Progressing cavity pumps transfer recycled fuel oil for heat generation
Using recovered fuels efficiently can help manufacturers reduce energy costs while supporting waste reduction and energy recovery goals. A recent project involving a UK manufacturer of outflow heaters required a reliable pumping solution for transferring heated Class D recycled fuel oil.
The manufacturer required eight pumps capable of handling recycled fuel oil with a viscosity of around 10 cP. The system needed to deliver a flow rate of 50 L/min (3,000 L/h), with the oil heated to between 80°C and 100°C and operating pressures of up to 4 bar.
Reducing the cost of recovered fuel
Using suitable waste or recycled oil as a fuel can provide several economic benefits. By recovering fuel oil for on-site heat generation, manufacturers can reduce their reliance on natural gas, propane or electric heating while potentially reducing the costs associated with waste oil collection and disposal.
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This can also improve the return on investment of waste oil heating equipment by combining lower energy costs with reduced waste handling requirements.
Selecting the right pump technology
North Ridge Pumps assessed the application to identify a suitable pumping technology based on the properties of the recycled fuel oil and the required operating conditions.
Progressing cavity pumps are commonly used for transferring waste oils and oil-water emulsions because their low-shear pumping action helps minimise disruption to suspended oil droplets.
Research published by the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Paper SPE18204 identified progressing cavity pumps as a preferred option for transferring oil droplets, with less disturbance observed compared with lobe, vane and screw pump technologies.
For this application, progressing cavity pumps were selected because they provide consistent volumetric flow across varying pressures and are relatively tolerant of changes in viscosity. They can also handle solids within the pumped fluid.
These characteristics are particularly useful where maintaining the properties of an oil-water emulsion is important. Minimising disruption to the oil droplets can support downstream separation and filtration processes while providing reliable fuel transfer.
The resulting specification comprised eight progressing cavity pumps designed to handle the required 50 L/min flow at temperatures of 80°C to 100°C and pressures up to 4 bar.
For further information, contact North Ridge Pumps.
North Ridge Pumps
- 01773302660
- sales@northridgepumps.com
- http://www.northridgepumps.com
- North Ridge House Unit 11 Merlin Way, Quarry Hill Ind Est, Ilkeston Derby Nottinghamshire DE7 4RA 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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