Long-life pumps handle the heat at Dow Chemicals
A
Michael Smith Engineers product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jun 7, 2000
One example of exceptional pump performance is at the Dow Chemicals plant in Barry where Nikkiso Canned Motor pumps circulate heat transfer oil as part of a polystyrene manufacturing process.
In many liquids handling applications, the performance of a pump is often taken for granted, even in demanding situations or when aggressive fluids are involved.
Of course, if the right pump is specified for the duty involved and it's properly maintained, it's not unreasonable to expect efficient and reliable service.
However, for one reason or another, this is not always the One example of exceptional pump performance is at the Dow Chemicals plant in Barry, South Wales where Nikkiso Canned Motor pumps circulate heat transfer oil as part of a polystyrene manufacturing process.
The pumps, supplied by liquids handling specialists Michael Smith Engineers, were originally installed when the plant was built 20 years ago.
During this long period the Nikkiso pumps have been operating 24 hours a day in temperatures varying between 100 and 250 degC.
Whilst there are no particular problems or unusual operating parameters on this process, the absence of any pump failures between the planned service intervals, is testimony to the reliability of the pumps over such a long period.
There have been no leaks reported, largely because the pumps are sealless by design, a feature particularly appreciated by Dow Chemicals.
Other problems, such as needing lasers to align separate pump and motor components, were eliminated because Nikkiso pumps have an integral motor.
This also meant there was no need for guarding as the pumps have no exposed or external rotating parts or shafts, and so a potential safety hazard for operators was also eliminated.
The proven reliability of these pumps over such a long period means time and money has been saved, particularly as the meantime between the planned maintenance has been greater than 5 years.
Regular maintenance and inspection is minimal as it involves only monitoring bearing wear and the cooling jacket temperature.
Nikkiso non-sealed canned motor pumps are ideal for handling corrosive, aggressive or expensive liquids and fluids which cannot come into contact with the atmosphere.
They are designed as totally enclosed, self-contained units without motor fans, or exposed bearings, so typical noise levels and vibration amplitudes are extremely low.
Recently the range has been extended following the addition of 4 pole motor units up to 132kW.
This means standard pumps are available covering capacities up to 750m3 at differential heads up to 145 metres.
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Contact Michael Smith Engineers
Tel +44 1483 771871
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