Powerplant Reduces Construction Time with Prefabricated Pump Skids
Key points
Prefabrication of pump skids offsite is one method increasing number of infrastructure providers are turning to as way of improving efficiency on site and turnkey installations.
Advantages not only include speed of installation, but also lower administrative expenses, and the benefits of dealing with a single party with responsibility for the package, rather than several suppliers.
Prefabrication of pump skids can help reduce installation and commissioning costs by up to 80% with much of the equipment supplied tested and commissioned, reducing the amount of troubleshooting and time taken to become operational on site.
In our latest case study, we were contacted by a Gas Turbine Powerplant in Africa who were in need of 5 duty /standby fuel transfer pump systems as they were boosting the number of gas turbines on site used for electricity generation to meet ever increasing demand.
Client requirements
The customer wanted a pump skid to consist of 2 duty and standby pumps mounted within a frame for the bulk transfer of diesel at around 1000L/min. They wanted the skids designed as self-contained units which could be easily installed “plug and play” into their fuel feed system.
Each fuel transfer skid consisted of a duty/standby rotary vane pump, base plate, integrated strainers for pump protection, control panel for full local and remote control and oval gear meter as a check against dispensed rates.
The plant operator and engineering contractor had previously used centrifugal pumps in such applications however by working with North Ridge Pumps, they discovered that many of the accessories used in typical centrifugal pump skids could be eliminated by switching to a positive displacement pump such as a vane pump as recommended by us.
Due to their proven efficiency and heavy duty design, rotary sliding vane pumps are widely used within the oil and gas industry. They are an excellent method for the transfer of low to medium lubricating liquids which are easy to maintain, offer a long life span as well as remaining versatile with their ability to operate in reverse.
Constant flow rates
Another advantage of using positive displacement pumps is that the power plant operators could rely on constant flow rates regardless of changes in back pressure, viscosity which can change with temperature but also with fluid should the powerplant change the liquid it burns in the future.
Each fuel transfer pump skid included a control panel for local and remote operation to enable full pump control, varied flow rates, pressure control and 24/7 visibility of working conditions.
Specifically each skid incorporated:
- Strainers for pump protection at the inlet
- Mounts to prevent vibration of the skid during operation especially at specific frequencies
- Remote pressure sensors wired back to the panel and also gauges for pressure visualisation for operators to see
- Expansion joints on the pump discharge and suction, to further dampen pressure surges or vibration of the skids
The panel was specifically manufactured and configured to allow 7” touch screen operation for full control and visibility of the complete system and included:
- Local and remote control of flow
- Visibility of inlet and outlet pressures both via panel and on the actual skids for easy troubleshooting
- Local and remote emergency stop with Run, Pause and Fault LED beacons
- Quality components throughout including Schneider/ Danfoss instrumentation
- Additional thermostat activated internal cooling
- Anti-condensation heaters to protect electrical equipment
- A stainless steel IP55 enclosure
- Specific operating and user manuals for the complete system written in clear British English with screenshots
What’s more, the panel enabled anyone at any location worldwide to access the system remotely. This makes it easier to provide expert assistance if this is needed during testing, commissioning or troubleshooting
Above all, having North Ridge Pumps supply the pumps, instrumentation and panel made the whole process easier. It meant there was just one company responsible for specification, design and build, and more importantly a single contact for commissioning advice and troubleshooting.
All-in-one prefabricated pump skid
If you’re looking for an all-in-one prefabricated pump skid to accelerate and automate liquid transfer cost-effectively, speak to North Ridge Pumps to see how we can help.
North Ridge Pumps
- 01773302660
- sales@northridgepumps.com
- http://www.northridgepumps.com
- North Ridge House 3 Chrysalis Way Eastwood Nottinghamshire NG16 3RY GB
About us
North Ridge Pumps are an independent manufacturer and distributor of pumps. Having been established since 1998, we have a vast array of experience having become accustomed to supplying pumps for most processes.
We work within a range of industries both UK and Internationally, specifying pumps for a wide variety of applications from the transfer of corrosive and aggressive chemicals, to dewatered sludge, viscous grease, resin, glues, food and Seawater.
Our pumps range from standard centrifugal and multistage pumps, to immersed and process overhung solid handling pumps. We also supply a wide range of positive displacement pumps including Vane, Piston, Progressing Cavity and Peristaltic enabling us to specify more than one solution for your application, but also ensuring the majority of applications remain within our reach.
We offer the following services:
Technical support – We know at times pump selection is difficult. Pump selections are made with confidence by technical sales engineers who understand your process, ensuring equipment is engineered beyond your needs.
To select the correct technical solution for your requirement, longevity of design is prioritised. If there are existing issues you need assistance with, we work with you to solve these which could be high maintenance costs, frequent service periods, repeated equipment breakdown leading to lost revenue, inconsistent flow rates, clogging or where pumped product is inconsistent.
Application experience – Due to our 20 years of application experience we work with you to ensure our pumps operate according to your desired application. Our experience means we have most likely provided a solution for a similar process previously. With proven results, we know how to achieve your outcome sooner.
As our pumps are completely configurable, we design pumps with materials according to your requirement, and to your required duty point. Pumps are engineered specifically for your process whether they be baseplate mounted, within a mobile frame or in kit form with couplings, hoses, and dispensing nozzle.
Industry knowledge – We have a thorough understanding of a range of industries through experience from supplying the offshore oil and gas market, to paper mills, chemical plants and food manufacturers to name a few.
We not only understand the importance of downtime but also what each process requires and how small design improvements specific to the nature of your industry and application can reduce downtime, facilitate maintenance and improve longevity.
If you have a process or application you require a pump for, or a process which requires improving, get in touch to see how we can help.
What we do in a nutshell
Pump Specification & Supply
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