Bulk Light Fuel Oil Transfer Pumps for Power Plant

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.