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PUMPSANDSYSTEMS.COM
SMART
PUMPING
Enhancing security & increasing
uptime with intelligent controls
K A L A M A Z O O R I V E R R E M E D I AT I O N D I V E R T S 5 . 9 B I L L I O N G A L L O N S | 3 Q U E S T I O N S A B O U T U S I N G I oT
Circle 100 on card or visit psfreeinfo.com.
Circle 101 on card or visit psfreeinfo.com.
p u mp s a n d s y s te m s . co m | Fe b ru ary 2016
2
W ith 2016 now in full swing, Pumps & Systems is looking toward the future. As
technologies and services continue to evolve with each passing year, our desire is
to keep you up-to-speed with the latest innovations while not neglecting the processes
EDITORIAL
SENIOR EDITOR, PUMPS DIVISION: Alecia Archibald
aarchibald@cahabamedia.com • 205-278-2843
and concepts that have long guided the pump industry.
SENIOR TECHNICAL EDITOR: Mike Pemberton
In this issue, we focus on smart pumping—modern, computer-based capabilities that mpemberton@cahabamedia.com
allow pump users to monitor and control their systems reliably, safely and efficiently. 205-314-8279
While some believe the pump industry has been behind the times in terms of technology MANAGING EDITOR: Amelia Messamore
adoption, many companies are expanding their product and service portfolios to include amessamore@cahabamedia.com
205-314-8264
smart pumping software and intelligent controls. As end users begin to implement these
MANAGING EDITOR: Martin Reed
new capabilities, they are seeing reduced life-cycle costs, lower energy consumption and mreed@cahabamedia.com • 205-278-2826
more reliable system operation. MANAGING EDITOR: Savanna Gray
As an example, a German fl ame retardant manufacturer recently incorporated sgray@cahabamedia.com • 205-278-2839
frequency converters to control its cooling water pumps and saw a reduction in energy CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Lev Nelik,
consumption by 80 percent. Turn to page 34 for full details on how intelligent controls Ray Hardee, Jim Elsey
yielded these significant energy savings. CREATIVE SERVICES
On page 30, we continue our coverage of smart pumping with an overview of how DIGITAL PROJECT MANAGER &
alternative control technologies can handle large volumes of data. You also don’t want SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: Greg Ragsdale
to miss “3 Questions to Ask Before IoT Implementation” (page 38), which outlines best ART DIRECTOR: Melanie Magee
practices for Internet of Things adoption on an industrial scale. WEB DEVELOPER: Greg Caudle
While smart pumping may be the future, ensuring that your equipment can withstand DIGITAL COMMUNITY MANAGER: Amy Cash
harsh conditions is an age-old problem. On page 24, we help you meet the challenges of PRINT ADVERTISING TRAFFIC: Lisa Freeman
lfreeman@cahabamedia.com • 205-212-9402
harsh operating environments with coverage of rugged seal technologies (page 24) and
tips for safely incorporating new hydraulic fluids in your assembly (page 27). CIRCULATION
This month, the Pumps & Systems team will be traveling to Tucson, Arizona, to AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Lori Masaoay
participate in the Hydraulic Institute 2016 Annual Conference on Feb. 11-15. We look lmasaoay@cahabamedia.com • 205-278-2840
forward to seeing many of you there. In the meantime, if you have any questions,
ADVERTISING
concerns or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We love hearing from
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER: Derrell Moody
readers and welcome your feedback. dmoody@pump-zone.com • 205-345-0784
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES:
Mary-Kathryn Baker
mkbaker@pump-zone.com • 205-345-6036
Mark Goins
Managing Editor, Amelia Messamore mgoins@pump-zone.com • 205-345-6414
amessamore@cahabamedia.com Addison Perkins
aperkins@pump-zone.com • 205-561-2603
Garrick Stone
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD gstone@pump-zone.com • 205-212-9406
THOMAS L. ANGLE, P.E., MSC, Vice WALT ERNDT, VP/GM, Crane Pumps & HENRY PECK, President, Geiger Pump &
President Engineering, Hidrostal AG Systems Equipment Company MARKETING ASSOCIATES:
BRYAN S. BARRINGTON, Machinery JOE EVANS, Ph.D., Customer & Employee MARIANNE SZCZECH, Director, Global Ashley Morris
Engineer, Lyondell Chemical Co. Education, PumpTech, Inc. Marketing and Product Management,
Pump Solutions Group
amorris@cahabamedia.com • 205-561-2600
KERRY BASKINS, VP/GM, Milton Roy LARRY LEWIS, President, Vanton Pump and
Americas Equipment Corp. SCOTT SORENSEN, Oil & Gas Automation Sonya Crocker
Consultant & Market Developer, Siemens
R. THOMAS BROWN III, President, WILLIAM LIVOTI, Business Development
Industry Sector scrocker@cahabamedia.com • 205-314-8276
Advanced Sealing International (ASI) Manager/Energy Efficiency Specialist,
WEG Electric Corporation ADAM STOLBERG, Executive Director,
CHRIS CALDWELL, Director of Advanced Submersible Wastewater Pump
Collection Technology, Business Area TODD LOUDIN, President/CEO North
American Operations, Flowrox Inc. Association
Wastewater Solutions, Sulzer Pumps,
ABS USA MICHAEL MICHAUD, Executive Director, JERRY TURNER, Founder/Senior Advisor,
Hydraulic Institute Pioneer Pump
JACK CREAMER, Market Segment Manager
– Pumping Equipment, Square D by JOHN MALINOWSKI, Sr. Product Manager, DOUG VOLDEN, Global Engineering Director,
Schneider Electric John Crane PUBLISHER: Walter B. Evans Jr.
AC Motors, Baldor Electric Company, A
BOB DOMKOWSKI, Business Development Member of the ABB Group KIRK WILSON, President, Services & VP OF SALES: Greg Meineke
Manager – Transport Pumping and Solutions, Flowserve Corporation
WILLIAM E. NEIS, P.E., President, CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Terri J. Gray
Amusement Markets/Engineering Northeast Industrial Sales JAMES WONG, Associate Product
Consultant, Xylem, Inc., Water Solutions Manager – Bearing Isolator, Garlock Sealing CONTROLLER: Brandon Whittemore
USA – Flygt LEV NELIK, Ph.D., P.E., APICS, President, Technologies
PumpingMachinery, LLC
NEW HIRES,
PROMOTIONS & RECOGNITIONS
RICH GREATTI HEATHER GREEN, APPLETON GROUP
FLUID SEALING INTERNATIONAL ROSEMONT, Ill. (Dec. 4, 2015) – Heather Green has been promoted
CORAOPOLIS, Penn. (Jan. 5, 2016) – Fluid to director of product marketing for Appleton Group, a division of
Sealing International has announced that Rich Emerson. In this role, Green will work with product management, the
Greatti has joined the company as director engineering team and global sales for the division’s brands Appleton,
of sales and marketing. Greatti brings more O-Z/Gedney and others to achieve success across multiple industries.
than 30 years of experience in the fluid sealing She will report directly to Tim Graff, vice president of engineering for
industry in sales, engineering and business Rich Greatti Appleton Group, within the engineering organization. As leader of
development with a successful track record the product management team, Green will guide Voice of Customer
that includes international sales, product development as well as research, identify customer value propositions, define platform
managing a global sales force. He has helped develop several new strategy, establish product requirements and improve supporting
sealing products and a successful distribution/direct/OEM network in overall business processes. emersonindustrial.com
the fluid sealing industry. worldfsi.com
MYLA PETREE
CHUCK KELLOGG, HUBBARD-HALL BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY
WATERBURY, Conn. (Dec. 11, 2015) – Hubbard-Hall Chairman/CFO FORT SMITH, Ark. (Nov. 24, 2015) – Baldor
Chuck Kellogg has received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Electric Company has appointed Myla Petree to
Award at the annual meeting of the National Association of Chemical the newly created position of director – strategic
Distributors (NACD). Kellogg was one of the founding members of program management. In this role, she and
NACD in 1971 when he and other CEOs recognized the need for the a recently formed team of project managers
chemical distribution industry to adopt best practices and become will be responsible for organizing, driving and Myla Petree
overt stewards of the chemical distribution process. Kellogg has successfully implementing key projects across a
remained active and vocal in the association since its founding. variety of Baldor locations and products. Petree joined Baldor in 2011
hubbardhall.com as the company’s director of quality. Petree has a bachelor’s degree
in mechanical engineering from the University of Oklahoma and is an
BOB LAUSON, PSG ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence.
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (Dec. 9, 2015) – PSG, a Dover company, baldor.com
has appointed Bob Lauson to general manager for PSG Grand Rapids
(Blackmer). In this role, Lauson will be responsible for leading the
Grand Rapids organization and will report directly to PSG President
Karl Buscher. He will be based out of the PSG Grand Rapids facility
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Lauson joined PSG from Terra Sonic
International, where he held the position of president. Singer Valve Inc. has joined forces with Channel Co Ltd. for valve
psgdover.com/en/blackmer/home distribution in Jordan.
Dec. 16, 2015
ALEXANDER SEVERT
& JIARAN SUN Des-Case has acquired JLM Systems Limited and its OilMiser product line.
Dec. 10, 2015
WATER PLANET
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 7, 2015) The IFH Group Inc. has acquired Bowman Manufacturing Company Inc.
Water Planet has further Dec. 7, 2015
expanded its engineering team
with the addition of Alexander Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group has acquired Flow Smart Inc.
Alexander Jiaran
Severt as mechanical and through its parent company Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc.
Severt Sun
design engineer and Jiaran Sun Nov. 30, 2015
as research and development engineer. At Water Planet, Severt will
provide modeling, fabrication and design support to the membrane U.S. Water has acquired A and W Technologies.
and system design team. Sun will assist with the development Nov. 17, 2015
and commercialization of Water Planet’s PolyCera polymer and
membranes. waterplanet.com
To have a news item considered, please send the information to Amelia Messamore, amessamore@cahabamedia.com.
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p u mp s a n d s y s te m s . co m | Fe b ru ary 2016
10 NEWS
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p u mp s a n d s y s te m s . co m | Fe b ru ary 2016
12 PUMPING PRESCRIPTIONS
Troubleshooting & repair challenges
By Lev Nelik, Ph.D., P.E.
Pumping Machinery, LLC, P&S Editorial Advisory Board
I
n 2015, I wrote a series Nelik’s Response But the numbers are there—
for Pumps & Systems titled Thank you for your question. It in dollars instead of red ink on
“Efficiency Monitoring Saves does not surprise me that the a pump housing. Consider the
Plants Millions.” I gave readers amount of wasted energy seemed 3,000-horsepower (hp) pump
a real-world example of the so high to you. Most folks think in the articles you mentioned.
importance of understanding how more about a piece of machinery’s Multiplying 3,000 hp by 0.746 gives
equipment is performing. Below, reliability than about its efficiency. us 2,238 kilowatts. Multiply that
I answer a question from a reader The thought process is, “If a pump by 24 hours for 365 days, times
about the effectiveness and speed fails too often, water spills all over $0.10 per kilowatt-hour, and it
of plant monitoring systems. the plant, and I get home late for adds up to $2 million. If 10 percent
dinner.” That is personal. But to is wasted, that is $200,000. The
Letter from a Reader look at a running pump to see 10 $125,000 in the articles is adjusted
“I enjoyed your four-part series percent efficiency being wasted, for the pump running less than 100
(Pumps & Systems, July, August, that is often too abstract. percent of time.
September and October 2015)
relating the dynamics of what goes Figure 1 (above). Live data streaming in. Figure 2 (below). Spectral (FFT) data is taken and
displayed continuously by the PREMS system.
on at the plants in an interesting
real-world dialogue format. You
started the set by introducing
the reader to a pump salesman,
Bob, who visits the water plant
and works with a local plant
maintenance manager, Jim, on
measuring the efficiency of his
large pumps. Other people get
involved along the way, and the
amount of savings they discovered
shocked me—nearly $125,000
for a 3,000-horsepower pump. In
Part 1 of your article series, you
said the entire test was done in
less than a day by a system you
referred to as “PREMS,” but you
did not describe what it is. We have
plant monitoring systems in our
plant, but they cost millions, and
I doubt that anything, no matter
how simple that may sound, can be
done in a day. Can you elaborate?”
Jack Francis
Chemical plant employee
Chicago, Illinois
For details of how to measure recommended values. Continuous in Part 1 (Pumps & Systems,
efficiency, let me do a brief review. monitoring reconstructs the entire July 2015), the key to a good
In March 2007, Pumps & Systems performance curve, because most technology is accuracy and
published “How Much Energy is pumps do not “sit” at the same simplicity. The PREMS is
Wasted When Wear Rings Are flow. In response to changes in essentially a box, similar to a
Worn to Double Their Initial the system, the flow changes, and suitcase, that can be installed
Value?” Double was picked because pressure, power and efficiency for one pump, monitoring it for a
that is the point where most change with it. period of time, and then moved as
original equipment manufacturers A dynamic, live reconstruction needed to another pump.
(OEMs) recommend replacement of the performance curve does not The system transmits through
of rings. But such repairs are require intrusive periodic testing. a wireless cell gateway (or a
costly. Users do not know the worn Continuous monitoring makes the local modem), alleviating any
dimensions until they pull the performance curve more accurate concerns of interfering with
wear rings from the pump. and detailed over time. It would the plant operational system.
By measuring efficiency also tell where the plant typically Instrumentation measures
continually, they can pinpoint the runs—something that plants pressure, flow and amps, which the
time when the efficiency value often do not know. software converts into a complete
drops below the value that justifies In regard to the pump’s pump performance curve (head-
the repair and restoration of the reliability and efficiency capacity, power and efficiency) that
ring clearances to the initial OEM measurement system (PREMS) is displayed on the screen.
p u mp s a n d s y s te m s . co m | Fe b ru ary 2016
14 PUMPING PRESCRIPTIONS
Examining the data over time a. Rotor unbalance adjustments to the system or no
reveals that the pump operates b. Misalignment action (if energy cost is small
mainly in two regions (see Figure c. Cavitation relative to the quoted repair cost).
1, page 12). One region is near d. Both a and b For more information, email
the best efficiency point, but the e. a, b and c me or visit Pump Video Academy
other is much closer to the shutoff Using Figure 1, we can compare online at pumpingmachinery.
head (below minimum continuous the original OEM performance, com/pump_school/PVA/pva.htm
stable flow). The second region is shown with solid lines, to actual (modules #10 and #11).
in the area where internal forces, performance, shown with multiple
pulsations and vibrations are data points outlining the evolving Dr. Nelik (aka “Dr. Pump”)
detrimental to the pump. Vibrations curves. The system provides stand- is president of Pumping
are measured continually, including alone data acquisition, combining Machinery, LLC, an Atlanta-
overall values and spectral (Fast instrumentation with software, based firm specializing in pump
Fourier Transform, or FFT) data to present a real, standard pump consulting, training, equipment
to troubleshoot live. The chart curve—live and continually. troubleshooting and pump
on Figure 2 (page 12) shows the Interpretation of data is simple—it repairs. Dr. Nelik has 30 years
first and second harmonics being is on the screen. The difference in of experience in pumps and
predominant (1X and 2X). What efficiency is calculated continually pumping equipment. He may
does it tell us? Email me your and translated into yearly prorated be reached at pump-magazine.
answer from the following choices dollars wasted. Th is data can com. For more information, visit
for a chance to win a discounted help users decide between repair pumpingmachinery.com/pump_
seat at the next Pump School. (yearly energy cost vs. repair cost), school/pump_school.htm.
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144 Formula 1
U
sing the example system In a previous column, we NPSHa = (Pin + Patm - P vp ) x
ρ
in Figure 1, this series discovered that the flow rate
will focus on the process through a pump can be calculated
144
elements found in piping systems. by converting the differential NPSHa = (-2 + 14.7 - 8.8) x =11.5 ft
48.9
In this example, a process fluid pressure to head. Using the pump
is pumped from a storage tank, curve, enter the value for pump Equation 1
Where:
PX-TK-120, through an end suction head on the vertical axis and move
pump, PX-PU-120, specified to horizontally until you intersect the Pin = Suction pressure psig
pass 800 gallons per minute (gpm) pump curve. Then move down to Patm = Atmospheric pressure psia
with 202 feet of head. From the determine the flow rate. Pvp = Fluid vapor pressure psig
pump discharge, the 80 F process Ρ = Fluid density lb/ft3
fluid travels to a heat exchanger,
PX-HX-121, where the fluid is
heated to 120 F. Level control Table 1. Physical properties of the process fluid used in this example
PX-LCV-120 maintains the level Fluid Temp (F) Density (lb/ft3) Viscosity (cP) Vapor press (psia)
in process vessel PX-PV-122 to 15
feet. The system boundaries are Process fluid 80 48.9 0.30 8.8
the tanks PX-TK-120 and PX-VP- Process fluid 120 47.3 0.25 16.4
122. The system contains only one
circuit. Table 1 lists the physical
properties of the process fluid. Table 2. Comparing as observed conditions with cavitation to validated results
Less than six months ago, a Condition/Value PX- PX- PX- PX-LCV-120 PX- PX-PV-122
piping system model was created TK-120 PI-120 PI-121 position* PV-122 psi
ft psi psi level
and validated using the installed
plant instrumentation (values are Current Operation 5 -2.0 65 78% 15 20
shown in Figure 1). The difference
Validated 5 0.4 69.6 69% 15 20
between these values and the
* The value position is not on the operator’s log sheet.
calculated results was less than
2 percent.
The piping drawing shows that Figure 1. Example system consisting of the items making up the system
along with displayed operating data (Graphics courtesy of the author)
the flow rate through the system
is controlled to maintain the level
in the process vessel PX-PV-122 at
15 feet. The system does not have
an installed flow meter, so we must
determine the system flow rate.
One of the easiest methods
is to use a portable clamp-on
ultrasonic flow meter. If operated
correctly, these devices can provide
accuracy of ±1 percent. During
the assessment, the flow meter
indicated a flow rate of 770 gpm.
p u mp s a n d s y s te m s . co m | Fe b ru ary 2016
16 PUMP SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT
In this example, the differential pump cavitation. Table 2 shows the As indicated in Figure 1, the NPSHa
pressure across the pump is 69.2 pounds system’s current operation along with is 11.5 feet. The pump curve shows that
per square inch (psi). Using a process the validated results. the net positive suction head required
fluid density of 48.9 pounds per cubic Table 2 shows that the levels and (NPSHr) is 14.3 feet. As a result, the
foot (lb/ft3), we can determine a pump pressures at the system boundary tanks NPSHa is greater than the NPSHr,
head of 203.8 feet. are the same in both conditions, resulting indicating pump cavitation is occurring.
The manufacturer’s supplied pump in the same static head. The pressure at Because the pump is cavitating, the pump
curve shows that, with a head of 204 pump suction pressure PX-PI-120 is -2 is probably not operating on its curve.
feet, the flow rate through the pump pounds per square inch gauge (psig), 2.4 Part 2 of this series will use the
is 770 gpm. The flow rate calculated psi less than the validated results. The data discussed here to determine the
through the pump correlates with the pump discharge pressure PX-PI-121 is 67 cause of cavitation and analyze other
flow rate obtained with the ultrasonic psi, 2.6 psi less than the validated results. system problems.
flow meter. According to Table 2, the position of
Now that we have discussed how the PX-LCV-120 is 78 percent open, greater
Ray Hardee is a principal founder of
model was validated with the observed than the validated results.
Engineered Software, creators of PIPE-FLO
values, we can troubleshoot. The first step is to determine if these
and PUMP-FLO software. At Engineered
An operator notifies the shift conditions are the cause of cavitation.
Software, he helped develop two training
supervisor that pump PX-PU-120 Using Equation 1, we will determine
courses and teaches these courses
sounds like it is cavitating. Additionally, the net positive suction head available
internationally. He may be reached at ray.
the pump discharge pressure gauge is (NPSHa) at the pump suction based on the
hardee@eng-software.com.
oscillating, another indication of possible pressure gauge reading at PX-PI-120.
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p u mp s a n d s y s te m s . co m | Fe b ru ary 2016
18 COMMON PUMPING MISTAKES
Simple solutions for end users
By Jim Elsey
Summit Pump, Inc.
T
his month’s column to axially locate the impeller on mechanical seals. Most present-day
focuses on whether to use its respective mechanical and designs will not damage the shaft
shaft sleeves in overhung hydraulic center in the casing. or shaft sleeve during installation,
centrifugal pumps (Type OH-1 The sleeve is designed to be the operation and subsequent removal
per American Petroleum Institute inexpensive and replaceable part. from service. Even O-ring fretting
[API] 610 designation). The most It is easier and less expensive to of the shaft or shaft sleeve is
common OH-1 pump type is the change a sleeve than the whole eliminated in most new designs.
American National Standards shaft. Users who have packing in
Institute (ANSI) B73.1M. The their pump consider the sleeve a Figure 1. An example of stiffness ratio
calculations (Graphics courtesy of
practice of using cartridge-type must-have design feature.
the author)
mechanical seals on solid pump In 1905, the mechanical seal
shafts (in lieu of sleeved shafts) as we know it was invented, but
is not new or radical. While the it was not commonly used until
benefits of building a pump in this after World War II. Fifty years
manner are real and measurable in ago, most centrifugal pumps in
most instances, a large percentage industrial and commercial services
of pump owners will not change. still had packed stuffing boxes.
Pumps with mechanical seals
Background were uncommon and expensive.
I would estimate that shaft sleeves Later in the 1970s, many users
have been used on pump shafts for began to use simple mechanical
at least 100 years. My 1919 edition seals because of safety concerns,
of Pumping Machinery by Arthur M. stricter Environmental Protection
Greene mentions “sacrificial shaft Agency (EPA) regulations, and the
liners.” I do not know exactly when cost of both lost product and flush
the first pump shaft sleeve was put fluids. These simple seals were Figure 2. An example of a sleeved pump
into service, but I assume it was eventually displaced by component shaft design with ample diameter to
not long after someone adjusted type mechanical seals. Prudent maintain a low stiffness ratio
the packing incorrectly on an pump users continued to use
expensive pump. the existing shaft sleeve designs
Shaft sleeves serve multiple because the component seals
purposes. The most important is to were held in place by tightening a
protect the main pump shaft from number of set screws. The torqued
wear caused by packing abrasion, set screw points damaged the shaft
followed closely by prevention of sleeve surface. These “dog marks”
erosion and corrosion. In some (damaged metal surfaces) from
pump designs, the sleeve serves the set screws were an accepted
additional purposes. For example, negative side effect because of
in some horizontal split-case the shaft sleeve’s status as an
pumps, the sleeve also serves inexpensive and replaceable part.
(in conjunction with a threaded In recent years, most pump users
shaft nut) as an adjustable means have switched to cartridge-type
Non-Contacting
Flow Measurement
When the American Voluntary Standards
(AVS) pumps and the forerunners of
and Control
the modern ANSI pump (B73.1M) were
designed in the late ’50s and early ’60s, Measure Flow
packed stuffing boxes were standard. If
these pumps were to be redesigned today,
from Outside
they would use cartridge-type mechanical the Pipe
seals, and the design length of the shaft
from the radial bearing to the impeller Designed for dirty
would be shorter. or aerated liquids
When a packed pump is operating, the like wastewater,
packing acts like an additional line bearing slurries, sludge
because of the hydrodynamic properties and liquids with
of the close clearances between the shaft bubbles or solids
sleeve and the packing. Th is “consequential
and beneficial phenomenon” mitigates shaft
deflection caused by any unequal radial DFM 5.1 Doppler
Flow Meter
forces acting on the impeller.
Without packing around the shaft (for
The clamp-on ultrasonic sensor installs in
example, when a seal is used), the shaft
minutes without shutting down flow. Start-up
will deflect more, especially if the pump
is easy with the built-in keypad and simple
is not operating near the best efficiency
menu system.
point/best operating point (BEP/BOP).
Pump operation at or near shutoff (far left
side of the curve) and at runout conditions Low-Flow or No-Flow
(far right side of the curve) away from the
preferred operating region results in shaft Pump Protection
deflection, which causes premature bearing
and mechanical seal face wear, shortening
the life of these critical components.
The ability of a shaft to resist deflection
is a direct function of the overhung length
and the shaft diameter. Th is is commonly
referred to as the shaft stiff ness ratio,
DFS 5.1 Doppler
shaft deflection ratio, or the L over D ratio Flow Switch
(L 3 / D4). The lower the ratio number, the
better the shaft will resist deflection. The
formula for calculating the ratio factor
Works with a clamp-on sensor for pump
is based on the simple cantilevered beam
protection, flow control and high or low flow
Circle 113 on card or visit psfreeinfo.com.
p u mp s a n d s y s te m s . co m | Fe b ru ary 2016
20 COMMON PUMPING MISTAKES
A smaller shaft diameter results in Some manufacturers’ processes design side loads (like belt or chain drives) and
a higher stiff ness ratio, which is not and machine the shaft differently. Either cyclic fatigue factors. Current designs
a desired attribute. Without delving way, the end result is that the shaft has are taking these side load factors more
into a protracted formula derivation, a smaller diameter on the overhung into consideration.
the strength of the shaft material is of portion. The smaller diameter yields
little importance, but the modulus of a higher shaft deflection ratio, which Current Practices
elasticity (Young’s modulus) does come means the shaft will deflect more for a Many pump owners continue to use old
into play. Most common shaft materials given radial force. More deflection will design shaft sleeves when using new
share similar ranges for the modulus of result in deleterious effects on the seal design cartridge mechanical seals. There
elasticity. If pump shafts are breaking, and bearings. are some good reasons, such as corrosion/
the cause is usually cyclic fatigue, not Note that the presence of the sleeve erosion mitigation, for continuing this
material strength. So a stronger material does not contribute to the stiff ness practice. In most cases, however, there
is not the answer, but preventing or factor, no matter how tight the fit. The is no other reason than “that is the
reducing deflection is. sleeve is not an integral part of the way we have always done it.” I would
When a pump is purposely designed shaft and does not become a factor in say that, for a given system (curve) and
to incorporate a shaft sleeve, the the equation. the consequential pump operation on
original shaft diameter in the packing In the past, most pump shafts its curve, the pump life would be much
and mechanical seal area is typically were generously over-designed/sized longer if the shaft design was solid versus
machined down to a smaller diameter to transmit some amount of torque sleeved. The pump would be more reliable,
of some incremental distance (D) to (horsepower) at some speed range, but and the mean time between failure and
accommodate the corresponding sleeve. most shafts were not designed for high repair (MTBF/R) would be longer.
In some modern OH-1 pump models, of different shaft diameters is significant. Shaft runout, or total indicator
the incorporation of a shaft sleeve is The difference between the smaller (MT) reading, with a sleeve design is harder to
by design and is an acceptable practice sleeved shaft and a larger (LT) solid shaft control because of the added surfaces and
because the shaft deflection ratio is is dramatic. associated tolerances. The allowable shaft
already very low as a result of a generous ANSI B73.1M has set tolerances for runout on a solid shaft is 0.001 inches
shaft diameter in the sleeve area. X-17 allowable shaft deflection at the stuffing and 0.002 inches for a sleeved shaft. As
ANSI pumps (ANSI sizes A105, 110 and box area of the shaft over the allowable a final design note, any sleeve design
120) are one example (see Figure 2, operating range. needs to allow for thermal expansion and
page 18). Pumps in compliance with this contraction.
Many pump manufacturers also specification are not allowed more than Even when we know we should
offer solid pump shafts that are made 0.002 inches of deflection. Simply implement change, some habits are hard
of different materials in the wetted looking at the L/D ratios is one way to break.
(sacrificial) versus non-wetted areas. to evaluate the pump, but it is equally Are you operating your overhung
Furthermore, most ANSI pump important to calculate the radial loads for pumps with cartridge seals and still
manufacturers offer an optional shaft of your specific operation and the resultant using shaft sleeves? I would like to
larger diameter for given midrange sizes shaft deflection. hear why.
(for example, MT, or medium-sized shaft
and bearing systems, versus LT, or large Jim Elsey is a mechanical engineer who has focused on rotating equipment design and
sized, models). applications for the military and several large original equipment manufacturers for 43
Even with sleeve construction, the years. He is the general manager for Summit Pump, Inc., and the principal of MaDDog
deflection ratio between the two models Pump Consultants LLC. Elsey may be reached at jim@summitpump.com.
p u mp s a n d s y s te m s . co m | Fe b ru ary 2016
22 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Trends & analysis for pumping professionals
By Mike Pemberton
Pumps & Systems Senior Technical Editor
A
n intelligent pump is Advantages of continuous process industries.
more than a pump; the Intelligent Pumping For the fi rst time, end users could
product is a combination From a process control standpoint, use the electronic platform as a
of a pump, process instrument(s) the primary difference between “brain” that learns and adapts
and variable frequency drive a VFD and a control valve is that pump performance to changing
(VFD) with related intelligence the VFD electronically changes process conditions. Th is real-time
embedded in the microprocessor motor speed to maintain flow, adaptability plays a critical role in
motherboard. While variable speed pressure, level or temperature at achieving process sustainability
drives (VSDs)—both mechanical set-point, while the control valve through uptime, controllability
and electronic—have been applied mechanically adjusts its opening to and reliability improvements. An
to pumps for decades, the drives meet process control requirements. intelligent pump offers far more
on intelligent pumps were the first Both approaches maintain process information about the pump’s
commercially available VFDs that flow at the required rate but differ performance than was ever readily
used pump protection logic to alert significantly in how they impact available in the past.
end users during upset conditions. energy use, equipment reliability
Today, several manufacturers offer and process control performance. Limitations to Adoption
intelligent pumps with varying VFD speed reduction lowers head While plant operators and
performance monitoring and (pressure) at the square root of engineers typically configure
asset protection capabilities. An speed, while flow is reduced at the standard VFDs through a keypad
intelligent pump also typically cube root of speed. For example, or laptop in the motor control
includes standard process control a small reduction in speed can center (MCC), the PID algorithm
functions, such as proportional- result in a moderate head reduction and control logic in the VFD are
integral-derivative control (PID) and large energy reduction. The infrequently used. Normally, the
and power (kilowatt) consumption reduction in head (pressure) and control engineers opt for using the
monitoring. the accompanying reduction same control functions that found
The fi rst intelligent pump was in energy usage are primarily in the distributed control system
introduced near the beginning the result of fully opening or (DCS). The DCS then outputs a
of the new millennium. Th is eliminating the control valve. speed signal back to the VFD over
technology has been instrumental Standard and intelligent VFDs an analog cable (4-20 mA), a step
in changing many facets of the provide the same level of energy similar to sending an analog signal
pump industry. One change has savings but can differ significantly to a valve positioner to change the
been the development of a new in the amount of maintenance percent that it is open or closed.
understanding that control valves savings they provide. Embedded Digital bus communication can be
do not have to be the de facto pump protection can alarm, slow used, but the majority of plants
flow control device for pump down or turn off the pump when built before the new millennium
systems. Embedding pump the system encounters conditions use analog signals to communicate
intelligence into VFDs also has such as dead-heading, dry-running from the DCS to the field
led to the view that the pump— or cavitation. instruments and valves.
along with the instrumentation The introduction of intelligent Because the VFD and DCS are
and control valves—is a key VFDs signaled the rise of variable in different locations, operators
component of industrial speed pumping as an alternative and engineers are often unable
automation architecture. to control valves, especially in to configure the intelligent pump
fi rmware from the DCS. Th is on the DCS. This could make the the availability and utilization
restriction causes the embedded intelligent pump compatible with of pump intelligence. The DCS
pump intelligence in the VFD to multiple VFD brands and different and related information systems
be underutilized. voltage ratings. The end user could could be able to both configure
While this was an issue with purchase the VFD separately from and display multiple capabilities,
the fi rst generation of intelligent software package and combine the including the following:
pumps, the growth of wireless two using wired or wireless digital • Alarm and control actions
communication, the Industrial communication. In this scenario, with data logging, time
Internet of Th ings (IIoT) and cloud the pump intelligence could access stamps and trends
computing have made it possible the DCS database as well as receive • Real-time pump and
to overcome these limitations. data from the VFD. By accessing system curve visibility with
Today, multiple parameters can data from both control elements, mechanical efficiency
be transmitted from the MCC the level of intelligence could • Real-time horsepower and/
to the DCS. Access to the pump- potentially be expanded. or kilowatt consumption and
protection logic from the DCS can While intelligent pump specific energy
lead to more visibility and higher technology has made significant
utilization rates. advances in asset protection, the
Mike Pemberton is the senior
An alternate approach use of wireless communication,
technical editor for Pumps &
could be to use a third-party cloud computing and/or third-
Systems. He may be reached at
software package with the pump party software offers new
mpemberton@cahabamedia.com.
intelligence and load that program approaches that can increase
PROTECT PUMPS
$29 25..).'