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PUMPS, VALVES & ACTUATORS
modifications being required. Usually, there is no need to move the driver either. The ClydeUnion Pumps brand has the advantage of being able to draw upon a wide selection of standard bearing frames and sealing chambers. This enables us to design BPO assemblies to fit any OH1 or OH2 pump, regardless of the original equipment manufacturer, and to match any application specification.
Using standardised parts wherever possible during pump upgrades delivers maximum interchangeability. This is highly beneficial to the customer, as it reduces inventory requirements. Another tip is to ensure that bearing frames are fitted with bearing isolators as standard. This offers maximum protection against debris and water ingress. While the main focus may be continued compliance, a BPO upgrade can provide an
BPO UPGRADE GOES BEYOND CONTINUED COMPLIANCE
Vivek Saharsrabuddhe, Global Upgrade and Rerate Programme Manager, Celeros Flow Technology, discusses how Back Pull-Out (BPO) upgrades help decrease fugitive emissions
T
he end suction centrifugal pump is the workhorse of the pumping field, from general industrial use to applications in oil and gas, water treatment and power generation. For example, a typical oil refinery has around 1850 pumps installed, of which around 75% will be end suction top discharge overhung (OH) pumps with OH1 or OH2 API classifications.
The fact that these pumps continue to perform well over long periods is testament to the quality inherent in the pump
manufacturing sector. However, the standards relating to pumping assets change with time. Key drivers include government legislation, environmental concerns and an increasing desire for long-term reliability.
API610 is widely recognised as the global engineering standard for pumps and API682 is the global standard for mechanical seals. The majority of OH pumps manufactured and installed pre API610 8th edition need upgrading to decrease their emissions (particularly fugitive emissions) and bring them into line with the latest regulations.
BPO upgrades
Back Pull-Out (BPO) upgrades provide an answer. This process involves retention of the existing pump volute casing and impeller, while the pump end cover, shaft, wear rings, bearing assembly and mechanical seal are replaced. The BPO assembly is a direct drop-in replacement, with no skid or piping
opportunity to improve pump performance and extend service life. As part of the process, larger radial and thrust bearings can be substituted (beyond currently installed designs). The L3/D4 shaft stiffness ratio can be improved, resulting in a shaft that has a lower deflection, prolonging seal and bearing life.
Cooling configurations Alternative cooling configurations are another factor that can provide benefit to the customer. Cooling water, inboard heat sink or outboard cooling fan options can be employed, depending on the operating temperature of the pump. Similarly, alternative lubrication configurations can be introduced: such as oil ring, oil mist, oil flinger or oiling pin. Material upgrades or hydraulic rerates can also be performed at the same time, improving the total cost of ownership (TCO) for the equipment operator.
It is not always desirable or practical to replace a less efficient pump with a new model in order to meet regulations. A BPO upgrade offers a viable alternative, assuring compliance with the latest API610 and API682 standards. Relatively simple to achieve, a BPO upgrade can also help operators to achieve low or zero emissions and support extended mechanical seal and bearing life. This leads to improved Mean Time Between Failures, extending uptime and driving down costs. Centrifugal pumps will always have an essential function to perform in industrial applications. For end-users, compliance is no longer the only consideration in assessing pump performance: improving energy efficiency, minimising environmental impacts and lowering total cost of ownership are equally important.
Celeros Flow Technology
www.celerosft.com
16 JUNE 2023 | PROCESS & CONTROL
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