COMPARISON OF API BB1 vs BB2

Axially Split Pump Radially Split Pump

API 610 Designation Comments
API Type BB1 API Type BB2
Volute casing Axially Split Radially Split BB2 is barrel case and therefore more robust design, originally
designed for Hydrocarbon Applications as per API 610 compared to
BB1 pumps which were historically designed as water pumps and
have been converted to comply where possble with API 610

Casing MAWP 16 or 24 bar.g 40 or 50 bar.g
The case and cover design is suitable for higher
working pressure than an axial split case pump due
to its smaller bolting area, symmetrical bolting
pattern, and confined gasket design
BB2 designed as per API (min 40 barg)
BB1 is limited to lower working pressure due to the difficulty in bolting
with a flat, unconfined, and irregular case gasket, and due to the non-
symmetrical volute and suction areas between the upper half and
lower half casing.

Operating conditions Temperature - No more than 200 °C (400 °F) Temperature - No restriction It is typically limited to 400 °F operating temperature due to thermal
Density - No less than 0.7 Density - No restriction expansion consideration as there is significant differences in the case
Disch. Pr - No restriction metal thickness between the upper half and lower half of the pump
resulting in differences in thermal expansion;

H2S Service & Sealing Flat gasket Viton O-rings BB1 uses compression gasket or liquid gasket and is more dependent
Not preferred by end-user for H2S application Allows for better sealing and is better suited for on correct bolt torque sequence to prevent leakage.
H2S service for avoiding any leaks BB1 pumps require careful cleaning of top and bottom half casing
faces before every assembly (to remove old gasket material)

Mounting Foot mounted or Near centreline Centreline mounted Pump cannot be supported at the shaft centerline where the pump
casing is split in half (at best, it can be supported at near-centerline
only). This results in asymmetrical thermal expansion between the
upper half and lower half casing.

Pump Maintenance without Yes Yes Both BB1 and BB2 allow for rotor removal / maintenance without
disturbing disturbing pipework
Suction/Discharge Pipework
Sulzer BB2 pump rotor removal is achieved in a similar manner to that
for a BB1 pump - using eye-bolt for lifting the NDE end-cover (as
opposed to lifting the top-cover) and slings for the rotor. No special
tools are required