Hydrocarbon Processing - June 2022 - GP-36

VALVES, PUMPS & TURBOMACHINERY
tation and pulsation by smoothing the fluid and collapsing the
vapor bubbles immediately when they form. Vibration and noise
problems also do not occur in most situations since the pump
operates with a smooth flow and a hydraulically balanced design.
LPG is not the only application where regenerative turbine
pumps excel. This technology functions optimally in applications
known for having low-viscosity fluids, such as aerosols
and refrigerants. Other applications include ammonia, vaporizer
feed and cylinder filling, as well as boiler feedwater.
Matching up with side-channel pumps. Regenerative turbine
pumps have similarities to PD pump technologies, such as sidechannel
pumps. One similarity is both pumps can self-prime and
perform optimally under poor suction conditions. The differences
come from the size of the pump and ease of maintenance.
Side-channel pumps are designed to have a larger footprint,
primarily due to having multiple pumping stages. When considering
an LPG installation, a side-channel pump might require
4-8 stages to meet the duty parameters. With that many stages,
side-channel pumps and their large footprint become more
complex to accommodate the installation's demands.
Regenerative turbine pumps, which feature a single stage,
can match the performance of the side-channel pump, while
also functioning at two-pole speeds. Side-channel pumps typically
operate at four-pole speeds.
With a larger size and more complexity, side-channel pumps
require more components to properly function. More components
mean more wear parts, all of which are prone to eventual
failure. When that happens, those parts must be replaced, adding
to the pump's maintenance and total ownership cost.
Regenerative turbine pumps do not suffer from a large footprint
or a complex design. Instead, regenerative turbine pumps
have a compact footprint and up to 25 components, making it
easier for operators to maintain over time. Spending less time
on maintenance and components saves time and money. Also,
the less-complex design means operators do not need a veteran
engineer to maintain them, allowing any technically savvy associate
with moderate experience to keep the technology running.
Stacking up with other PD pumps. Sliding vane pumps also
match up well with regenerative turbine pumps and even have
some advantages. The primary advantage comes from the technology
having a higher hydraulic efficiency and better effectiveness
during priming.
Despite regenerative turbine pumps not sharing these traits,
they have others that make the technology effective in similar
applications. Without as many moving parts as sliding vane
pumps, regenerative turbine pumps can operate continuously
without many drawbacks.
Operators do not have to worry about taking regenerative
turbine pumps offline to replace wear parts on a frequent basis.
Similar pump technologies have a variety of wear parts, each
with different service and lifecycles. Without as many moving
parts, operators of regenerative turbine pumps spend less time
shutting down the pump for scheduled maintenance and do not
have to stock as many components for eventual replacement.
Regenerative turbine pumps have two components subject
to wear: the mechanical seal and (occasionally) the impeller.
During scheduled maintenance, operators do not have to take
them out of service. Regenerative turbine pumps have parts that
can be replaced within an hour without removing the pump
from the pipework or even disconnecting the motor.
Performance wise, regenerative turbine pumps can operate
continuously without pulsation and cavitation. With the ability
to operate continuously, engineers do not have to worry about
frequent stops or the aforementioned detriments.
Takeaway. When it comes to challenging applications, especially
those with poor suction conditions, low-viscosity liquids or
fluids near their boiling point, operators have a wealth of pumping
choices. However, if they want a technology with versatility
at its core, regenerative turbine pumps stand out among the rest.
These pumps can handle a vast range of liquids under varying
conditions in multiple applications. The common deterrents-
cavitation, vibration and entrained vapor-that challenge most
pumping technologies do not have the same effect on regenerative
turbine pumps. Operators can expect longevity from this
technology, as well as long intervals between maintenance.
When maintenance rolls around, less-experienced operators
are as capable as veterans when servicing this technology.
Operators are not required to replace several components or
remove the pump for service for several hours. In most cases,
the pumps can be repaired or rebuilt without removing them
from the pipework.
The value of regenerative turbine pumps in LPG applications
is clear: they have the versatility to process it optimally
and effectively. As the technology continues to improve in the
future, it will become a more common choice among operators
in a wide range of applications. GP
FIG. 2. Typical regenerative turbine pumps generate flow rates up to
52.8 gpm (200 l/min), with some variations capable of even higher
flow rates, such as 158.5 gpm (600 l/min).
36 MAY/JUNE 2022 | GasProcessingNews.com
STEPHEN BASCLAIN is the Business Development Manager
for Ebsray. Ebsray is a leader in the design and manufacture
of regenerative turbine and positive DP technologies,
including sliding vane, gear and lobe pumps.
http://www.GasProcessingNews.com
Hydrocarbon Processing - June 2022

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