Key points
Light fuel oil such as diesel or gas oils are high value distillates that can be used to drive diesel engine power plants. There are various grades available depending on use, with low fuel duty variants of diesel known as red diesel due to the red dye incorporated in its mixture.
In our latest case study, we’re discussing a recent requirement for the supply of two pumps for a large power generation business with operations overseas. They required two pumps to be used for the transfer of light fuel oil, also known as diesel oil to be pumped from main storage tanks to day tanks at their power generation facility abroad.
It is often employed in back-up power plants and installations on remote islands or in arctic conditions where it’s difficult and costly to supply cheaper alternatives. Light Fuel Oil requires less processing and produces a higher percentage of petrol and diesel than heavy oil. Its viscosity can range between 1 and 7cst, so it can be comfortably handled by a variety of technologies.
In a power generation plant, bulk fuel is usually stored in a large tank and then transferred to a smaller day tank near the engine. The day tank is positioned between the bulk storage tank and the diesel engine, and the fuel is delivered from the bulk storage to the day tank by a bulk storage delivery pump.
Specific project requirements
As part of the project brief, our client specified the use of rotary gear pumps as part of the light fuel transfer set for their power generation application. They also wanted a capacity of 20 to 30m³h without having to alter their existing 3-inch pipework, which we could achieve with a pump speed of just 350rpm.
Here at North Ridge Pumps, we’re not tied down to a single pump technology. We use our expertise to offer a tailor-made solution, not something picked off the shelf. This means we can always select the best pump for any particular client and application – at the lowest lifetime cost.
Using gear pumps for bulk fuel transfer to a day tank
The fuel transfer pump from the bulk tank to the day tank is generally a positive displacement gear pump positioned above the bulk tank.
When the pump is started, the air in the suction line is removed and a vacuum is created. This lifts the liquid in the bulk tank up into the suction pipe and into the day tank.
Our FIG90 internal gear pump with 90° flange connections
For this light fuel transfer set, we quoted and supplied two of our industrial long-coupled internal gear pumps – our FIG 90 model.
The casing was manufactured from cast iron and the gears from ductile iron. This ensured that we could achieve an outlet pressure of up to 12bar. Our light fuel oil pumps were completed and despatched to the client in 8 weeks.
Our internal gear pumps are designed to handle clean lubricating fluids of various viscosities – ranging from 2 to 7 times the thickness of water. To handle this variety of fluids, we specified and supplied the pumps with a relief valve which would ensure a consistent flow regardless of fluid viscosity.
For this particular application, the pumps would be transferring light fuel oil. Our internal gear pumps can also be used for pumping resins, adhesives and greases.
Excellent efficiency
Our straightforward design with only two rotating components, together with the exceptionally tight clearances of the internal moving parts means that there is almost zero slip while the internal gear pump is operating.
This means that our gear pumps are not only highly efficient, but they use very little energy. This makes them the perfect solution for applications which require 24/7 continuous operation.
If you have an application or operation which involves the transfer of fluids, solids or viscous liquids, and don’t know which pump to specify, speak to North Ridge Pumps on 01773 302 660 or visit www.northridgepumps.com 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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