High Efficiency API 685 Pump With Internal Vapour Monitoring Solves Hydrocarbon Application Challenges

Phil Black - PII Editor 04/08/2016

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Sundyne HMD Kontro Supplies ZeroLoss™ and VapourView™ technologies to US Customer on light hydrocarbon application

Experiencing operational and fugitive emissions issues with an existing mechanically sealed API pump application in Washington, USA, a pump user reviewed whether the application of a magnetic drive sealless pump solution would improve the situation.

The application liquid, a highly volatile hydrocarbon, presented several sealing and operational challenges that would be overcome by the elimination of the mechanical seal. The proposed solution was a magnetic drive pump complying with the API 685 standard fitted with an engineered composite containment shell and internal flow regime monitoring.

The engineered composite containment shell (ZeroLoss™) eliminates induction losses normally associated with metallic containment shells and provides much improved handling of volatile and heat sensitive liquids. It also provides a more robust solution for magnetic drive installations that might experience marginal system conditions. The containment shells are produced to comply with the 40 bar (580 psi) API 685 design pressure requirements and feature highly chemical resistant composite material that is tough, durable and robust.

Non-invasive internal flow monitoring (VapourView™) was proposed to provide constant monitoring of the hydrocarbon inside the pump. Early detection of the presence of gas in the internal cooling and lubrication system is given, providing an early warning of adverse conditions that might impact the safe and reliable operation of the pump. One of the key features of the system is that it measures the primary cause of a potential problem (presence of vapour), and not a secondary condition such as change in power or temperature. Further, the system ensures correct priming and venting of pump is performed during start-up, a desirable feature, particularly on hydrocarbon applications.

After consideration the user chose to implement the proposed magnetic drive pump solution. During the commissioning phase of the installation, the internal flow monitoring device detected a number of priming and venting issues that enabled the user to revisit their start-up procedures, ensuring these issues were overcome. After start-up the presence of gas was also detected inside the pump, which originated from the presence of vapour in the pumps suction pipeline, this condition was also corrected.

By reviewing and applying the latest magnetic drive pump technologies, the user is now enjoying improved reliability and reduced fugitive emissions in this hydrocarbon pump installation. Full details of the GSP pump range and VapourView™ and ZeroLoss™ technologies can be found at www.sundyne.com/hmdkontro.
For further information and literature, please telephone +44 1323 45200 or email vince.lee@sundyne.com.