Controlling centrifugal pumps

Abstract

Several options are available to match pump operating point to the process and still ensure system reliability. Assuming the pump is more than adequate for the process requirements at the moment, what is the best way to trim it to the desired operating point? There are three possible locations to place a valve: on the discharge, suction, or use a recycle valve. The paper discusses valve placement in all three options. Using the example of a pump drawing volatile hydrocarbons from a large surge vessel, the following features are discussed: a level/flow cascade loop on the pump discharge to provide process control; a check valve on the discharge downstream of the control valve to prevent reverse flow when the pump is shut down; a fire safe motor operated valve (MOV) in case of seal leakage and fires; an interlock from the MOV to stop the pump if the valve is not fully opened; a low level interlock from the vessel to stop the pump if the vessel loses its liquid seal; a pressure gauge on the suction to indicate adequate NPSHA; a thermometer on the suction to indicate potentially high vapor pressure; a minimum flow recycle loop back to themore » vessel; a check valve on the recycle line to prevent reverse flow when the pump is shut down, especially when the fire valve is closed; and a pressure gauge on the pump discharge to indicate that the pump is working.« less