8 Pumping and Pump Theory The cargo pumping system on a crude oll tanker is capable of transferring large volumes at high flow rates, and a main cargo pump generates significant power A tanker officers ability to control the transfer of cargo and ballasts greatly enhanced by having an understanding of basic pump theory. 8.1 Pressure and Head Te understand how pumps tater AEF Muids the concept of pressure mst beunderstood Pressures detined 2 thefere per unit area acting on <5 pont. The Suni of pressures, ite pascal Pa)-Thsis equivalent to {Wim Newton per square metre Presnure can ‘The relationship between absolute and gauge pressures is expressed by the following; Absolute pressur ‘gauge pressure + barometric pressure, erin ns gauge pressure, unless operating in vacuum oc eer mene enna} See ee ecae ene) PNR cag MCT ear geese at eae ey eae ea fee eee ee eat eet ye) his weight s the force acing on the tank bottom, Asppressure P)is force per unit area, the pressure Pee aa Peeraticye r eee Tere Asthe fluid density p and the acceleration due to gravity, gare constant, the pressure only changes when the height offuid chan \When considering the performance of a pump, the pressure it develops in terms of the height ofthe fluid itgenerates should be considered. This is termed as discharge head or head. Pressure atthe pump suction ‘can be considered in terms of suction head, 8.1.1 Units of Pressure {CF ——_ofmuch practical use on tankers. ‘Other units of pressure that are ‘commonly used ae the kilo Pascal, ‘mega Pasa ba kilograms per time squared kg/cm) pounds per square inch (pl) millimetres of mercury (mm) and tmmof water (mmiWG orm) Conversion factors between the various pressure ts Pressure gauges ona tankers cargo system can display fluid or gas under vacuum conditions as either a negative gauge pressure or as millimetres or centimetres of mercury absolut. A mercurial barometer measures atmosphere pressure in terms of absolute pressure and, while it varies its tsually taken tobe 760 mmHg, which isthe height ‘of mercury in a closed tube that supports an ait column representative ofthe atmospheric pressure. When a barometer measures pressure less than the atmospheric pressure, the height ofthe mercury Column wil fal. Measurement of ar pressures below atmospheric are often expressed in units of millimetres or centimetres of mercury (mmHg ‘or emi). Zero gauge pressure is equivalent to 760 mmHg, 8.2 Pump Suction Conditions Figure 8.1 - Pump suction inlet on a VLCC Fluid pressure at the pump inlets an important factor when considering the performance of a pump. Poor suction conditions result in poor [pump discharge performance. tis useful to be able to interpret pump suction pressure in felation to changing tank levels and suction piping arrangements tobe able to make changes that improve suction conditions. Ss eEwwme:®l itiCrCdnonkonn eran ROM re eter half filed with Bonny Light crude with a density of '850 kg/m’ and RVP of 0.46 bara, pressurised with reper iCute ces heer res Phorm aes Pere ter aes Cee ater Pea eee ney © IGpressure, pressure exerted on the surface Sec et enon eure it nec ara cree Gee ee) Perey ee Cie rere ta Effective suction head = fluid head + head duet ete ye oo ee Ren ae eee ee} neers ne et eee ‘of 850 kg/m? and AVP oF 046 bare, pressurised Sree mete oa eae fom the tank through the pump. In ths case, pressure atthe suction inlets atesult of locity head, a result of fluid flowing ina pipe producing pressure due to the Berno effect. The head produced can be shown as: friction head los, this is the head reducti Cte estes Sree Effective suction head = fluid head + head due to feet eae er eel figure 8.2b enue a a ee Pere acer ete) filled with Bonny Light crude with a density of Soe cen feet cts nase k tcc} from the tank through the pump The crude level cece Maan oust her etme oN are Fesult in an effective suction head of e eee gel om es eta aa effective suction head must be thought of in terms eee ee ere re erent emer raed Sp irae are aie cet barometric pressure in terms of fluid head for Riot aero) ee rae Bree anit ee Prono absolute pressure when this occurs ina particular fluid at agiven temperature isknown as its vapour Sic emg et (eta eel Creare a te eer ee ete Cen eee eae ae tes Cea fluid head Cert © velocity head Peete Cee toe ack et itry cet ee eee er ees reeset in Bee eta Sotieege rests pressure offid Proerty Per Cone et nee tre "The vpourpesureafcude ois determine at temperature of 78°10, ands expesed Red vapour pressure VP). BI 45 © Crd 8 ae Bas8¢$ | $A SavV mA AM$$_—_—— oom = Figure 8.20 Came a omens!cargo ot eno joss Conan 1 Garo oak vara hl th ae Keay: “The suction nea ie a a resus ofthe fuk nea ard tomas] toms | SRA eos “The barometric head using crude oil 880 holm’ is HB see nos eed ‘armada 121m . et Tesmagange ens ree Dns rm esi pitta ren an “= a oo Condon 2 Cano tar oval wh ow pe rough ne core pu. a bar Koy inn Hh Serpe p] Seat ‘The and oss due to vapour pressures determined mn mama BE cas tment, | Sete apne bpomebemnaueacnc, = "chon pine congurston a chong fate Figure 820 Pump suction conion 2 7. «7 malWhere Head lo is volumey isa poste meastreoft Head osssa © Number = number pele © comple: bends d fiers an © distance aon Const cogp atta cee receing rowarmisccntwetonsecamon |g rect Tascntennorsmattometnadens © Seatemp pica arrangen ko aeatan i ‘Tie bacmediches wing fh | aoc Oo “ne Asystemeury Toten onan enesascwmind Cort po HB suencos wrors naas (285.3 m see Appendix 5) beploug eve veo ‘Be Recwelon ents no a Head loss due to, = while head loss due to friction sigrioartyresaces, mer Tienes oncur sl sgrece Sere ely a atte Senses Sanja Gr Seopeenamean rane So tonic rn ance se Paw 1 ie PSA oD WER en i rece be om oro congue the sito ein (Sheen seme mae ed), oo Suton it Figure 8.2¢- Pump suction condition 3 NPSHA arometiichead + fluidhead +head due 3 Pump Discharge Conditions 10 1G pressure + velocity head — fiction head ~ head Tole ddue to vapour pressure, Shore Resistance (Head Loss) Disc Fora fluid to flow, pressure at the pump outlet Hea All pumps have a characteristic net postive suction head requirement (NPSHR), and this is defined asthe Positive head required atthe pump suction inet to ‘maintain pumping in a fluid state. ‘must be more than the total static head. When flow ‘occurs, theres friction inthe discharge system, Friction depends on the square ofthe velacity flow tate oF volumetric flow rate. This is called shore resistance or head loss and can be expressed as Figures.4-Pumps, EN Ym 48 rT 88. $$ asa0 ban oe os oats mea ere ns tlt Nhe flow ter, pct flow shore 92d as: Hyg = OF Where: Fis head loss in metres Qis volumetric flow rate kKisa positive constant, the magnitude ofthis isa measure ofthe shote resistance, Head lossis affected by: ‘¢ Number and diameter of manifold connections ‘* number, diameter and length of terminal pipelines # complexity of terminal pipeline system, eg ‘bends, change in diameter, the presence of filters and booster pumps ‘© distance and height above sea level of the receiving tanks Viscosity of the cargo © sea temperature, when the transfer arrangement involves submarine pipelines such as at an SBM faclity system curve modelling the effect of head loss ‘an be plotted on a graph using the coordinates of Head Loss (m) Total DBischarge, Head (mn) volumetric flow rate (Q) and total discharge head (H).See figure 8:3. “The graph in figure 8.3 shows the development ofthe total discharge ‘head (with an increas ‘volumetric flow rate (Q, for azthe sum of static head XY and the head oss Zs the total discharge head (Hi) Is proportional tothe volumetric flow rate squared, the curves a parabola ‘slong asa discharge system remains reasonably constant, and f the volumetric flow rate total discharge and static head are known, the system can bbe modelled. As shown in figure 84, acurve can be draw on the graph to pas through the point where the static head value intersects the yaxs Point A) and the point where H, and 0, intersect (Point 8, Figure 84 illustrates how the total discharge head ‘changes (, 10H.) as the volumetric flow rate changes (, t0 0) fora particular system, ' a4, Head Total {oss (m) Discharge Head (m) Stato Head Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) m'/h Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) mth Pump system curve, change of total dacharge head a ure8.4 Construction and Principles of Operation of Centrifugal Pumps Figute 8 -Cntiugal pump ‘A pump provides energy toa fluid by increasing its pressure, The centrifugal pump is mostly used for the bulk transfer of cargo and ballast on oll tankers A centrifugal pump has two main components, a rotating element made up ofan impeller and shaft, and a stationary element made up of a casing, ‘mechanical seas and bearings. See figure 86. Figure ~Cantetuga pump Fluid enters the pump where the rotating impeller imparts a circulatory motion toi. Fluid moves ina radial direction from the centre ofthe impeller as result cof centripetal force. tis almost throw ina direction tangential to the curvature of the impeller edge. Inthe pump, kinetic energy that passes tothe fluid Is converted to pressure energy. Pressure energy can be expressed as metres head and is proportional to the square ofthe velocity that fluid attains. Once fluid in the pump i at its maximum speed, Itflows through the volute to the pump outlet ‘The volute is part ofthe chamber that gradually and uniformly increases in the cross-sectional area ‘ntl itis the same diameter asthe discharge pipe. Its purpose is to reduce the fluid’s speed while increasing pressure. The eneray from the centrifugal pump to the fluid results in both total discharge head (H) and volumetric flow (Q) development. ‘The head developed by the pump must be able to ‘overcome the static head, resulting in an adequate volumetric flow rate while overcoming head loss due to shore resistance, The relationship between the volumetric flow rate and head isa characteristic of the pump design as Well as ofthe rotational speed. ‘The maximum total discharge head occurs when there i zero flow, which is known as shut off head While a pump will not be operated at shut off head, itis useful for the pump manufacturer to be able to determine the maximum head the pump is able to develop. {At design speed, there isa particular head and ‘volumetric flow rate at which a pump will operate ‘most efficiently. This points the best efficiency point 2nd, when the pump is rated, pump manufacturers [produce graphs showing the relationship between hhead(H) and volumetric flow rate (Q), which are fp see } ra : i 3 THPSHR fm) Figure 8.7 - Pump charctvsiecurves called HO cur Pump charaet testing anda fora pump th curves showt flow rate, pow head requiren ts rs Affinity laws) volumetric fo, (H) at various produce pump rotational spet ASfnity laws ag flows and ant operational ap, Afnity laws fy impeller dame (pm) are asfo Fo 0M yumm 50 «Crude O1 Take Bash {$$ $?_€?p?/T?_€£__$______} —____ 89 -Haaneimspeed, poutlet. radually ational area harge pipe. die tothe (andl tbe able to n adequate head loss fcflow rate p design as curs when utoff head. hut off head tobe able to npisable to ca and il operate ficiency point anufacturers hip between which are called HO curves or pump characteristic curves. Pump characteristic curves are prepared during testing and, after manufacture, they are produced fora pump that isrunning at design speed. The ‘curves show the relationship between volumetric flow rate, power efficiency and net positive suction head requirement. See figure 8.7. 8.4.1 Pump Affinity Laws reece! iene en er errr) ower input and rotational speed of centrifugal -Mfinity aws are applied to determine the effect of volumetric flow rate (Q) and total discharge head lH) atvarlous pump speeds. They may be used to produce pump characteristic curves for various rotational speeds. -Mfinity laws apply to frictionless, incompressible ‘lows and can be considered as suitable for ‘operational application Afinity laws fora centrifugal pump with a constant impeller diameter and variable rotational speed Irom) are a follows: Ist Model Law a a 2nd Model aw we (my Ay AN, 3rd Model Law Bm) cay Q=Volumetic low H=Head P=Power input N= Rotational speed (rpm) Using the affinity avs sets of curves can be created {or various pump rotational speeds as well as for one ‘or more pumps operating in parallel. Pumps that are \ rated atthe same head, flaw rate and speed, operating i in parallel will achieve the same value of shutoff head. “The flow rate for two pumps forthe same heads twice the flow rate fr one pump. See figures 88 and 8.9. Shut Of Hoa Design Head (H) Total Discharge Head (mm) Design Flow Rate (0) Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) mh Figure 8 HO curve for single pump at various speeds ‘Shut Of Heas esgn Head () Total Discharge Head (m) Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) mm Figure 8.9- HO curve for thre pumpsat design speed 5)85 Pump Suction Conditions While centrifugal pumps perform well at high Cc tata aia aie suction head pest et Sia creer eee, ota “The NPSHR fora centrifugal pump is usually illustrated on the manufacturer's pump characteristic curves. Its value is used to determine the suitability ofa pump for a particular pumping System, which can also be used by the tanker officer todetermine when flow rate changes are required hile working at low tank levels. During the discharge of cargo or ballast, the greatest influence on suction performance is fiction head loss in the suction piping, Friction head loss is affected by: ‘Suction pipeline diameter and length '* complexity ofthe suction piping system (oumber of bends, tee pieces, valves etc) © velocity flow rate © viscosity of the fluid. The value of rction head oss in the suction piping is difficult to ‘calculate, butitcan be estimated by ‘reading the pump suction pressure ‘gauge before discharge starts and nin once the required flow rate thas been reached, The difference in the two readings is due to friction, hhead loss and the velocity head. Ifthe diference in pressures converted to fluid head, then NPSHA can be estimated and compared ith the NPSHR. tis helpful forthe tanker officer to measure and note the head loss caused by friction fora variety ‘of suction configurations, discharge rates and argo types. This allows the NPSHA to be calculated ‘and pump speed reductions and suction pipeline configuration changes to be planned. NPSHA i less than NPSHR, the i ieee eon go through the pump, they will because ofthe higher pressu ‘Changes in the pump discharge pressure and flow rate are early signs of cavitation, iit continues, the pump discharge pressure will be erratic and the Pump noise and vibration will become excessive, tesulting in damage to the pump impeller. ‘As tanks approach stripping level, the pump speed should be reduced, When centrifugal pumps are used for stripping, the following measures can ‘minimise cavitation while maintaining adequate suction conditions atthe pump inlet: '* Ensure that the suction pipeline i as short and direct as possible check thatallindine valves are fully open © if more than one pumps in use, each should have its own suction line © further reduce the flow rate by partially closing the pump discharge valve © prime from a compatible tank, if possible, to Increase the suction head, 8.6 Discharge Conditions Using HQ Curves and System Curves HO curves and system curves can be combined and used to understand flow rate changes under different shore resistance conditions and to predict ‘changes in total discharge head and volumetric flow rate with changes in pump speed, The total discharge head can be calculated from the pump discharge pressure gauge reading, Using formulae for vatious units of pressure (see Appendix 5). Total discharge head, staticead and volumetric flow rate can be plotted on 3 pump, characteristic curve, as showin in figure 8 10. Shut Off Hoad Total Discharge Head (m) x Static Head a Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) m’th Figure 30- Discharge conditions plotted on HO carve 4h gm 52 rte Te ager | Figure 3.114 As the system ‘the pump che bbe overlaid or Js illustrated 8.6.2 Cha Figure 812i rate Q, ploted curve for ota significant cha the pumpis br and flow rateo Figure 8.12-Hassand flow ues, the ndthe cessive, mpspeed npsare equate short and open hshould aly closing sible to Curves bined esunder opredict netic flow ed from in, ure (see head and pump 10 Shut Hood Design Hens) E ' z 1 3 1 = 1 9, ' 2 1 i | 3 see ! a Mpa \ 3 |! e Design Flow Rate () ‘Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) m'/h Faure 8.11 HO cunveoveraidwith system curve Aste system curve uses the same coordinates as the pump characteristic curve a system curve can be overlaid or drawn through points A and B, which ‘sllustrated in figures 8.10 and in figure 8.11 2 Changing Pump Speed Figure 8.12 illustrates head H, and volumetric flow ale Q, plotted on the HO pump curve/system urve for rotational speed N, rpm. If there are no sgnifcant changes in the discharge system, when ‘he pump is brought up to speed Na head of H, and flow rate of Q, are predicted. 86.3 Total Discharge Head and Volumetric Flow Rate with Two Pumps Operating in Parallel Figure 8.13 shows HQ pump curves and system curves for twa identical pumps operating in parallel and at design speed, One pump is operating under ‘hote resistance conditions resulting inflow rate Q,, Operating two pumps wil esult in an inerease in both total discharge head to H, and flow rate to Q. Due to the effects of shore resistance, the volumetric flow rate for two pumps in parallel vil be less than twice the flow rate for one pump. ‘Shut Off Hea = 3 " = 1 3 1 New Speed g it tt ~ 3 11 oni pees & ie g tt ee i it a; {021 Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) mh Figure 8.12 HO/Sytem cuvetustrating an increase ln pump speedShut Off Head Total Discharge Head (m) Figure 8.15-Ha ‘Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) m’/h Figure 8.13 HO/System curve ilstrating tr 6.4 High Shore Resistance Conditions Figure 8.14 shows cargo discharge under high shore resistance conditions, such as might be experienced when pumping toa storage tank that, isa significant distance from the tanker. At reduced ump speed Na significant total discharge head His produced and the volumetric flow rate Q, is, relatively ow. Increasing pump speed to design condition N. results in alarge head inerease from H, oH, There will only be a slight increase inflow rate from Q, to Q,, Aminor adjustment in the pump speed results inva significant increase in the total discharge head, ‘but only a marginal increase in the volumetric ow Shut Off Head Total Discharge Head (m) Nl fem 946 rade OF Tanke Basle $$ operating in paral ‘ate. If discharge pressure i restricted, the pump discharge pressure must be monitored carefully so that overpressurisation of system components s avoided if shore resistance conditions change. Figures 8.15 and 8.16 illustrate two and three pumps ‘operating in parallel. Under high shore resistance conditions, the difference in volumetric flow rate between one and two pumps in parallel is small The difference in volumetric flow rate between two and three pumps can be extremely small, sulting in a significant increase in total discharge head, In ‘these conditions, the use of three pumps should be Carefully considered, The use of pump characteristic Curves and system curves can assist in deciding the number of pumps to use, Figure 816-95 8.6.5 Low! In figure 8.17, conditions undt would be exper tank thats very Pump speed, rate Q, ishigh ‘Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) m°/h Haysystem curs ilusrating an incresein single pump sped under hgh shor resistance condtions Figure 837 - Horsres resrcted, the pump tbe monitored carefully 30, system components conditions change, wo and three pumps high shore resistance umpsin parallel is small. flow rate between two e smal resulting jal discharge head. In three pumps should be ie of pump characteristic can assist in deciding the ‘Total Discharge Head (m) ‘ 1 1 i I i i at o ‘One pum Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) mh Figur 8.15 Ha/sytem curve tusrating two pumps operating under high shore esstance conditions Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) m?!h Figure. 8.6.5 Low Shore Resistance Conditions In figure 8.17, curve A shows cargo discharge conditions under low shore resistance, such as ‘would be experienced when pumping toa storage tank that is very lose tothe tanker. At reduced ‘pump speed N, head H, islow but volumetric flow ‘ateQ, ishigh. Shut Of Head otal Discharge Head (m) Ha)syitem curve ilutratng three pumps operat det high shore resistance conditions Increasing the pump speed to the designed N, condition will result in a steady increase inthe total discharge head from, to H, and a significant Increase in the flow rate from Q, to Q,, Ahigh velocity flow rate can resuitin the pipelines eroding land excessive wear on the valve seals and pump ‘components, Itis advisable to increase the systems resistance by partially closing the pump discharge Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) mm \anincresein single pump speed under ow shore resistance conditionsShut Off Head Total Discharge Head (m) st 9, Volumetric Flow Rate (Q) m*th valve (curve Bin figure 8.17). This allows the pump to operate at almost its most efficient level Figure 8.18 shows two pumps operating in parallel under low shore resistance conditions. This situation ‘may occur during ship to ship transfer or when discharging toa shore reception that i close to the tanker. Operating two or more pumps significantly Increases the volumetric flow rate In the same manner as fr single pump operation, it ‘may not be advisable to operate the pumps at flow rates beyond their design points. It may be prudent to.control the discharge pressure of each pump by. partially closing the pump discharge valve, 8.6.6 Practical Considerations when Operating Centrifugal Pumps ‘When pumps operate in parallel and discharge to a ‘common discharge system, itis important that the pumps are matched so that each imparts the same. ‘amount of energy tothe fluid being transferred. ed speed ofeach pump, matching the pump Sec ee an undeskable way of mat fee mene oat For constant speed pumps, the ope Cee eee ers Serer pump, matching the pump discharge pressures, Other indicators that pumps operating in parallel are correctly matched are when the following displayed readings for each pump are the same or similar: © Turbine steam nozzle pressure and turbine ‘exhaust pressure, in the case of steam driven centrifugal pumps ‘© motor current (amperes) in the case of electrically powered pumps ‘© hydraulic pump pressure inthe case of pumps driven by hydraulic power packs YN mm 56 + Crude Oi Tanker Bases 8.7 Water Hammer ‘The cargo and ballast pumps on a crude oll tanker provide a large amount of energy. The system ‘components are designed to resist the forces ‘created, buta sudden change inflow velocity may result in the dynamic loading of pipes, pumps and valves that they are not designed for. This situation ‘might occur fan in-line valve on the discharge side ofthe pump is quickly closed or even rapidly partially closed, This effect scaled water hammer and isthe result ofthe kinetic energy of a moving ‘mass of fluid being transferred into pressure eneray, ie the pressure surge created by fluid when forced to stop or change direction suddenly. Water hammer is a common cause of accidents resulting in structural damage, injury and pollution. The effects ofthis can be removed or reduced by: ‘© Slow and gradual opening and closing of valves | ‘gradual start up and slow down of flaw rates '# avoiding rapid changes of flow rate. 8 Stripping Systems Figure .19 Duplex steam relprocating pump When cen’ conditions completee orone tha pump. 881 $s Direct act pumps str, ‘and cargo pumps for ona a U Seis ‘aon 8 aon Ata endott mang ‘As each it 8 i Dietarge oes Figure 8.20-Dyii tanker tem ces city may ps and sation, harge nrapidly hammer moving ute energy, enforced to idents pollution, ced by: ng of valves ow ates When centrifugal pumps operate under suction lit «conditions the discharge ofthe cargo tanks must be completed using either a separate stripping system frone that an integral part ofthe main cargo pump. In contrast to centrifugal pumps, duplex reciprocating pumps work well under suction lift conditions. Head generation is not limited by the pumps speed but by the resistance of the pump’s components 88.1. Stripping Pumps and piping, To avoid damage, the valves on the discharge side of the pump must not be closed. Direct acting steam driven duplex reciprocating pumps (stripping pumps) are used to step lines And cargo tanks. They may also be assigned as bilge pumps for the pumproom. ‘The operation of the duplex steam-reciprocating pumpis shown in figure 820. Fly pi |! pln a = |" = = | we Sie ves are potianed to alow soam othe end to move pon A. down on te vr stoke an allow stam ibe fuses on te sucton stoke from pslonB As son A ‘aud dechaged pump Gectarg press creases. Si ton along uston vee SS an St ope ae hi avr vtes Dard 2 oe aca opon od ecu ari acm ora inte i vine So an te ul yn Brom the ston png. ‘eto ond of ie stoke, nut vals on he pump ton ro rposton he site valves reversing he stokes, thas Tone te pup ero -Aseoc itn moves, pros eases on he charge stoke an daceaes on the suction stoke. The gaghs below aera enuoia chee of Sacharge pressure pon A ini) an pon 8 ne) chong wi te ston A il hj ston RAM VME pore ee ee ee Figure 8.20- Duplex ‘The cotinaon of dchonge pressure of piston ‘Nand atone ata pressie change ‘et ima nes plsatg retire, varie discarge pressure wih is atom ‘dune a resus in premature ae {len of yaar ‘ar etl or acount tes oe dscharoe fi fe pump loses red presere wh he Sactorpe esse fate This has eect of ‘oing eal ba hacuaons pressure as can bo on he Back cave Paton 8 TimeThe pump suction and discharge action cycle is called a double stroke and the speed of the pump is given as double strokes per minute (OSM) During the suction stroke partial vacuum can ‘occur at the suction inlet, particularly when the pump is operating under suction lift conditions Depending on the vapour pressure of the cargo, vvaporisation can occur at the suction inlet. As a result, Some vapour may be drawn into the pump. ‘When the volume of vapour in the pump becomes excessive, also known as gassing up, the following willbe clear: ‘© Pump speed increases, due to lack of fluid resistance ‘© the pump becomes noisy due to the piston’ Violent movement © thesuction pressure gauge indicates zero, possibly fluctuating slightly '¢ the discharge pressure gauge is steady, ‘To avoid gassing up, the pump suction pressure should be increased by slowly reducing the pump speed andor priming with a compatible lu from a filled or partaly filled tank {As the level in the tank to be stripped reduces, the pump speed should also be gradually reduced. ‘Tanks containing high vapour pressure cargoes, such as gas condensate or reconstituted crudes, may be dificult to strip with a reciprocating stripping pump, 8.8.2 Eductors Fluid driven eductors are commonly found on crude oil tankers and are used during the final stripping, bottom crude oll washing and the removal of washing water during tank washing operations. SON Ym 585 rue 01 Tanke B85 $$ aa ductors work on Bemoullis principle, which states te that, as the speed of a moving fluid increases, the wi pressure in the fluid decreases. This is known as the venturi effect 4 2 In igure 8.22, the pressure in pipe A, which has a Uniform diameter and has a fluid moving through it at a constant velocity and volumetric flow rate, can be considered to be more or less constant, The velocity flow rate in pipe B, which has a variable diameter and where the same fluid is moving a the same volumetric flow rate, increases as the cross ‘ectonal area decreases eachinga manna ta then the coss-sectongoens ata itimum, ‘a By Berouls theory, asthe speed ceases the s pressure will decrease. f the minimum area is small ‘enough andf the volumetric flow rate i large ‘enough, then pressure below the atmospheric pressure can be achieved, ie a partial vacuum. ‘An eductor needs an adequate and steady Volumetric flow. Adequate conditions are shown by the pressure differences atthe drive and discharge. sections ofthe eductor. The manufacturer will specify the range of dive fluid pressures, discharge pressures, suction pressures and volumettic flow Fates of the drive lui and will often show it as a raph. If the drive pressure is not high enough to create suction conditions, backflow of the drive fluid through the suction connection and into the stripping pipeline system may result tis essential that the stripping suction valves tothe tanks remain closed until the drive pressure ofthe eductor is at the level required to create a partial vacuum in the leductor suction chamber. Pan Figure 8.23 vest124 2 pp une diameter at constant states tra nor-compressive fu of dans pis allowed to Now pressure nthe ystam sp, hen ‘otumote ow rete acenrng to Bemus tec me Rte oat P ce s : oh man g averiable A rate ‘ato, thon the veloc flow ola wl ineoaea as to cess sectona area decreases. Ate pin whee the ‘oly flow rota ghost (he narowest pat of he pe), the pressurois Me mst: te vloty wre ‘shigh enough «vacuum can be cosa aissmall om on fa ei ont omene Fon Rate / shown by charge wil discharge icflow ® vitasa create ud the essential 1 the throat, tho shape is such that nksremain, vaciun's crested uminthe Figure 8.22 ductors Eductor 88.3 Automatic Cargo Pump Stripy Principle of Operation Systems (Vacstrip) Some centrifugal cargo oll purnps are designed with an automatic stripping system, which allows the argo oll tank to fully discharge its contents. “The system works on the basis that, ifcargo | vapour can be stopped from entering the cargo pump suction inlet, the flow will continue without cavitation, This is achieved by maintaining the NPSHA, by ‘minimising the head loss caused by friction by Controlling the velocity flow rate. Towards the end of stripping, the vapour produced in the suction inlet isremoved. \With the cargo pump ata minimum speed, partially closing and regulating a valve onthe discharge side of the pump can control the velocity low rate. If bubbles are forming at the pump inlet due to the suction pressure, vacuum pump can be started to Fae 823-Vaesp sytem Separate and remove the vapour produced, 59 iAs long as the flow rate is kept low and the vacuum pump is able to effectively remove vapour, discharging can continue until the tank is empty. The cargo oll pump is effectively 2 stripping pump (see figure 8.24), 4 cons vapour bubbles evolve, the extraction valve to the vacuum system will open and the vacuum pump will start The effect is that the vapour is removed tr separated from the fluid in the separator and is then transferred to the slop tank. Any fluid left is ce ae SSEEE a= Eesees ke -—_ Bis femme [ie | EERE, @ stereos iQ fis, |omaraer omem ES @ fee fomeer fore or. Key Th om ao a = ae My] Yoon sump mer Figure 8.24 Automatiestiping systems Typical Operation Sensors that detect a change of level in the separator tank send a pneumatic signal toa controller When a particular levels reached, the conttoller will start to close the control discharge valve, which reduces the flow velocity through the pump and, as a result of the decreased head loss ‘due to friction inthe suction pipeline, the level in the separator tank wil ise, The control discharge valve will open again and the cycle is repeated. Eventually the action ofthe control discharge valve isnot able to maintain the level in the separator tank and the next phase wil start. As the levelin the cargo oil tank falls, modulation of the control discharge valve Is nat able to ‘maintain the level in the separator tank. Once the level in the separator tank falls further and diverted to adrain tank. The effect ofthe extraction valve opening and the vacuum pump starting is ‘make the level in the separator tank rise so that the ‘oycle isrepeated. As the cargo tank becomes empty, the control discharge valve will stay fully closed, the extraction valve will remain open and the vacuum pumps) ‘operates continuously until the separator tanks Aotally empty and the cargo tankis stripped This type of stripping system is useful when discharging high pour point crudes and fuel ol, when itis important that the cargo is not allowed to lie stationary in cold pipes, eg submarine pipelines atan SBM where the sea temperature is below the cargos pour point. 1H mm 0 = uie OU ner Bases Cargo Dis