Why would a mag drive be impractical for non corrosive applications?
Why would a mag drive be impractical for non corrosive applications?
(OP)
Every time I see a mag drive pump advertised it’s a lined casing specific for corrosive applications. From what I understand mag drive pumps have a much, much higher mean time between failure vs centrifugal. Sure if it runs dry it’s disastrous and it’s not conducive to slurries, but if I have a pump that runs continuously throughout the year and I want to increase the mean time between repair why wouldn’t I go with a mag drive?
This is a treated process water pump. I figure if we installed duplex filters for random crap and installed a mag drive in place of a goulds we wouldn’t have to worry about random seal leaks that take us down. This isn’t a super high horsepower pump, and it’d be a costly investment, but being able to avoid any potential downtime more than makes up for it.
I guess the other plan would be to hard pipe the bypass we need to do when we take this down for maintenance. What does everyone think on this? Thanks!
This is a treated process water pump. I figure if we installed duplex filters for random crap and installed a mag drive in place of a goulds we wouldn’t have to worry about random seal leaks that take us down. This isn’t a super high horsepower pump, and it’d be a costly investment, but being able to avoid any potential downtime more than makes up for it.
I guess the other plan would be to hard pipe the bypass we need to do when we take this down for maintenance. What does everyone think on this? Thanks!
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RE: Why would a mag drive be impractical for non corrosive applications?
Mechanic seal pumps are no less sensitive to dry running.
Mag drive pumps are a great longer lasting option provided your fluid doesn't have a lot of magnetic particles in it.
Mag drive doesn't have a big presence in high power applications. I feel that while mag drive may double the cost of your pump you're talking hundreds of dollars and that is insignificant in the overall project cost.
RE: Why would a mag drive be impractical for non corrosive applications?
If you are currently running very complex seal patterns than a mag drive might simplify your life enough to justify it.
They are a different animal so be careful where you use them.
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RE: Why would a mag drive be impractical for non corrosive applications?
RE: Why would a mag drive be impractical for non corrosive applications?
RE: Why would a mag drive be impractical for non corrosive applications?
Unless the client is very firm and has a lot of sway, OPEX costs, costs of shutdowns or stoppages etc, rarely enter the decision making process.
The MTBF is one way of assessing the issue, but if this particular unit was seen as critical then often its easier and cheaper to install a spare to prevent shutdowns and downtime on the plant.
This is something different which is a RAM study and could highlight certain areas where use of a MAG drive could be seen as cost effective.
But its not without pain as well. There are losses in the drive and the internal sealing sometimes leaks. This guy has had a lot of issues https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=490736
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RE: Why would a mag drive be impractical for non corrosive applications?
Also, magnetic drive pumps are offered in ANSI configurations with PTFE-lined internals for corrosive applications. However, there are just plain metallic magnetic drive pumps for normal process fluids.
As long as the hydrodynamic bearing is running (can request ceramic for dry running situations), the pump should be okay excluding other upset conditions like overloaded torque on startup. The motor can burn up if not properly monitored.