hellotrade.com/hayward-gordon-canada/vertical-wet-pit-pumps.html

Regards,

SNORGY.