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Tekna

Offshore Pumps 2007

Pump Theory API Reciprocating


Displacement Pumps.
Steve Digby
SPX Process Equipment Limited
Bran+Luebbe Operation U.K.

SPX Process Equipment


2003

WCB-Flow Products

2002

GD Engineering
2005 Plan
Employees 2585

OFM
Oilfield Fabricating & Machine
After Market & Field Services

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps

Topics

Reciprocating versus Rotary Pumps


Basic Operation of Reciprocating Pumps
API Specifications 674 & 675
Suction Side Installation Considerations
Overall Cost of Ownership

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
API stands for American Petroleum Institute
API 674 and 675 are widely used as an industrial
standard for reciprocating displacement pumps.
Mainly used in Petroleum, Chemical Processing, and
Oil&Gas Industry.
Describes and specifies constructional design,
qualification criteria, and how pumps and documentation
shall be executed.

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps

Reciprocating metering/dosing pumps deliver a


controlled & accurate flow to predetermined points of a
process independent of pressure.

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps

API 675 Metering Pump With


Diaphragm Pumphead

API 674 Reciprocating Triplex


Pump With Diaphragm
Pumpheads

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps

Metering Pump Equation


V=A.h.n
V = theoretical Volumetric flow of the
metering pump
A = plunger square area
h = stroke length
n = stroking speed (stroke frequency)

Positive Displacement Pumps


Reciprocating
Definition (in accordance with API Standard 674)
There is no actual definition in the standard other than
highlighting the difference between a Power Pump & Direct
Acting Pump.
Essentially these pumps transmit a predetermined mass
flow at medium to high pressure.
Pumps are normally configured in Triplex, Quintuplex and
Septuplex designs.

Positive Displacement Pumps


Controlled Volume
Definition (in accordance with API Standard 675)
A controlled volume pump is a reciprocating pump in
which precise volume control is provided by varying
effective stroke length.
Such pumps are also known as metering, proportioning,
chemical injection, dosing, or controlled volume pump.
These pumps deliver a controlled & accurate flow to
predetermined points of a process independent of
pressure.

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Typical Deviations to API 675
API Listing
1.5 Equipment offered is referring to German and European standards i.e. DIN, EN, IEC,
ISO,....
2.2.5.1 Details of threading conform to ISO.
2.12.3 Unless proposed differently visual indication of capacity setting is shown as actual stroke
length.
2.13.1.13 Bolts are calculated and selected in accordance with German pressure vessel code
(AD-Merkbltter).
3.1.7 Motors are flanged directly to the pump. Consequently, there is no need for jackscrews.
3.3 Metering pumps are suitable for mounting directly onto prepared concrete. Base plates are
therefore optional and can be quoted at additional cost.
3.3.9 If not stated differently base plates will not be furnished with jackscrews.
3.4.3.2 If not stated differently single point terminal box for instrumentation is not included.
3.4.4.3 The gauges used for local diaphragm rupture indication have dials either 63 mm or 100
mm, depending on size of pumphead.
3.4.5 Electrical systems are not included unless expressly required and specifically quoted.

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
API Data Sheet Purchaser Information
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

For:
No. of motors required 1
Site
Serial no.
TBA
Remarks
Notes: O indicates information to be completed by Purchaser. indicates information to be completed by manufacturer.
API standard 674 governs unless otherwise noted
OPERATING CONDITIONS (to be completed by purchaser)

8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Liquid
(HC) Condensate
Pumping temperature (C) PT:
Normal 19 Maximum 58Minimum -9
Density @ PT (kg/m): 569,8
Vapor pressure @ PT (bar):
Viscosity @ PT (cP): 0,16
Acceleration head (m) Note 1
NPSH available (m): 14,7

Capacity @ PT (m/h):
Maximum Note 2
Minimum Note
Rated
3 5,3
Discharge pressure (bar g):
Maximum
Minimum Rated Note 4
Suction pressure ( bar g):
Maximum
Minimum Rated 17,8
Differential pressure (bar g):
Maximum 19,2
Minimum Rated 16,2

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps

Installation Considerations & How to Avoid Problems

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Flow Pattern of various Pumps Types

Simplex Pump
Duplex Pump
Triplex Pump
Centrifugal Pump

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
What we are Trying to Avoid
Suction Side
Insufficent NPSHA
Pump Starvation
Cavitation

Discharge Side
Insufficent Flow
Over Pressure
Pipe Hammer

General Poor Pump Operation


In almost all cases of insufficient flow rate or frequent service
calls the pump will be blamed, not the system
Only Recognised as Problems During Commissioning or
Initial Operation.

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Many Installations Are Designed On Smooth Flow
Conditions & Ignore Factors Such as: Reciprocating Pumps Generate a Pulsating
Flow
~3x Equivalent Smooth Flow.
Line Losses Can be High.
Crucial on Critical Applications i.e. Liquid
Gases, High Temperature, Volatile Liquids.

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Flow Pattern of a Single Head Pump
100 % Capacity setting
60 % Capacity setting

Discharge

Top
dead
Center

Suction

Bottom
dead
Center

Bottom
dead
Center

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Two Major Factors That Can Adversely Affect The
Operation of Reciprocating Pumps Buy Are Often
Overlooked are:
Friction Losses
Higher Viscosity Applications
Pressure Required to ensure that the liquid flows continually in the
system during the maximum demanded flow volume.
Low Viscosity Application

Mass Acceleration Losses


Pressure Required to cause the liquid to move at the beginning of
each plunger stroke
Both Have a high impact on NPSHA .
Only the higher of the two values is considered.
On reciprocating pumps this is generally Mass Acceleration.

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Factors Affecting Mass Acceleration Pressure
Plunger or Piston Diameter.
Stroke Length
Internal Pipe Diameter & Overall Length.
Pump Speed.
Pump Configuration (Single or Multi Head)
Example.
Single Head Pump 20mm Dia Plunger x 20 mm Stroke Length
Operating Speed 100 Strokes/Min Fitted To 8mm NB Pipe
Mass Acceleration Pressure = 0.84 m/m
Pipe Length = 10m
P = 8.4m or 0.84 Bar

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Net Positive Suction Head
Net positive suction head (NSPH) is the total inlet
pressure, stated in meters head minus the vapor
pressure of the liquid in meters

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps

What is a System ?
(in terms of the issue NPSH)
Suction
vessel

p(abs)
or Habs

A system is normally composed of:


a pump
a vessel from which the pump takes the liquid (suction vessel)
piping between pump and suction vessel including valves,
elbows, strainers, etc.
L
(Length of suction piping)

Pump

Hst
(Static
head)

d
(pipe inside diameter)

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Mass Acceleration Forces

Simplex Pump
Duplex Pump
Triplex Pump
Centrifugal Pump

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Net Positive Suction Head Available
NPSHA is a property of the system & determined
by the purchaser!
Net Positive Suction Head Required
NPSHR is a property of the pump and is the minimum
pressure required, measured at the suction flange, to
prevent cavitation.
For satisfactory pump operation NPSHA should always
exceed NPSHR by a minimum of *1 -2 m
*(varies for different pump types and suppliers)

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Total head

The NPSH concept


Head of
vapor
pressure

Head of
friction
losses

Head in
suction vessel
(above liquid
level)

Head of
mass
acceleration
losses

NPSHA
Static
head

NPSHR

NPSH margin

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
How can NPSHA be calculated ?
The calculation is no more than determining the
difference between
positive heads
i.e. absolute head in suction vessel plus static head
and
negative heads (losses)
i.e. head due to vapor pressure, friction and mass
acceleration

NPSHA = H +Hst - Hvp - Hfr - Hma

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Inadequate NPSHA Will Cause Cavitation Leading To:
Erratic Performance
Reduced Flow
Erosion in The Plunger Packing Area and Non Return
Valves
A Lot of Noise!!!
Cost
Non Return Valves

Plunger Sealings

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Considerations to Maximise The NPSHA of the System
Minimise the pipe length
Maximise the bore diameter
Minimise no of bend, tees and valves etc.
Use of Pulsation Dampening Devices
Increase Pressure (Booster Pump, Nitrogen
Blanket, Static Head etc).
Use of a multi head pump.
Adequate Pipe Supporting

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Pulsation Dampeners

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps
Pulsation Dampener Affect

180

360

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps

Overall Cost of Ownership

Comparison of the investment and maintenance costs of a hydraulically


actuated diaphragm pump compared to a packed plunger pump
Process Fluid
Flowrate

Process Pressure
Operating Hours

: Methanol
: 12m3/hr

: 160 bar
: 8000/year

Diaphragm Pump

Packed Plunger Pump

Pump Type

Triplex

Triplex

Investment Cost

250,000

150,000

Annual Spare Use


- plungers

None

6 x 3,000 = 18,000

- plunger packing

3 x 500 = 1,500

12 x 1,000 = 12,000

- diaphragms

3 x 1,000 = 3,000

None

- pump valves

6 x 2,000 =12,000

6 x 2,000 = 12,000

- labour costs

10 h x 150 = 1,500

50 h x 150 = 7,500

18,000

40,500

Maintenance costs after


3 years operation

63,000
Inc 1 set of plungers

148,500

Total costs after 3 years


operation

313,000

298,500

Annual maintenance
costs

Comments
Energy costs
Lubrication of Plunger
Packing Leakage

~5% Lower
Not Required
None

Packing Friction
Necessary
Needs to be contained

Pump Theory
API Reciprocating Displacement Pumps

Thank you - Questions

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