Amarinth delivers interchangeable cryogenic pump replacements for Air Products

26 3 minutes read

Listen to this article

Amarinth has successfully engineered and delivered an innovative cryogenic pump replacement solution for Air Products. The project further demonstrates Amarinth's expertise in designing dimensionally interchangeable pump replacements that extend the life of existing industrial infrastructure while minimising long-term operating costs.

Serving global industries including onshore and offshore oil and gas, renewable and nuclear energy, defence, desalination and the wider process industries, Amarinth is recognised for developing high-performance centrifugal pumps that deliver reliability, efficiency and reduced lifecycle costs.

Its extensive experience in replacing obsolete pump systems enables operators to modernise critical assets without the expense and disruption of modifying existing installations.

The latest project centred on replacing critical legacy cryogenic pumping equipment that had reached the end of its operational life. More than 30 years ago, Girdlestone Pumps supplied Air Products with its 950 Series cryogenic pumps, specifically designed for low Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) applications.

These pumps delivered decades of dependable service in demanding cryogenic environments. However, with Girdlestone and its original product range now obsolete, sourcing direct replacements had become an increasingly significant procurement challenge.

Air Products selected Amarinth because of its well-established reputation for delivering dimensionally and hydraulically interchangeable replacement pumps for obsolete Girdlestone equipment. The company had previously supplied successful replacements for Girdlestone 950 Series pumps to Air Products, providing confidence that a modern solution could be installed quickly and efficiently.

One of the key advantages of Amarinth's design is its true plug-and-play capability. The replacement cryogenic pumps are engineered to fit directly into the existing installation, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming alterations to pipework, foundations or associated fittings.

This significantly reduces installation time, minimises operational disruption and lowers overall project costs. Combined with Amarinth's specialist expertise in low NPSH centrifugal pump design and cryogenic engineering, the company was ideally positioned to deliver a high-performance modern replacement.

In addition to providing a seamless mechanical interchange, Amarinth also addressed an important material compliance requirement relating to the fluid barrier. The original Girdlestone pump used a carbon loaded PTFE bushing to separate the liquid nitrogen from the gas contained within the lantern and motor assembly. Air Products specified that the replacement pump should comply with FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requirements.

Although the existing metallurgy remained suitable, carbon loaded PTFE could not be used in contact with liquid nitrogen under the required FDA compliance standards. Amarinth therefore identified and sourced an alternative advanced material capable of performing the same sealing function while meeting both FDA compliance requirements and the demanding operating conditions associated with cryogenic applications.

The engineering team also redesigned the mounting feet for the motor and pump assembly, replacing the rubber-mounted feet used in the original Girdlestone pumps. The upgraded mounting arrangement incorporates an advanced material specifically selected to safely and reliably absorb the dimensional changes created by the extremely low temperatures of the pumped liquid.

This ensures accurate alignment between the motor and pump throughout operation, improving reliability and reducing the potential for premature wear caused by thermal movement.

The new cryogenic centrifugal pumps are manufactured from high-grade stainless steel, providing the strength and durability required to withstand severe cryogenic temperatures while maintaining structural integrity over an extended operating life. The material selection also improves resistance to thermal stresses, supporting long-term performance in demanding industrial environments.

To satisfy stringent quality assurance requirements, comprehensive Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) was carried out across all critical pump components. This rigorous inspection process verified the integrity of the finished equipment before commissioning.

In addition, the pumps underwent extensive cold start testing using liquid nitrogen to replicate actual process conditions and validate performance before deployment, giving Air Products confidence that the replacement pumps would operate reliably from day one.

Oliver Brigginshaw, Managing Director of Amarinth, commented:

“We are delighted to have delivered this technically sophisticated replacement project for Air Products. It perfectly highlights our unique ability to combine our deep knowledge of legacy Girdlestone assets with modern engineering innovation. By introducing cutting-edge materials to solve age-old issues like thermal shrinkage and vibration in cryogenic pumps, we provide our customers with robust, future-ready pumping solutions that minimise lifecycle costs and eliminate the need for disruptive infrastructure changes.”

This latest project reinforces Amarinth's position as a specialist provider of interchangeable pump replacements for obsolete equipment. By combining innovative engineering with extensive knowledge of legacy pump systems, the company continues to help operators across the process industries improve reliability, reduce maintenance requirements and extend the operational life of critical assets without the cost and disruption of major plant modifications.

Find out more at www.Amarinth.com

Contact Details

Amarinth Ltd

01394462120
enquiries@amarinth.com
http://www.amarinth.com
Bentwaters Parks, Rendlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 2TW GB

About us

Amarinth is a world-leading company specialising in the design, application and manufacture of centrifugal pumps and associated equipment to the offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration, production and refining industry, petrochemical, chemical and industrial markets.

We provide engineered-to-order solutions on the shortest lead times in the industry, often manufactured in exotic materials, and customised to fit your exact requirements according to the highest international industry standards, including API 610 and ISO 5199. Combining our depth of experience in the manufacture and supply of pumps and spares with our dedication to customer-oriented solutions, our aim is to deliver innovative products and services that help you meet and exceed your business goals.

From our design and manufacturing headquarters in the United Kingdom, we provide support to our clients throughout Europe, the Middle-East and Asia and our engineering expertise is often deployed into the furthest corners of the world to assist with the installation and commissioning of our products. Furthermore, we have fostered strong relationships with specialist organisations within these regions to provide additional in-country services to best meet our customers’ needs.

Where we supply to

Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America

Industries we supply to

Automation, Chemicals, Consultants, Components Electronics, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, OEM, Paper and Pulp, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Plastics and Rubber, Recycling, Textiles, Tobacco, Water and Wastewater