When to request mechanical run test for API 610 pump 1

[stonetech]

Hi everybody,

How are you?

I have to decide if mechnical run test is needed for some small API pumps. Could you please give me any hints on it? Thank you.

All the best,

 

[MJCronin]

Stone...

Pump testing is all a matter of policy and cost. "Mission critical" and large expensive pumps are the types that tend to be tested in the shop.

The most common tests are:

1) Casing Hydrotest

2) Running (performance) test

3) NPSH test

It is my experience that #1 is always requested, and it is common for most pump vendors to hydrotest all casings for all pumps.

The run test is somewhat expensive, can delay delivery significantly and, in my opinion isnot required for all pumps. Some process chemical companies have guidleines about "run testing" for pumps that operate above a certain temperature (250-300F)or a certain fluid service (high vapor pressure liquids or liquids that have caused problems in the past)

It is all a matter of judgement..

The NPSH test, as I understand, is very expensive and can delay delivery significantly. NPSH testing requires a looped test rig with a lot of sensitive instruments. The onset of cavitation is defined by HI standards.

Smaller ANSI and API pumps typically only have #1 testing.

My opinion & recollections only.

A good link:

http://www.goulds.co.uk/download_files/literature_misc/BRTESTFACIL.pdf

Regards...

-MJC

 

[stonetech]

MJC,

Thank you. I really appreciate your information.

All the best,

Stone

 

[JJPellin]

Since you specified that you are purchasing an API pump, I would tend to disagree with MJCronin. Any company that makes API pumps has a test rig for run testing them. Since most of their customers specify a test, they are very efficient at performing these tests. We performance test all of our API pumps in order to get an exact performance curve. Once the pump is set up on the test rig, adding an NPSH test literally adds about 30 minutes to the test. It is very simple and quick. And if you ever have any sort of vibration, cavitation or performance problem with the pump, the performance and NPSH curves from the test are invaluable. I would not purchase any API pump without a performance test and NPSH test. For large or critical pumps, I would insist on witnessing the test.

Johnny Pellin

 

[MJCronin]

JJPellin,

What brand of API pumps do you sell and are your (ease of testing)claims the same as your competitors ?

I admit that most of my experience has been with smaller ANSI B73.1 series pumps, where the capital cost of the pump is modest and the testing adds significantly to the cost.

Again, this is all a matter of policy, schedule and cost.

-MJC

 

[Artisi]

Seems to me that you got a fair hearing on this subject in the pump engineering forum.