Contents Of Presentation

• Introduction to liquid ring vacuum pumps (LRVP)

• Classification (PDP)
• Operation of a liquid ring vacuum pump
• Typical specifications of LRVP.
• LRVP-Advantages & Disadvantages
• LRVP in a typical process system
• Maintenance requirements
• Comparison of a single steam jet ejector vs. single & two stage LRVP’s
• Sizing a LRVP.
Introduction
• Before the development of vacuum pumps ejectors were used to
remove non-condensibles within process equipment. They were
simple in construction and operation. Today most industries use single
or double stage vacuum pumps to remove air or entrained gasses.
• LRVP’s are utilized in many applications:
• For drying
• Distillation
• Evaporation
• Sterilization process
• Impregnation and metallurgical treatment processes.
Classification (Positive displacement pump)
Vacuum pumps

Dry Type Liquid Type

Lobe pump Liquid ring pumps

Rotary Piston Liquid Jet

Sliding vane
Operation of a liquid ring vacuum pump

A- Pump body
B-Shaft mounted impeller
C-Liquid ring
D-Service liquid inlet
E-Intermediate plate
J-Discharge port
K-Intermediate plate
H-Suction port (Gas mixture)

Single stage LRVP

Typical specifications of a LRVP
Performance curve
1mbar=100Pa
Typical specifications of a LRVP
Materials of construction
• Cast iron
• Stainless steel
• Titanium
• Bronze
• Hastelloys

Liquid seals
• Water
• Ethylene glycol
• Mineral oil
• Organic solvents
Note: In principle virtually any type of liquid could be used, so long that it is not prone to
vaporization (and thus to cavitation) at the process conditions.
Liquid ring vacuum pumps
• Advantages Disadvantages
• Can handle liquid slugs & condensibles Costly due to material of construction.
through the pump without damage.
Corrosion occurs within the casing due to
• Elimination of internal metallic contact –
Only one moving part and no internal the liquid ring.
lubrication required. Mixing of evacuated gas with the sealing
• Low vibration and noise levels-Absence of fluid.
reciprocating parts assures quiet and low Higher power requirement to form &
vibration levels.
maintain the liquid ring, resulting in larger
• Low starting torque-Permits savings in
electrical starting. motors than for other types of pumps.
• Operational safety-Due to the low temp. Risk of cavitation which requires that a
rise of the liquid ring, hazardous & portion of the process load be non-
explosive vapors are compressed safely. condensibles under the pump operating
• Less expensive to operate as compared to conditions.
initial capital layout.
• Liquid ring absorbs heat of compression.
• No damage from small particles entrained
in the process fluid.
LRVP in a typical process system
Maintenance requirements
A regular maintenance program is required even if the desired vacuum is achieved. The following items should be checked:
• Check the vacuum level/pressure.
• Seal fluid temperature.
• Seal fluid pressure.
• Check bearing housing which should be warm to the touch. Normal temp. should be around 60 oC. Higher temperatures could be due
to misaligned couplings, excessive piping stresses, over greasing or contaminated lubricant.
• Pumps with mechanical seals should not leak. Make sure that the seals are flushed with clean liquid that is compatible with the
material used.
• Check for excessive noise & vibration. This could be caused by coupling misalignment, high seal water flow, high discharge pressure,
improperly anchored pump, bearing failure & water filled casing during start-up.
• Check motor amperage. A high amperage could be due to high discharge pressure, excessive seal liquid flow or motor malfunction.
Comparison of a single steam jet ejector vs. single & two stage LRVP’s

LRVP’s are a trade-off against ejectors. Chose wisely.

225
1mmHg=133.3Pa
Sizing a LRVP
• The information needed to accurately size a LRVP includes:
• Inlet pressure, usually expressed in mmHgA.
• Inlet temperature.
• Mass flow rate, usually expressed in m3/h and the molecular weight of the fluid components.
• Vapour pressure data for each fluid component.
• Seal fluid data, if other than water: specific gravity, specific heat capacity, viscosity, thermal conductivity, molecular weight & vapour
pressure data.
• Temperature of the seal fluid or cooling water.
• Discharge pressure, usually expressed in PSIG.

Note: Each of these factors influence the sizing of the liquid ring vacuum pump.