Centrifugal Pump Normal Operation

By
Er. Laxman Singh Sankhla
B.E.Mech., Chartered Engineer
Jodhpur, India
Mail ID: laxman9992001@yahoo.co.in

2.6 Centrifugal Pump Normal Operation

2.6.1 Venting Pumps
All centrifugal pumps require venting before starting to remove any gases
collected in the cases. Extreme care should be practiced so that excess
hydrocarbon vapor is not discharged into the atmosphere or to the sewer.
Note: Under no circumstances should a vent or drain be left open
unattended.
When venting light hydrocarbons to the atmosphere, wind conditions and
location of fired heaters must be considered. Where possible, always vent to the
flare.
2.6.2 Pump Suction Screens
During startup, screens are placed in the suction of all pumps to collect trash.
The screen should be placed so that when removal is required, the trash dose not
fall into the pump suction.

2.6.3 Cavitation
This is caused by poor suction conditions especially in pumps with screens. The
screens should be checked for blockage if cavitation occurs. In columns where
there is a large difference in the boiling range from the overhead product to the
bottoms product, cavitation sometimes occurs during startup and in "up-set"
conditions when large quantities of the overhead liquid are mixed in with the
bottom product. This light material will then vapor lock in the pump. The only
way to get the pump back to normal is for the control room operator to bring the
column back to normal conditions and eliminate the light material from the
bottoms liquid.
2.6.4 Water Washing of Process Equipment
In some cases, (for example, water washing) water is pumped. The horsepower
requirements increase with an increase in gravity. This means that the load on
the pump motor will be greater than the design. All motors have a nameplate.
From it, the maximum amps may be obtained. If the motor is not fitted with an
ampmeter, an electrician must be called to fix a portable reading instrument for
that pump.
The discharge valve must be closed-in until the reading on the ampmeter does
not exceed the stated amperage. If these precautions are not taken, then the
motor will "trip out" on overload and cannot be restarted without resetting the
trip mechanism. Repeated tripping can cause serious damage.
On large multi-stage pumps, if water is to be used as a flushing liquid, serious
consideration must be given to the fact that the discharge might have to be
closed so much that the liquid flow would be insufficient to take the heat from
the wear rings and cause the pump to seize.
2.6.5 The Effect of Circulation on Wear Rings
There is a continuous flow of liquid from the discharge to the suction internally
in the pump. It is only a small volume of the total volume pumped.
This liquid cools and lubricates the wear rings.
If the pump is run with the suction valve closed there will be no liquid to
lubricate or to carry the heat away and the pump will sieze.
If the pump is run with the discharge closed and the suction valve open for a
long period of time, excessive heat that will be generated could vaporize the
liquid passing back through the wear rings and again cause the pump to sieze.
In any case, excessive radial thrust will be imposed on the impeller.

2.6.6 Bearing Housing Lubrication

The correct level of oil in the bearing housing is kept by the lubricating oil level
bottle provided that the bottle contains an oil level.