Amarinth replaces obsolete Girdlestone cryogenic pump at Air Products’ Didcot facility, UK

Amarinth has delivered a high-specification cryogenic pump replacement for Air Products at its Didcot facility in the United Kingdom.

Industrial gases giant Air Products required a UK-based pump manufacturer that could supply a drop-in replacement for an obsolete Girdlestone single stage cryogenic pump used in the transfer of liquid argon at temperatures down to –186°C. 

The application demanded a pump that was dimensionally and hydraulically interchangeable with the legacy design without loss of performance or safety in the extreme cryogenic environment.

Amarinth created a range of pumps that not only duplicated the original Girdlestone physical size and hydraulic performance but also incorporated modern design enhancements. 

On this project, the pump was constructed of carbon steel – a deliberate choice to provide ductility at extremely low temperatures, as stainless steel becomes brittle under cryogenic conditions. This careful selection of materials provides structural integrity and extends the life of the unit.

The pump is powered by a WEG high-performance motor for energy efficiency even in harsh operating conditions. Internal PT100 pressure transmitters ensure precise pressure monitoring and auxiliary heaters ensure optimum operating temperatures for reliable performance in cryogenic services. 

In addition, a special paint system was used on the outside of the pump for proper adhesion and thermal stress resistance typically encountered in these kinds of applications.

Prior to delivery, the new cryogenic pump underwent rigorous cold function testing with liquid nitrogen in a controlled environment at Amarinth's purpose-built test facility. These tests confirmed that the pump was within all the performance parameters needed and could handle the operational demands of pumping liquid argon reliably.

To ensure that the final solution met Air Products' specific needs, Amarinth's Head of Technical Engineering visited the Didcot facility. By doing so, a detailed evaluation of the design requirements could be performed and the fine-tuning of the pump to deliver the safety and performance levels that are critical in cryogenic applications could be ensured.

By creating pumps that are dimensionally and hydraulically interchangeable with the original Girdlestone designs, Amarinth provides a low-cost and minimum disruption solution for the upgrading of legacy systems by companies. 

Air Products selected Amarinth to partner with due to the technical excellence of the replacement pump and the company's established history of cryogenic systems for complex industrial processes.

Amarinth Managing Director Oliver Brigginshaw commented, “In a world where energy transitions and technological advancements are accelerating at an unprecedented pace, this new order from Air Products underscores our role at the forefront of designing future-proofed solutions. Our emphasis on sustainability, innovation and operational excellence enables us to develop sophisticated cryogenic pump systems that not only meet today's demanding standards but also position our customers for success in tomorrow's rapidly evolving industrial landscape.”

Amarinth can be reached on its website: www.amarinth.com